The first thing to realise about building a kit guitar is that it is going to need some work doing to all aspects of it. It's not a collection of parts that you simply screw or glue together and you have a finished guitar. You do need to have some experience in soldering, some woodworking skills, some knowledge of how to set up a guitar. You will probably need to invest in some tools to help you do the job, so it's not necessarily the cheapest way to get a guitar. But it is fun and very satisfying when you've finished.
But most of all you need some common sense and the ability to think a problem through and not panic if something untoward happens. If you do go for a PitBull kit, then start a build diary here, as you can ask questions and get advice as you go along.
I'd start with a bolt-on neck guitar. A Tele is always a good starter guitar to build, but the Strat kit comes with a loaded and pre-wired scratchplate, so has far less soldering to do. On both types, you are going to need to shape the headstock, so you will need some woodworking tools to do so.
As for advice, there's a lot already here on the forums. Look at peoples build diaries for the type of kit(s) you are looking at. There are various how to.. sections of the forum as well.
As for finishes, there are a whole range of different options. If you want a solid colour body, then go basswood body and probably spray paints. But if you want a natural or translucent finish, then go for a guitar kit with a either a veneer top or constructed of a nice grained wood such as ash. Basswood can show some grain, but it it generally on the plain side. You then have the option of different stains and wax finishes (including DingoTone if you are in Aus), tru-oil, wiped poly, sprayed poly, acrylic or nitro finishes.
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