Ive been considering the same thing recently. How far do you go. I know what I want to do but I also not what I can afford and how long it would take to do. Those things you will have to balance for yourself. I think I have decided to take the middle ground. Do a lot of the metal work myself, without doing a full blown resto. Certain things I would like to do (for peice of mind) I will not complete them all. I guess the point that was made to me is, you can always do it again later or pay someone else to do it. Do your best with what you have or going above your head or abilities. Maybe it wont be 110% what you really wanted to do, but it surely will be 110% better than it was and more fun to boot. No used going to the poor house then having to sell and not enjoying it.