Interesting thought, but it doesn't work like that.
Babyface, I'd forget the high velocity systems, especially if you have a ranch with easy access to every room in the house from your attic.
Mini splits are o-k if you want to cool certain areas, or just one room. Even leaving all the doors open in your home, it would take damn near forever to pull down to an even temp.
Central air is really the way to go if you have a ranch. I have a ranch as well, installed my own central air in about 3-4 days time, working on it after work. Depending on the age of your home, insulation, and other variables you'll prob. need a 2 ton - 2.5 unit ( 24,000 - 30,000 btu ). You'll need to do a Manual J calculation to find out how many BTUs you need to cool your home properly, Bigger is not always better - it will pull down the temp way too quickly, and leave all the humidity in the house. Too small and it will run forever and and ever.
I put in a 2.5 ton system last year in my home, doing all the work myself I spent about 3k on everything. Some cut fingers , bunch of curses, and sweating like a pig in the attic it was done. Best money every spent ! ( not to mention, adding huge value to your home when you go to sell, some people wont even consider a house if It doesn't have A/C )
If you decide to go this route feel free to ask me any questions, installing central air in a ranch home is relatively easy. I also do commercial hvac maintenance for a living.
I also have the proper certifications and equipment for handling refrigerant if you need somebody to add in the refrigerant so it runs properly.