Painting dilemma (long). What would you do?

I think you're on the right track with the DIY thing. I have seen some pretty quality jobs done at home with basic tools and equipment. If you can't pull the trigger for the $3000+ "store bought" paint job you just need to , like the others have said, read up, watch videos, ask questions and practice. I am no expert but what I have seen of the base/clear now days, it's a much easier product to work with than the old single stage.