What would help a lot would be past projects, past experiences and the like. If you like fiddling with lawn mower carbs, fiddling with chainsaws is for you.
The saw for you might be on E-bay (ask for a lot of pictures, guys here say e-bay is a carpshoot). Also, if there are rummage sales oriented towards equipment you might find someting, being able to put your hands on the saw you could tell if the compression is good and/or if the motor is nearly seized. Saw an old Homelite 150 for $20 that I still kick myself over from time to time.
Chances are if the saw is in good shape, a carb rebuild is usually all it takes.
Oh, and read a lot around here. You'll put the pieces together.
good luck