Failing to start or being hard to start is usually not caused by a problem with the starter motor, unless the motor is cranking very slowly. Even if the motor cranks slowly, if fuel mix and spark are correct the motor will usually start. The fact that "after it warms up it starts right up." suggest it might be a fuel mixture problem.
If the motor is cranking very slowly when it is cold, check the battery terminal voltage when the motor is cranking. If the voltage is less than about 10 volts, your battery may be near the end of its life.
Changing a starting motor is not labour intensive. Once the front of the car is jacked up and secured on some blocks or stands, it would probably take me about 30 minutes to remove and replace the starter. on my 142
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