Before you drop a grand on monitors, be sure your room is treated well so you can actually hear correctly what those monitors are putting out. You will get a better mix in a properly treated room with cheaper monitors than you would a crappy room with great monitors.

Interesting situation. Since you are doing essentially everything in the box you really could get away at present with an interface (what you are coalling a soundcard) with just midi and D/A conversion. My impression is that most of the discussion about interfaces on this board focuses on A/D conversion, quality and number of preamps, versatility of the connections. You will need these things if you move to other genres, but the requirements are different for different types of music. What are you interested in producing besides beats.

Well, lately I have been recording hip-hop and electronica. But I am also interested in recording indie-rock music. So I am going to need a decent mixer and pre-amps etc. Also a few decent mics. I have heard sm-57's and 58's make great microphones. Also a condenser would be critical for vocals and other acoustic instruments. And for "sound proofing" my room. I haven't a clue on what I need for that.

It's appreciated.

If you like your room, I wouldn't worry with it. Enjoy what you are able to get out of it until time comes that isolation and treatments prove to be a requirement.