Just start realistically, even if it's a rental for a few years and get that steep part of the learning curve over while stuff is fairly convenient.

If you have the money, or can find a quality backer, I'd watch the county foreclosure auctions, quick sells, etc. If not, most rural land has some sort of financing incentives, some specifically for "starting a farm".

You just have to find your areas and start looking at the county websites and learn them. Also look at real property, farm, and commercial auctions. Try to look and see what's going on with the area. Keep in mind, if you start <10 acres you may want the option of expanding. If you back up to state land that can be difficult, but sometimes you can gain use of the area. But there are usually rules you have to follow, such as no structures or trash/burn pit areas. Really, you just have to dig in deep where you want to be, learn it, and watch for that spot.

If I leave Alaska, I'll be in Idaho. But, I'll dig in hard for a few months and relearn their laws and regulations and stuff, start watching the market, start over dreaming, then come back to reality and by then I'll have picked something. It's usually about a year process for me to start researching to picking a spot. Usually I end up with the 3rd or 4th choice, for whatever reason. But, don't settle. It's an investment that can rely on you meeting your criteria.

I wouldn't recommend starting off 100% self sufficient, or even 50%. Just gradually build up. Eventually you'll need more land.

If it's a large location change look at lifestyle stuff. I'd love to have XM radio. But I have three stations and I'm a metal head. But I have a cell phone with data. Just crappy upload speeds.

Also, pay close attention to utility stuff and easements. They can bite you. My father's 200 get from rural fiber internet. He's stuck with satellite with overage fees. So look at that stuff.

The Foxfire series is a homesteading Bible.