[tutone]

The audience that you are speaking to is a biased group of folks. I have no way of knowing, but it is my belief that 80 to 90 % of the regular posters on this forum have the skills needed to start a project and see it through. My only problem is that I do not like to restore them. I like to build them, modify them, and then either drive it or move on.
Seeing something shiny while in the middle of a build is what always gets me. I like to have the next project on deck. About the only thing I can add to your list is this.
Study, learn and be able to identify good work and buy the most complete project available. That said, because of today's parts availability. I have waited on simple parts to get mine on the road for a month or more.