Sounds like a good plan to me! You'll get into shape as you do it. If you haven't done much backpacking before and are unsure about what gear you need, why don't you start right now with some weekend hikes in your area. Some camping stores also rent out equipment - if you have no clue about what to bring, start with borrowing or renting different makes of tents, backpacks and sleeping bags to learn first-hand what the pros and cons of the different types are and especially what you personally like.
Start out with some fair-weather day and weekend hikes and after you become comfortable with that and your gear, do an overnighter when it's miserable: rain or snow.
These are things you can get started on today and really should if you're serious. Keep doing it until spring or so and also use that time to figure out your route for your big hike (Rick's ideas above are excellent!). You need to practice, that's the only way to really learn. The forum and talking with people can only give you a few ideas but is in no way preparation.
Money can be earned easily as you go if you're willing to work. Also check out
www.wwoof.org for getting food and shelter all over the place; this is a reputable organization.
You don't need much money for something like this, just the drive to go do it, and some half-decent gear (stuff isn't necessarily good because it's expensive - many people who really get around and do stuff do it with old, worn out equipment. You can generally recognize the weekend warrior by their glitzy expensive gear.)
And always, always let somebody responsible know where you go and when you expect to be back, bring along your cell phone (if it works where you're doing this). That's being smart and well-prepared.
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