newbie here

[great scott]

hello all! i have been lurking on this site for a few months now. i'm sure this seems redundant and maybe a little cliche, but the content of this site has transformed my ways of thinking and has inspired me! i recently bought some dirt cheap land at auction (21 acres) in WV right down the street from some family. i intend to build a b&p style log cabin on the land and move my family there.
just got the email for the class coming up in may - really want to attend so i can get the inside scoop on everything... alas, i have baby #2 on the way and the due date is the first week of june so I will not be able to attend. guess i'll have to hold out for the next class.
the land i purchased has a TON of poplar trees. i have done some research and know the shortfalls of building with poplar. from what i understand, as long as overhangs are sufficient and the logs stay dry, rot is not an issue. i plan to cut and prepare the logs myself. relatives can help with dozing work to prepare the site. they can also help with forms for foundation piers. i plan to hire some of the work out but hope to do as much work myself as possible.
i would like to have a completed house within 2-3 years time or so. right now, i am searching for building materials on craigslist. haven't purchased a single item yet.
so... i have raw land. step one completed! where do i go from here? should i go ahead and cut the trees so they have time to dry? i have heard that poplar gets rock hard when it is dry, and then rebar would be very hard to pound into the logs...
thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any advice!

[panderson03]

Hi there. welcome!
having land is a huge step. congratulations!
if it were me, I would not cut the trees until after the class. after class you'll know better the size of the logs you'll need. too if you build as they teach in class, you can work with green logs:)
welcome

[ccosborne3]

Yep, wait until after the class until you do anything. The whole point of the class is to show you the easiest way to put one of these babies together. That doesn't mean you can't whip out a building pad or dig a well or clear the land if you can't wait to get your hands dirty. Good luck!

[Basil]

do not cut poplar trees and let them sit. No harm in letting them grow a bit longer

[great scott]

thanks for the comments/advice. cannot wait to attend the class! unfortunately, as previously stated, i cannot attend the upcoming class in may. will have to shoot for the one after that.
in the meantime, i would like to start looking for deals on stuff i will need. i have been browsing craigslist to get an idea of what good deals actually are out there. i think i found a good deal on some windows, but thats about it. can anyone offer any advice on best items to purchase before building? or what a good deal would be considered to be on any particular item? just looking to be as proactive as possible. i really want to make as much headway as i can. i know everyone says "wait to take the class", and that is all well and good, but i must make some sort of progress...!

[ccosborne3]

i would like to start looking for deals on stuff i will need.
I'm pretty sure there's a pretty good deal goin on for a class. When the new forum kicks off tomorrow I will add a smiley face.

[Yuhjn]

You'll probably need 2 chainsaws, one large professional grade gas powered and one super tiny electric one.

Honeslty though I wouldnt buy much of anything until after the class, you risk wasting lots of money.

[Timber]

Basil built his home out of poplar-looks great I think you can find pics of his home on here
Stihl makes the best saws -any good generic brand electeic for your cut outs.
The class will get you where you need to be.
I dont necc agree with class first, but class ... then scavage what you need.
I still need a few more things myself// land and logs is a great place to be

[ccosborne3]

I'm pretty sure there's a pretty good deal goin on for a class. When the new forum kicks off tomorrow I will add a smiley face.

Can't edit the post so this is the best I can do.

[poorsinner101]

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!

Thought maybe I was wasting my time waiting for a new class, but...

I'm in!!!!!!!!

I have almost 10 acres of land on Lake of the Ozarks <<<full of trees>>>!!!

Thanks for making me wait, I won't cut, I won't build, but I almost bought a used track loader with backhoe, but couldn't make the bid work.

Anyway, I'm in and will look forward to bigger and better things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!