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What are the must have units or character builds for skaven right now? I'd like to start designing a 2500 point list but I'd prefer some guidance at it.

2 words for you WARP LIGHTNING CANNON!! ok 3 if your into math...
But bad jokes aside, this weapon is possibly the deadliest in the skaven army.
I've seen it take out 10+ models in a single shot and 5 or so is average on a good shot.
Once you get the knack for placing your shots you will be able to take down troops every turn, barring a misfire. (most likely a rank a turn)
Other units to look at would be the plague monks and storm vermin they are your elite inf.
A lot of people run the abomb with large blocks of slaves/clan rats
From what i have seen the abomb is a very strong unit,but i haven't try one myself.
I run a more shooty list with jezzails and lightning cannons along with poison wind globadiers
I also use warp fire throwers they are very good for the points and can really hit hard.
Post up you list after you get it done i'd like to see what you decide to play.
good luck

Models you will use in almost any game are:

Grey Seer.
Chieftain with Battle Standard.
Warlock Engineer with Doomrocket.
Skavenslaves.
Clan Rats if you are planning on fielding a Warpfire Thrower or Poisoned Wind Mortar (otherwise you might as well get more Skavenslaves).
Gutter Runners (minimum sized units with poison and slings are great at warmachine hunting).
Warp Lightning Cannon(s).
Hell Pit Abomination(s).

As many WLC, HPA, and slaves as you can squeeze in. There's a special rule that if you include enough you have to make a special save the moment your opponent sees your army hit the table. Fail the save, your opponent gains hatred.

Two WLC.
At least two blocks of 40-50 Slaves w/musician run 5 wide.
At least two blocks of 35-40 Clanrats w/FC as character bunkers
Chieftan (BSB) in a clanrat bunker.
At least two units of Gutter Runners with slings to harass enemy's back lines.

The rest depends on if you want your army to be zappy, casty, or slappy.

Are Doomwheels any good? I really like the model.

People tend not to like them but they can wreak havoc in your opponent's back field if you use them properly. For the points most players would rather use a WLC or a HPA instead.

doomwheel can be really good but keep in mind that you either need to plan a deployment that takes it into account or have a target unit to take the shots.
i run a rat swarm deployed next to doomwheel that soaks any lightning that i cant stop with a LD check. As i approach the enemy i will either run the swarms into a unit or hold them back as the wheel gets close to enemy units.
Dont forget in 8th you can move backwards sideways and you can measure everything at anytime, so as you get close you can measure the enemy unit and adjust the swarm as needed.
The swarm is a few extra points that might be better spent elsewhere but being unbreakable and 5 wounds its not a bad unit at 50 points.