I just ordered a Pond 482 shortblock from Keith Craft. I also ordered it un-assembled. Why? Because I want a hobby. And I can't afford a Kirkham yet anyway.
I really don't subscribe to the commonly held belief that one needs some sort of super-natural, Jedi skill to put an FE together. Many folks on this forum have successfully done it, though some have failed spectacularly. Read ALL the available literature. Steve Christ's book is mandatory. The Engine Builder's Handbook by Tom Monroe is also excellent as is Engine Blueprinting by Rick Voegelin. Read every post, from beginning to end in the FE section of this site to learn about the pitfalls. Fordfe.com has members that have forgotten more about the FE than most normal humans will ever know. Ask questions, make no assumptions, measure twice........
That being said, I may fail spectaculary.
I think it's also important to be able to afford to fail. If you can't afford to fail, utilizing a professional is probably prudent.
phil