I love DIY projects, benji, but that looks like a long and awful experience. I'd get an estimate before you start and then decide if you want to do it. If you are going to do it yourself, I'd recommend buying the best orbital sander and quarter-sheet sander you can find, if you don't already have them.
I do a fair amount of woodworking as a hobby, but I hate doing finish work. I think only a professional can make it look professional fwiw.
Good luck. Please post your results.