Getting started with buying land and building

I have decided that buying some land and having the house I want built might be the answer for me. However, I have no idea how best to do this. Complicating matters is the fact that I would be out of state until the property was ready for moving in.

Do I need a buyer's agent? I assume this might be helpful for buying the land. Would they help me with selecting a builder and getting through permits? (This would be in Arkansas)

How do I get a handle on the costs of having the land cleared, a driveway built, well and septic install and such? Will the builder handle all this for me? Can they give me the total cost upfront?

Since I have no contacts in state, how do I connect with a trustworthy realtor and builder without any references from someone I know and trust?

It all looks like a steep hill to climb, and I am clearly way over my head at this point. So, am I bonkers to try or can anyone lay out a path to success?