Donald, I know where you are coming from. From the skills here to not having the money. Being in the military I don't have the money all the time to get tools, detail stuff or kits. Now as for skills, mine have improved, not to what these guys are but I think my skills have improved 100% just look at my builds. Also its not buying the detail stuff, its what you use that you already have or getting the right paint.
This is a 63 Avanti I built a couple years ago, brush painted and everything.
This is a 69 Camaro
I used a wired magneto, bare metal foil, lacquer spray paint and fabric paint.
All I can say is save your money, and ask all the questions you can here and you should be able to advance your skills.