Buying non-lot land -- HELP!!!!!

[dd_ani]

We are in the process of looking for and purchasing a large amount of acreage (40-50) for building a new home. I am finding VERY little information about what needs to be done as far as making sure the land is suitable for building. Everything seems geared to what to do when you are building in a subdivision. I know I need a soils test and a PERK test. I am planning to have a couple of builders out to evaluate the site and to check with local zoning. But what am I missing? Also, are there any creative ways that people have found to finance this type of project? (Most banks won't touch this much land; one woman actually laughed at me.)

Thanks in advance,

Michelle

[HADD_OK]

You might like the following forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/build/ Also Journal of Light Construction, http://www.jlconline.com In some areas you have to be careful to save trees, etc. I think the first link would be helpful in hooking up with people in your state who have built on acreage. The second is more of a "how to build" site but they do have forums, too.