When I bought my 17 acreas of happiness, I had a party and invited my new neighbors over to explain my vision. That was the best decission. I got so much support in the form of help and advice. We are all friends and still help each other.
As for tools and equipment, if you need it today you'll need it tomarrow, so buy the best quality you can afford.
Stay out of debt. You can never be free if you owe money to others. I only have two expenses, one property taxes and insurence. I have a water powered generator for electric and a wood burner for cooking and heat. I do home health care for money. I can charge on a sliding scale because I'm self sufficiant on my farm.
