Hello, I'm new to this forum!
I'm wondering if it would be possible to reduce the amount of concrete used in the construction of an Earthship using Cobb instead? I'm sure that a domed ceiling would still require concrete.

Also, are there resources for getting started on a budget? How many materials can be found at the dump or reclaimed from demolition sites? Would it be possible to build an Earthship for less than 20,000 dollars? (assuming all labor was volunteer and land was bought and paid for)

Also, also, I don't own land yet... should I buy land THEN look into the logistics of building my Earthship, or should I get to know the good people at the county building department before I even look for land in their county?

Finding the right piece of land is tough. I have been searching for over a year.

Everything goes hand-in-hand. You need land with the right togography and location, that you can legally build on, in a county that will allow alternative building methods, and that you can afford.

Seems like everything in my area that is in my price range has some sort of critical flaw. The land is all protected habitat, or is on a flood plain, or is too steep, or has no legal access, or something else.

When you find land that is buildable and has acceptable features, you can do a feasibility study while in escrow to see if the county will let you build there. I have gotten into escrow twice in the last year but neither worked out.