Hi Tania,
Welcome, what a great car you have to start a restoration

(any photo's?).
tania wrote:
I am totally unskilled.
Define unskilled? - Mini's have been making mechanics outta drivers since 1959!
I started as unskilled but after being quoted $3000 to respray just one door and a bonnet (after a massive hail storm here in Perth body shops have gone crazy!). I brought a compressor, a spray gun, paint and found some old scrap to practice on, before I knew it I had repainted my car myself! I'm currently looking for an old engine to practice rebuilding (never done it before!) but hey, what the worst that can happen? I stuff it up then take it to the professionals! Plus this forum you will find great advise and maybe even Mini nuts nearby willing to help (have plenty of beer in your fridge).
Give it ago I say - the pros can always fix up any mistakes (it won't cost any more to fix up than getting them to do it in the first place!).
All the best,
Marty