Possible Timberland Property

[Robert Freeborn]

Hi BP!

I'm looking for advice on how to begin analyzing a land deal with a possible timber harvest. 

There are three separate, adjoining parcels for sale, totaling 303 acres in northern WA state for $2,500 an acre. The parcels have 20 year old alder re-growth timber.  There are two major sawmills about approximately 30-40 miles down the highway.

I've looked around, but I still have no clue about how to analyze this and see if this would be worth pursuing.

For those who have done deals like this, how did you find resources/contacts in the industry? Should I find a wood dealer/broker first? A Forestry Consultant?  Would it be better to the state university or a state forester?  Should I get the property under contract before I do so?  

I know I can google a forestry consultant, but I have no idea who is reputable, and what fees are reasonable for a consultation on potential property.

How would you go about analyzing and tackling this potential deal?

This has been the most useful article I've ready so far. For your consideration:

https://retipster.com/timber/

I look forward to good discussion and, hopefully, your thoughts and experience on the matter.

[Jay Hinrichs]

@Antoine Martel  nothing unique about timber.. its the number one best passive investment in the US hands down..

the largest owners of US timber land are  John Hancock and the Harvard endowment fund. 

10 to 14% returns annually all passive ... beat the crap out of most anything else if your looking for true passive.

it was the absolute best thing I have ever done in real estate... I just sold my last tree farm a few years ago 700 acres in Oregon for a 7 figure profit .. and all I did was hunt on it and ride out quads.. no tenants no toilets.. worse thing was occasional hunters trying to poach a deer or something..