Has anyone done this? Is this typical or do I really have short arms and legs?
Its common. The fits on many brands are all over the place and inconsistent from batch to batch. 
Actually, I just did that this week for a few pairs of gi pants, $8 each. They did a great job.
I usually have my pants done 
pants arent really an issue, sleeves on a gi are a lot harder, especially if ur doing at home, u need to take to a tailor as the gi material is significantly thicker and it will come undone if not done properly
I just had my top and pants hemmed at a local dry cleaner and it cost me $40! I should have asked the price first The Gi was only $95. Short and stocky build sucks for buying suits and GI's.
I get my pants tapered into skinny pants.