yes, buy the tools yourself. you can get a good entry level kit for under fifty bucks.
i actually still have that kit, and it has what you need to pull cranks, swap bottom brackets, remove freewheels, remove pedals, break/reconnect chains, install/remove cogs and lockrings, overhaul hubs, and so on and so on and so on...
the only thing it won't enable you to do is remove your headset. i know you can diy, but seing as it's the one thing on your bike that doesn't screw into place (it has to be pressed), i'd rather take it to an LBS. this way, they'll face your frame and mount it properly.
do everything else yourself. it's all remarkably simple once you have the tools, and at $50 bucks you can't go wrong. If you're only servicing your own bike, high end tools are overkill so don't worry about buying the blue stuff.

use the park tool repair guide or sheldon brown's site (rip) for any questions. all of them will be answered at both sites.
if you realize you're in over your head, go to your LBS (don't worry, though-- with a complete set and those two resources, you can do everything you need).