Antwan, this was my first build, sheer bloody-mindedness, determination, coupled with a plan and plenty of patience! Oh and depending on how ambitious you want to be, be prepared to pour a significant amount of cash into it too.
A repair booklet? is that an owners manual? Get a proper manual either Haynes or a Clymer, its invaluable!!!
Im no mechanic but do have a little experience and did train as a mechanical engineer, so some of the fabrication was ok for me.
You could clean the frame up without blasting, but its the easiest option I think, then its ready for paint or powdercoat. But dont paint it before you are completely happy with the the look and function as you don't wanna go hacking with new paint on it. Dry build it first.
I decided to go with kickstart only as its a four cyl and easy to kick. That was so I can junk the starter motor etc and just use a small battery, which is hidden under the seat pan. its only about 2" thick, but its a crap scooter battery and not really up to the job, so I am and recommend getting a decent Lithium Ion one like an "Anti-Gravity", not cheap, but like I said it can become expensive depending on what you want out of it.
Mine was kind of an evolving project that sounding like you, I just wanted to clean it up and simplify it, but I fell deep into the rabbit hole
Be prepared! and get that manual!
Good luck.
My next project(s) is a simultaneous build of an XV920 and an XS650, I could be in over my head ;D