Jeep Strokers

After i assemble the block with the crank, pistons, rods, cam, timing oil pan etc ... can it be stored without the head on it so i can start saving again to invest whatever money i need to into the head? Or does it all need to be done at once?

You can store it. Just put assembly lube on what needs to be lubed. I also like Crane's cam lube for the lifter lobes. Just put a big trash bag over it and make sure everything has a light coat of some form of oil to protect from rust.

yeah something like "Fluid film" or anything that is designed to keep exposed metal from rusting. WD40 works good, but needs to be re-applied occasionally