Intro Post

Didn't see an introductions section so I presumed community general was safe...ish. Been lurking posts for a couple months maybe, getting a feel for the environment but have been thinking about getting to this lifestyle in due time. Am a 41, in shape straight, freedom-loving SWM American who admittedly doesn't have any skills in this area but am wholly sold on a sort of mixed living environment.  That due time is that I do I want my own plot of land, but not wildly far from a small city in which I can still drive to while also build up a subsistence living environment and lifestyle. I still need to work to make a living, although I won't have any debt when I buy that plott as I am just about done clearing off my last debt-not that much of a school loan. I am an work-from-home office professional, just under six figures, with an open schedule where I'm using to start getting outside for short hikes around Tucson. Five-year goal is to have that plot of land and build my own place, debt free and add on farm/animals.

So, this year marks the beginning of that five-year-quasi-plan and info gathering/planning. With that bit said, hello all o/ and uhhh . . . where the heck should I start!?!?!  I figured a general home concept/design would be first, been looking at a combo of straw bale/cob, liked the idea of the earth-bag foundation from that local thread.

Five Years till Start

Idaho/Montana/Utah Area

Not IN city

Preferable close to small'ish town

Straw-bale/Cobb Initial Interest

Potential of building in phases and/or add-on

Want to purchase materials in phases if possible & source from land

Kitchen & Pantry

2-3 Bedrooms

Living/Dining Area

Office/Study Area

Mud/Gear Room Area

Storage Area

Am trying to decide on general layout and where/how much to budget for a design that tells me general build costs or what not. No idea of how all that goes.