Chad,
Option one:
You buy now, bring it inside/outside depending on weather, give it occasional water, and any other care. Then when it warms up you put it out for season, collect figs at end of season.
Option Two:
You just buy the fig in the spring, put it out for season, and collect figs at end of season.
Option two is less maintenance for you, which is why I suggested it. Getting cuttings closer to end of dormant season is less care for you as well, which may be why Frank waits until then to do it.
Good luck with whatever you do....