Hi Jason,
this forum is run by Nick Schade from Guillemot Kayaks. Check out his online shop, there are two books you will find irreplacable when starting to build your own kayaks.
Building a kayak is easier as it might seem, it's really more about willingness to stand in a workshop for 100+ hrs. Having someone teach you might be a plus but it certainly isn't a necessity - in fact, most builders are self-taught.
You might also consider building a stitch&glue kayak first, using pre-cut plywood panels. Performance is the same as in strip-building and although a little heavier they are much easier and faster to build than strip-built boats.

Be aware that once you've built your first boat, it will be very difficult to retreat from the habit (I tried "cold turkey" two years ago, didn't work!) – it's a lifetime-bug hard to get rid of ;-)

Good luck!
Matt