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Frostp,
Doing an engine overhaul when not under pressure (ie: over the winter) is an enjoyable task - perhaps even therapeutic. Yes, you'll have to find a shop to do the stuff you can't do (grind/replace valve seats) but most of the stuff is easy. Get a copy of the Moyer overhaul manual (highly recommended) and at least read through it.
You can do you present engine or find another to rebuild. My original engine was junk (cracked block) but the two others I've rebuilt, one was free and the other cost me about $300 in pieces. Fortunately I did the first overhaul before I needed it. The second is still in my garage!
Any engine you consider buying, give a good inspection to the block for cracks in the area near the valves. Also good to check the block for corrosion - see how much metal is left in the area around the head studs and the manifold studs. Pull a few studs and probe with a hooked piece of wire to check wall thickness - nice to have at least a stud diameter in wall thickness.
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