There you go 86Bird! You got a bunch of help going now! LOL..
I was just thinking - regarding the tools issue - check with some of the big auto parts houses, many times they have a tool loaner program as long as you buy some parts from them... it could be a way for you to"borrow" a gauge or timing light. And keep an eye on craigslist under tools, around me there are always cheap tools being sold.