Comprehensive reference site on self sufficiency

but don't neglect the folks over at

The Plainsmans cabin

You will get much more out of the cabin by joining the forum and perusing the posts and asking quesitons than may be suggested by perusing the public portion of the site. They don't maintain the public portion near as well as they should.

For shelter, I would suggest something a bit dug-in if the soil permits this. You can put some roofing over a hollow in a hillside and with some small excavation and foundation work have a fairly sizeable living space for only the cost of roofing which for the first season (presuming summer) could be a tarp.

Personally I wouldn't take a toddler to live in those conditions. If possible get a small trailer and drag it in to the land. Something like a 15' airstream or even a popup could probably be had for under $2000 and would provide significantly better home than anything else you could find for the same $$$. Still wouldn't want to be living with a toddler or two in those conditions. But maybe that's just me.