So whats your rebuild budget LOCASH? Basic block prep wouldn't be more than 500 bucks (always seemed in the 300 range if I remeber correctly), but a bored/honed/aligned block does add to total cost, cause if the bores have to be bored then you'll need new pistons.
My advice (and this is probably about as going cold turkey on crack
) is to set aside some money. The best way to save is to get a notebook and put together a pricelist. Then get your engine sorted out.
In the long run you'll be bucks ahead in my opinion (and power too). Gargage rebuilds can get the job done(successfully), but if you don't have access to all the tools you need, then by nessecity there will be comprimise which reduces longevity/power.
If I were going to do the rebuild on a limited budget I would;
1. Get the block machined (bored/honed/aligned/decked, and all of these operations might not be nessecary)
2. Check the crank and see if it needed to be turned (and get it at least polished)
3. Get it mocked up to make sure things fit (like the pistons are down correctly in the bore, etc)
Then go from there, once the short block has been set-up, the rest is pretty much a cake walk. You can check piston to valve clearence, degree in your own cam, check valve geometry, etc. yourself.