All Forum Posts by: John C.

Hi Adrian, please keep us posted on your progress if any. Thanks! -John.

I hear that. How many acres is your parcel? A couple other things the county didn't really like was that if you have a de facto "campground" but aren't offering any ammenities how are the impacts of people all over going to be taken care of: ei, fresh water, bathrooms, trash, or even further out -- law enforcement issues.

I follow what you are talking about, I've looked into myself for a larger property I own. The county wasn't too interested to hear about my plans and let me know they'd file suit against me if I proceeded. They then told me I couldn't camp on my land either but balked when I asked for that in writing. (basically selling off so many undivided interests is construed as by-passing subdivision laws)

But it does happen on a smaller scale, I own a 1/6 undivided interest in patented 30 acre silver mine in CA. How did that one get divied up? Probably no one asked permission and just did it.

After speaking with others the best avenue was given to form a LLC and sell member interests to the land which came with associated rights to camp in designated spots. I've let it rest for the moment, only so much time and so many projects.

The properties I have removed/redeemed from sales don't have any liens on them (except the tax collectors). Where I live many lots go to the tax sale that are free and clear already of any encumbrances.

Like I said this method won't work in every case, and you are right there are a couple more steps than just sending a letter - when you get a response from the letter you need to take action. I've also found that including a couple dollar bills in the initial letter gets a better response.

Make one original ad or posting. Make sure your ad is well written with several paragraphs.

Then change the next title slightly and move paragraph 3 or 4 to the top which would bump paragraph 1 to the 2 position.

Add some new pictures and you are set. I do this all the time in multiple cities. For the next one re-arrange the paragraphs again.

Delete all ads and re-run about twice a week.

I have a letter I use specifically for this purpose - it works once in a while with good results. I don't mind forwarding it to anyone who wants to try it out - just email or message me.

But, I don't think it would work on a home or house, but it has worked on raw land, or land with derelict buildings on it -- they won't be livable.

Nutshell, before the tax sale offer owners $100 for a quit claim deed. I've had three take money and deed over their property. What were they? An abandoned mobile home park, a 1/6 interest in a patented lead/silver/zinc mine (30 acres), and a substandard lot next to a creek in a High Sierra ski town.

Tax sales are fun, but sometimes they get out of control with bids, that is one reason why it can be profitable to buy prior. Also, you can sometimes get the feeling of control when you buy prior - your actions removed this property from sale, often last minute - many still show up to buy said property without even knowing you did some legwork behind the scenes and now own it.

Of course you are on the hook for the back taxes, they are published, no suprises, no bidding wars. If the back taxes are too much then just skip it.

I'm partial to California. No redemption period and it is close by. Tax deeds are conveyed and I enjoy owning land. (With land almost anything is possible - well maybe not according to the county planners)

Something is to be said for investing in your own area, I've found it very profitable to owning out of state.

To find acreage you can:

Pick up a paper and scan the classifieds, or
Drive around.
Search online sites like ebay or craiglist (filter as you search)
Even realtor.com can search land for you in almost any area.
Picking up some brochures from a realty office works too. Take a look at the mls listings while you are at it.

I've bought land from all the described ways above except for one. Usually 50 acres aren't found in the city, country side is best.

There are also sites specific to "land and farm", but none that I'm familiar with. Good luck in finding that good deal, I'm looking at 40 acres that was originally listed at $179K, now with a new price of $50K, and wondering if $6K is a fair offer.

Yes and yes. Small towns are the best, especially living in them. But obviously the majority doesn't see it the same way.

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