The only really good way to draw a solid model structure in AutoCAD using solid modeling would be to construct your model one 2x4 at a time. Build your layout as if you were in the real world. The reason is that you will need to be able to manipulate each part if necessary. This does not mean that you will need to create and extrude each individual 2x4, you can copy the first one over and over as long as the length is correct.
1 of each seperate component should be constructed as its own model and saved in its own file. remember you can copy similar components over and over. You would be making use of the extrude command for a lot of your parts as well as all of the other powerful AutoCAD solid modeling tools. Refer to Blogs and Tutorial Sites as much as possible to learn techniques. Try:
http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/autocad/tutorials/solids.htm
definately try to check out groups.yahoo.com and see if there are some nice AutoCAD groups.
Also - it helps to do an advanced google seach by ending your search term with filetype:ppt (this gives you Powerpoint files that often times are created by instructors or others)
As you create your library of individual models you can start an assembly of these models. You will be inserting these components as blocks into your assembly. with time you will be able to add data information to your blocks (i.e. Cost, supplier, weight, etc...) That way you can get determine cost of the final structure, Bill of Materials, or whatever.
Make your life easier by making use of layers as much as possible. That way you can shut off layers of your structure. (for instance, you can turn of the drywall layer to expose the studs)
Basic Solid Modeling has not changed too much since Autocad 9.0, 10, 11, ... Dont limit yourself to finding info on solid modeling just for AutoCAD2008 -- almost all material you find will have clues for you.