> The overall goal being to feel confident enough, and have the wife and kids
> confident enough, that we can do it before making the leap. I actually think
> the kids would be game right now and so would I. My wife is slowly coming
> around to it and since we've already had a bad move I don't want to rush it.
> Also, having a bit more money saved wouldn't hurt ;).
That's right, having your ducks in a row first is the way to do it.
Good idea to get a house with a decent sized yard that you can garden
in, also. Work on your skills while you put money away for land.