Land rich, cash poor...what do I do??

Land rich, cash poor...what do I do??

Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes

Hey BP,

I have a friend who owns tons of land free & clear..it's been in his family for decades. The land is "landlocked" by other parcels of land around him...so there's not much access to it. The government has expressed interest in buying it, as well as an oil & gas company that wants to mine it...however, none of that has materialized so far.

So here's the question: how can he access the equity in his land in order to purchase cash-flowing assets? He's looked at an equity line, and they might lend 30-40% LTV. The rate would be high due to the fact that it's vacant land, like 8 or 9%, but could potentially give him access to a few million (land is worth 10 mill+).

Also...How would you invest that money? First thought is apartment buildings... He wants to create a passive income stream to support his family long-term. Also, he's a total newbie with no RE experience other than renting out 1 SFR a few years ago.

Thanks in advance for the help! 

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Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
9y

If it is landlocked, before he can get any equity out, he needs to buy land that will give him access. He absolutely needs to get his hands on one of those other blocks.

Until that happens his land has no value.  

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  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    9y

    If it is landlocked, before he can get any equity out, he needs to buy land that will give him access. He absolutely needs to get his hands on one of those other blocks.

    Until that happens his land has no value.  

  • Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes
    9y

    @Thomas S.The surrounding blocks are owned by other members of his family. Perhaps "landlocked" was the wrong choice of words. What I meant is there are currently no roads into the land, but those could be built. The land must have some value?...there are people who have expressed interest in buying it including government, mineral company, and a developer.

  • Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes
    9y

    would love to hear thoughts from others as well... Has anyone else used equity in their land to invest in rentals? Thanks!

  • Contractor · Bethlehem, CT · Member since 2017 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    9y
    how big is the parcel of land? any info on it? how much is he looking for and the location of the property?
  • Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes
    9y

    about 7000 acres in florida. I'm not sure how much he's looking for...right now just looking at options. Thanks

  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    9y

    I would strongly advise that he either partner with a family member that has a block adjoining or ideally by the lot. The other option is to buy a deeded access through a adjoining lot and put in a road. With deeded access his land will then have value.

    It would appear the family has no need for money but, if one does, the cash from a deeded road access across their land may be appealing.

    Or maybe he already has deeded access and doesn't know it. Have him check his deed. 

  • Investor · Canton, GA · Member since 2014 · 727 posts · 500 votes
    9y
    Aaron L. What part of Fla.? Does it have timber on it?
  • Johnson City, TN · Member since 2014 · 586 posts · 705 votes
    9y

    First order of business is to purchase land that will allow him deeded access to a county road.

  • Investor · Canton, GA · Member since 2014 · 727 posts · 500 votes
    9y
    Might not need to buy the land, but only buy an easement. Florida easement laws is the place to start. Consult a Fla. real estate attorney if serious.
  • Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Thomas S.:

    I would strongly advise that he either partner with a family member that has a block adjoining or ideally by the lot. The other option is to buy a deeded access through a adjoining lot and put in a road. With deeded access his land will then have value.

    It would appear the family has no need for money but, if one does, the cash from a deeded road access across their land may be appealing.

    Or maybe he already has deeded access and doesn't know it. Have him check his deed. 

    Thank you for the advice. I made a mistake when I said 7000 acres...accidentally added an extra zero...it's only 700 acres. Since his family owns the blocks around his, I'm sure they can figure something out regarding access. Even though he owns 700 acres, he doesn't have a lot of cash, which is why he's trying to access the equity...the equity isn't doing anything for him tied up there.

  • Kansas City, MO · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 46 votes
    9y

    @Tony Gunter the land has some timber, but not much. There have been some preliminary tests by an oil & gas company in the area and I guess there's a possibility he has oil. He doesn't want to sell the land, just tap the equity somehow in order to provide an income stream...currently he's not making any income off the land as it's just sitting there doing nothing. 

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