Buying remote land or forestry. Unknown owner?

[Michael Ferguson]

Let's say I'm driving upon the highway and I see a nice plot of land that looks like a good spot to build a new home. How would I go about purchasing that plot of land? In most instances would that land be unavailable because it is next to the highway? Also, what would the case be for more remote plots of land, such as nice spot in the woods for a cabin?

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

@Account Closed I am a walking GPS personally ... and i use USGS quads  to find my way.. :)

USGS Quads - I love it! I wound up with 80 acres outside of Lakeview OR (Circa 2001) (Oregon's "Outback") on a property trade and had to identify the property by GPS. The property is between Crump Lake & Hart Lake on an original U.S. Cavalry wagon trail. The corner markers were placed spot-on in the 1880's and I was able to find them with the GPS hand held I bought for the occasion at 42.330971, -119.869732 or (42°19'51.5"N 119°52'11.0"W) . I planted some trees in a seasonal stream for the next generation. I think of myself as a "Johnny Pine Seed" ;-) Property cost me $900 and I sold it 3 years later for $27,000. A nice return. Never did find the gold they say was there.