Paul, I just want to second the advice about joining a local ham club. Since you're on a farm, maybe there isn't one close to you, but you'd be surprised what the right group of hams will do for you ... from helping with installs to finding cheap or free surplus equipment that's checked out and ready for use. FWIW, the Correspondence Secretary (an elected officer) in our VHF club is blind. He is successful in VHF contests with 6m through 9cm bands, which would be impossible without help from the club members. Good luck Paul; hope you can find a way to get on HF.

-- Pete K0BAK