My First 318 Rebuild

Since the engine is to be torn down, the very first thing I would do, not even think about, is getting rid of those low-compression slugs.
Knowing what I now know, I would just call up somebody .............
like one of the FABO builders, one of whom already spoke up, and be back in action in no time.
Putting the engine together is not that expensive.
Receiving your parts back from the local machine shop, poorly machined, will quickly send your budget spinning and destroys you confidence, and probably stretch your time way outta whack.
Pick up the phone, co-design your engine, set a time limit, open up yur wallet, wait. Use your time for doing things you are better qualified to do, maybe even for cash. I bet your wife has a long honey-do list, which usually ends well for you, even if you at least just try.
Let your builder take care of the details. If the block is not decked right, for example, He will catch it and fix it BEFORE it ever leaves the shop; saving you mucho time and money. The cylinder bores will be straight and round, and the fits of the pistons and rings, just right. You won't be sitting in your cold garage filing rings until midnight.
The daymn oil plugs will be installed, ALL of them and the rear cam plug will be glued in so it can't pop out when you pressure test the CC for pressure loss. All these things add up. details details; the Builder has a list. When you get it back, you drop it in, add your bolt-ons and install the fluids. In a few hours you twist the key, break in the cam, and just drive it! no worries.
That peace of mind has got to be worth something. just cough it up,already, help make America great again.