In Newton county, AR I went into the county courthouse in Jasper a few months ago about permits for rebuilding a 60's vintage house. Got the deer in the headlights look. About the only thing required is meeting the electric company's specifications for meter box placement and connection to the breaker panel. Downstream of the breaker panel they didn't care. In Newton county it is Carrol Electric Co-op.
Still good to build as if it will be inspected to building and electrical codes for safety, structural integrity and future resale value.
Got to make sure water, electric and paved roads are available. A lot of places you’re lucky to get two of the three already available if looking for larger properties. Also not a lot of registered/filed land surveys in that area, due to land being parceled off thru generations of family.
Over by Ponca is nice. Beginning of the Buffalo River, and lots of elk, but remote and quite a winding drive to Harrison for shopping.
Anywhere on or near US 65 is good to locate if you like more developed outdoor activities and still low population, plus it connects to US 62 into Harrison. Good roads.