Here's some great advice from Richard Fahey of the Christian Homesteading Movement:

...Concentrate on building. Using hand tools, you should be able to build a 9 x 9 log cabin in one year.

...Don't be tempted to put in a big garden. Keep it small and strive for quality. The garden is a stranger. You don't know the soil, animals, pests, etc. Next year replant the successful crops. Plan to live off the grocery stores the first year.

...Stay away from animals the first year - except cats, as they eat mice and cost little.

...Bees are good the first year. Little care or expence.

...Get friendly with the neighbors. Their aid is priceless.