There are many things I will do myself. Clearing land of trees averaging 50' tall or more is not one of them! Too many opportunities to damage myself in a way that will keep me from doing those things I do enjoy doing myself. Leave this one to the experts.
We have 15 acres. The driveway will be 1/4 mile long. The land is wedged between Fahnestock state park on two sides and the lake on the other. We are clearing about three acres for the road, house and garden and to Steve's point, building in the middle of the woods. Here is the front door with my wife and daughter greeting visitors.
If you decide to do this, make sure you factor in the time and cost of permits, inspections, access, power, well, septic, etc., etc., etc. it adds up quickly and makes you swallow hard!