I have painted my own cars since I was 16 years old. I can tell you I have tried many different types of setups. Like all painters I have favorite colors that I love to paint, and a few favorite tools I love.
Over the last few years I have been trying out different brands of paint with the base clear type paints. In the past I always shot Martin Senior paints, but their Ultra 7000 series cured me. I never could get the clear to flow out worth a darn.
Now days I use Dupont Chroma Base for base clear jobs. I also like the Omni paints for single stage stuff.
I guess it all boils down to using the equipment you are comfortable with, and using good materials.
I used to swear by etching primers, but had problems with some, so now I usually go with a quality epoxy primer, the do my filler work, followed by a two part filler primer. Lots of block sanding, then paint.
I had a hell of a time painting my GTS, because of paint match problems, then clear coat problems ect... but if you want to check out what can be done in a barn yard, and two car garage check out my GTS Dart page.
http://www.gtsdave.com/html/body_work.html
I havent updated it in a long time, but it will give you an idea of what can be done with a lot of determination, and hard work. It is a continuous learning process, so take notes, experiment, and most of all have fun with it. It is no longer a hobby when it isn't fun anymore.
-Dave