When you have more time than money, it's the only way to do it!
Been living that way all my life.
I needed one of my cars painted but couldn't afford to have it done....bought a sprayer and since then, probably painted about 11 vehicles.
Needed some patch panels welded in on my truck but couldn't find anyone to do the work...so, I bought a cheap wire feed welder and did it myself!
Im self taught on just about everything I do. As long as you have a strong enough interest, you'll get the hang of it. But remember, no/little interest will result in poor quality work.
Spend as much time as needed and do the best body work you possibly can before you paint because paint will only hide it for so long before it "pops" back out. Do it correctly, and there should be no problems.
Don't expect miracles right off the bat either. All aspects of body work is learned by doing. Reading books helps but hands on is the real teacher.
Have I scared you away yet?