Hello Phillip.
Congrats on getting your land!
I have designed, permitted and partially built a Hybrid Earthship like structure. I can't call it an Earthship, because instead of tire walls we have used Superadobe (earthbag) walls, as they are much quicker, easier and stronger than the tire walls. There are many other advantages to it, too long to list it here. Nevertheless in the design we have used the South facing glazing, with the
greenhouse, walls for thermal mass,
water reuse systems, etc. as I learned it working with Michael Reynolds' crew in New Mexico. I have added an air-conditioning system utilizing
underground cooling tunnels.
As Lorrain said it is labor intensive, and as such, costly but not more than another structure of comparable size would be and you get a much better quality and longer lasting home for your money. Some people make the mistake of thinking earthen homes are cheaper, which is a misconception, they merely offer a better quality of living space.
If you think this
experience can be useful for you, hit me up, I'll be happy to work with you, and/or send some pics.