such an open ended question..not sure where to start .
I would suggest you first concentrate on WHERE
Until you firm up where you want to settle down there really isn't any point in examining anything else. Cost per sq/ft can vary by over 100% even within the same area of the same state. Building codes, restrictions, access to services etc. Building in the Carolina low country would be completely different than building in the Texas Hill Country in every respect. Building techniques and styles eve can vary.
I would seriously spend the time researching the where before bothering about the how for now.
I would suggest you first concentrate on WHERE
Until you firm up where you want to settle down there really isn't any point in examining anything else. Cost per sq/ft can vary by over 100% even within the same area of the same state. Building codes, restrictions, access to services etc. Building in the Carolina low country would be completely different than building in the Texas Hill Country in every respect. Building techniques and styles eve can vary.
I would seriously spend the time researching the where before bothering about the how for now.