I started off thinking exactly the same as you a few years ago and i'd say based on my experiences over the past few years, read all the magazines you can, go to the shows and then decide on your project not on your current ability but on your budget! and how long you want to take to build it!
As long as you're willing to give-it-a-go, then the skills will come as you go through the project but the thing you can't change is generally the amount of money you have available to spend
I know that an MR2 rebody is seen as "simpler", but that's only the case if you're going you get someone else to paint and trim it! If you want to do those bits yourself then you're also doing well over half of the skills needed to build a kit such as a Sammio/Ribble/Miglia/Tribute!
Whatever you choose i wish you all the best look forward to see a build thread
Dave