Hey Mitch, one inexpensive way to get started on this process could be to build a kit bass.
You get to work on your soldering etc and if you wish you can learn to spray the body from a can like I did on my cheap short scale.
You can also modify the kit by swapping in higher quality components.
If you want to learn to paint, apply a water slide decal to the headstock etc this is one of the best tutorials
