Any good tips for firing up motor on engine stand?

I agree with "Don't". A friend of mine has an engine run stand (and a real paint boot - good friend to have). The engine run stand is great, but unless you have the ability to actually build/weld something that would be sturdy and supply fuel, electric current, and coolant, just do what mostly everyone else does; stick it in and start it up. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just not sure it's worth the trouble.