> Is this something that is within reach of a beginner-to-intermediate 
> hobbyist?

Hi Rolf, sure, I do a bit of SMT at home. It's not too hard.
Sometimes you have to use SMT because that's the only easily-
obtainable package for some components (PIC 10F for example,
in NZ, large SRAMs, specialty components etc)

Where you can makes things easier for yourself is getting the
right tools. Magnifier, lamp, various tweezers, a fine-tipped
iron and small gauge solder + wick. A comfortable working
position helps a lot too

> Any links to dealing with SMT components would be appreciated
> too

In NZ I use Surface Mount Devices for many general components

http://www.smd.net.nz/

Very reasonably priced. I'm sure you could find a company like
this in your area. I'd advise not starting with 0402 packages. They
are usable but 0804 or 0603 are easier to work with. The numbers
refer to 100ths of an inch, so 0402 is 0.04" x 0.02". That's tiny.
Unless you really really need to save space it's not worth the strain

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