Hands-off monetization strategies for raw land

[Jad Kurdi]

Hi BP,

I was hoping to get your help :)

I was recently given a small plot of land from a family member as a wedding gift and I need some ideas for the best way to utilize it to create income. Since it is about 3 hours away from where I live I wouldn't be able to visit frequently, so I need something hands off. Up until now it was just sitting and incurring property tax.  (They were waiting for the bullet train to be built, creating appreciation, but have given up on that project being completed)

Here is a short description of the property: It is located in Tehachapi, California  (in the mountains near Mojave desert).  It is about 3 acres and has some flat buildable land and some hilly land. It does not have a connection to the water/electrical grid.  That's about all I know about it so far as I only recently learned that I would be getting it I've only seen it once about 5 years ago.

I would really appreciate any ideas you all have! I have not done much research into raw land monetization, but some thoughts are to create a small wind turbine farm (there are plenty nearby) or possibly solar farm and sell clean energy credits, build a small house or cabin and sell it, or even looking into selling the rights to drill for only (also a few nearby, though I assume I'd need to hire someone to do some sort of land assessment) I do have a relatively small budget to invest in this.  But could consider raising some private money from family and friends if there is a good idea.

My last resort will be to sell it, but I'd really rather not do that as it isn't worth much in its current state and might be rather difficult to sell.

Thank you all!