No need to be a mechanic, just being good with your hands and being able to work things out are probably qualifying factors. I did my build on jackstands, as many guys here have. There's not much need for it to be in the air once its a roller. Electricity, on the other hand, is a little more important unless you have a variety of good cordless power tools. Some guys use an air riveter, but I did them all with a 25+ year old hand riveter. As far as the dirt road, keep in mind that frame clearance is around 4". My bottom line, I agree with riptide.