Tony, it sounds like you have a good attitude and I trust you have decent taste. If I can give you one piece of advice, I would say to save your money what you really want rather than spending all your money to make a decent car out of what can afford right away. Also, I don't know what you would like to do as a profession, but I can tell you what I am doing. I am at Georgia Tech studying Mechanical Engineering. I plan on working in the Automotive industry as an engineer in the research and design department. With my degree, I can work for a major automaker or in the automotive aftermarket to design parts or an entire vehicle. This major applies math, science and general problem solving to draft these parts.
If you want to work for a custom shop or a performance shop you do not need a degree for that, however you should consider how you will pay your bills; many want to work or own a custom shop, but it can be a difficult market to be successful in. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will do my best to give you some advice.
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Best of Luck!