So, I couldn't talk myself out of building out a Tourer/Commuter base on Nashbar touring frameset

(
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Frames%2FBikes)
I'm trying to gather some information and wrap my head around what am I going to actually build.
As much as I like the idea of building the wheels myself, I'm completely unsure that my skills are up for that - the bike itself is enough challenge for me as is.
So, I'm looking for inexpensive yet suitable for a tourer wheelset and that, so far, has been just confusing.
First of all, as far as I understand, I need a 700c wheels, right? What do I loose/win if I go with 26 inch wheels. I know that rim brakes might be a problem (would they?), and that brings me to another question - should I consider disk brakes at all for such a machine ?
Now, if I go with 700c, do I need a road wheelset or a "29er" (from strength prospective)...
As you see, I'm in complete information mess and I would really appreciate some insight on this.
Thanks a lot !
-MB