[lineslinger]

Get all the balancing and machine work done and then do the assembly yourself, especially if you have a buddy to help guide you, and what you learn during the build is invaluable knowledge about taking care of YOUR engine.
There is a great deal of satisfaction to be realised going this route. Keep in mind that there are plenty of information sources where you can find the needed techniques and tricks to perform the build properly.
In the future when you find you need to perform some needed work/maintenence you are then entering familiar teritory, there is a confidence that comes through that eliminates a lot of anxiety, no worrys about how does this go together, although sometimes you may ask yourself why the heck did I do it that way.
Another important aspect is that when your motor starts to misbehave you are much more aware of what it is doing and why, problems can be pinpointed and dealt with much more readily.
There is a lot to be said by being able to say I built it, as well as the fun of the actual build itself.
You should go for it.