Long time lurker here
Quick Summary:
33 year old wants to go live off the land and run a small farm for sustenance, found land, don't know how to start next steps.
Long Summary:
I grew up on land, so caretaking crops/animals/permaculture is in my blood. I went to art school, and somehow ended up teaching the last 9ish years. Every day I spend away from my passions wither me. I'm burnt out, and belong in the woods. The longer I stay in this job, the more I realize I wasnt meant for this. Foraging, growing mushrooms and herbs, raising birds and living barefoot under the trees, taking my art and small goods to the local farmers market...living with and off of the land is where I belong. What I'm meant to do.
With my credentials and skills, I could easily run a nature and art program, and would love to do that. I could have supplemental income beekeeping (honey, candles, flowers), selling botanicals/mushrooms/eggs. Maybe raise a few sheep for fiber and cheese.
I found a perfect property, about a hundred acres with water.
My dream is to build a completely off grid cob/strawbale home, small and cozy and perfect. I can use my knowledge and skills to host a workshop to get this done and have the emotional support of my family and cherished friends.
I feel stuck in my current job and don't know how to get from where I am now to where I want to be. I don't know how I can make that property mine. Despite having a great job, I only have a few thousand in savings. I know there's help out there, and I'd love some advice on what I should do to make this happen.
USDA loans are cool, but are easiest for properties with existing homes on them....raw land is another thing. I don't want a conventional home either. I want to build something with my own two hands and no chemicals. I basically just want to bug out of most things and just live as a forest being, far from people (unless I choose to of course)
Anyone have any advice?
