Unless of course I find better soil with better conditions where my trees will grow faster and stay healthier or somebody wants to sell me trees that they have planted for a discount.

You do not want to own property (or earn income) under the jurisdiction of a desperate & broke government unless there is a risk/return ratio that takes such an environment into consideration.

In today's current lending environment, no matter where the asset is, a line of credit on an investment property, through a conventional lender, is almost near impossible to obtain. 

Stay out of bonds in a rising rate environment, but get chunks out of mutual funds/equities for sure.I'd convert to a Roth or withdraw more during lower income years if I could.

I work in an environment that allows me to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks during my entire shift.

It is in a downtown environment with access to pubs, highways, etc.

Two completely different environments, both are great just depends on what you're looking for.

Over time, you may be able to assist them with something.If you prefer the classroom environment tons of Vo-Tech colleges/classes are available.Just remember, like anything in life, skills aren't learned in a day.

The reason it's attractive to do now is that there are some reasonable unsecured home improvement loan products from the MN CEE (Center for Energy and Environment) that I can use to finance the adds since we currently owner-occupy the property.

Food for thought.Another option that I have investors employing now is a combination of separating cash and debt to create an environment of lowered risk but good return using the 1031 exchange to separate debt (risk) and cash (security).