Welcome to the form. Considered taking a SportAir workshop on sheet metal when it comes to Florida. Here is the web site
http://www.sportair.com/index.html
Building an airplane is a true adventure. It takes a large commitment and a long time to do. You need to have everything in your life stable, if married have the wife on board, etc. Yes you can order multiple subs kits and save on shipping. I wouldn't recommend this for the first time builder. I suggest just ordering the tail section first. That way if for some reason you never get it done then you will only be out the cost of that kit only. Used sub kits usually go for 30% less than full retail. Unless you are an experienced builder I don't recommend buying used sub kits either. Newer sub kits have newer updated parts and plans. Consider going to Sun & Fun in April. Priming the inside of your plane increases your build time and has been debated here endlessly, it's up to you. Most guys fly their planes for a year before painting because you are going to take that engine cowl off a lot tweaking the motor as well as tweaking the airframe. Nothing like scratching that new paint job with your screw driver if you know what I mean.

Most guys take their planes to a professional paint shop when the time comes. This is the final step at the end of a long journey and you want it to be perfect. Painting a plane by yourself is a labor intensive event but again if you have Experience painting then go for it. Good luck with your new adventure.
