Some paint questions for the guys who know paint

I can relate to being on a tight budget, but everyone sees your paint job, in my opinion this is not the area to skimp. What makes even a cheap (material wise) paint job look good, is the preperation, take your time and do a good job on the body. If I were you I would use the single stage under the hood, in the trunk and in the door jambs, then use base / clear on the body. Good luck.