Struggling with my project

Any small body shops in your area? You might stop in and talk to the owner, and explain that you want to learn to do this yourself and can't afford to pay somebody else to do it. Talk with him and see if he would be willing to show you the techniques in exchange for general labor like floor sweeping, trash emptying, etc.

You may get a few doors slammed in your face, but you may also find the right shop owner who respects a younger guy wanting to learn the trade. I have mentored a few high school kids back when I was working in my shop full time.

I myself have no formal auto body training. I learned by watching others, reading, and then doing. I have replaced roofs, floor pans, quarters, trunk floors, etc. Taken two wrecked cars, one that was hit in front and one in the rear, cut them in half, and made one good car again. Have done a few vehicles which have taken awards at local level shows. And I am self taught. You CAN do it!