re: Working with imperfect lumber - What are the steps you take to straighten it out?

I have to assume that the boards you are trying to salvage are at least 8/4 or possibly 12/4? Any twisted/bowed boards 4/4 or less can be next to impossible to save/salvage unless you are planning on using them for small boxes and such. If you know that you are going to need such boards for a project, plan ahead and cut to approximate length BEFORE flattening your stock. This way you will not be wasting as much wood when taking your corrective measures.
Just my 2-cents… ;-)