Mechanic Job in Colorado Springs, Colorado

I have a 2008 Ford Edge in which Im 99% sure needs a new Transmission, I purchased it from a private seller and the following week it started showing signs of trans problems so I havent driven it since ( 6 months now :( ) I am debating on if I should just buy a transmission from a junk yard ( i THINK they "grade" the quality of the transmission ??? ) and paying someone to 1. Retrieve the transmission from the junk yard 2. Swap it out with mine Or maybe having it rebuilt??? I honestly dont know the best route to go I just know theres no way in I can afford to have a shop do it. I am hoping to find a "veteran mechanic" who wont jerk me around. Also someone who MAY be willing to take payments (like 2) And lastly someone who would consider letting me "shadow" him\her while the work is being done... not to "watch" you but to LEARN. ( I am in the process of enrolling in school for Automotive so I always like to watch and learn things while I have the opportunity to!) If anyone is willing to help a chick out plz call or text me 4ninetyTwo zero9thirty Colorado springs area code