Your best tools are your own two hands and your head. Use them, especially your head, as much as you possibly can.
Maybe we should think like the ancient Greeks, and consider that a sound body is key to a sound mind.
Learn everything you can, and never think you are done learning. Talk to folks here, they are a wealth of knowledge and insight. Look everywhere, especially in unexpected places, for new ideas and different perspectives. Learn from others across the country and across the globe.
What tools do you need?
Well beyond the two already mentioned, the next most important tool is a METHOD. Decide how you are going to do things. Are you going to go with elaborate joinery, or do you prefer simplicity? Are you going to go modern or old fashioned? Are you going to go the route of SIPs or otherwise? Will you be making just the frame and leaving the rest to other contractors? These things all effect exactly what tools you will need. I would highly recommend allowing your methods to decide your tools, rather than having your tools decide your methods. You'll be much happier that way.
