Another option that doesn't get much press = hire an itinerant to help you with the tough stuff. Bring in a pro that charges a lot per week, but will train you by osmosis, help get the bulk of things cut, and get it done with your help. You can make a house in reasonable time and you can still claim the "sweat equity". Are you trying to be a timber framer or make a house? The pro will also prevent the occasional "oops" and wasted wood. You'll have fun and not regret the investment, unless you are totally set on building your whole house by yourself and happy doing it over 4 years.
I've had projects where I worked with owner for only 3 weeks, and others where it took 3 months on site.
A common realization among owner builders is that their time is billed at $0/hr. Great if you can swing it, but misleading when you claim finished cost.
