Newbie with old E36 Compact

I I'm Joe from Wicklow, I have just "retired" my '96 316i Compact from daily driver and intend keeping it as a classic car".
I have "used and abused it" over the years {even last year regularly hauling 220 Kg of sand and cement in the boot :-( }.

It now requires a head gasket and a respray. 10 years ago I got the head done by Gary in Chelmsford motors ( he did a great job BTW recommended! ) but this time to save money I'm thinking of doing it myself.

I would like to ask those of you in the know how many times can the M43 head be skimmed and what thickness head gasket should I use for second "head job".

Any help or advice would be appreciated.