Engines, Purchasing Options

[mr_dude]

So I'm soon to pass the 200,000 mile mark. I have to think about the future.
Everyone talks about a 3SGTE swap and it sounds good, but the details elude me. I'm a few months from gradicating as an electrical engineer, so I can pick up car mechanics easy, but I don't have any background in it. (Just did the suspension with a friend's guidance and it was fun).
I'm sure there are some extensive how-to's, and those will be useful.
Question is, what are the options for getting a 3SGTE? Would I have to find one in some junkyard and have it cleaned up? Do companies still build them (as I've heard BMW does with their cars). Are there any alternatives even if I, say, wanted to throw more money at the project than the car is worth (which I do)?
If I do get one, what kind of experience should I be looking for for doing a good swap? Can I take auto mechanics at some community college (they don't have it at UCSD) and be proficient? Do I need to find a friend who works in an auto shop? Will somebody out there do it for a sixer of Newcastle?

People who answer questions rule.