The reason is so many potential types of tenants and developers will desire that dirt.

Southern border of the land is Wilson Creek (a large, well established, full time creek with old growth trees)Approx 1 acre of non-recoverable flood zone along length of creekTwo small ponds on the property, which can be filled in to utilizeSmall neighborhood to East of property line with utilities ready and available for project Currently a couple of older homes and barn structures on property (100% liveable and well maintained)Wilmeth Rd is currently expanding down the block to a 4 lane road which connects to Highway 75 in McKinneyLarge developments are underway within a 1/2 mile to 3 miles out radius<4 miles to Costco, ChickFilA, WholeFoods, Cinemark, major hospitalAT&T Fiber and Atmos Gas at front of propertyA water well can be run, if desired, or tap into the city's water (currently on city water and has large main at front of property)A CE firm has drawn up plans for a small, 12 home, 3/4 acres development.

Between a demanding FT job (that I enjoy,) a wife who also works FT, and two young children, I have no real desire to "all in" to real estate as a FT career at this point in my life.

If pets are allowed by the HOA I would strongly recommend you consider allowing pets as more than 50% of travelers travel with their pets and that will make your priority more desirable.

Darrell,Usually when properties sit on the market it's because the property is either overpriced or it's not in a desirable area, were buyers want to buy.

@William Coet it’s a different business model altogether.I love highly desirable areas that attract highly skilled high income college educated workforces.They tend to be more liberal and therefore the landlord tenant laws.The percent of their income that goes to rent is typically much less than 20% so a rental increase of 5-10% is nothing to them.They are typically lower cap rate areas and therefore every dollar of net operating income that is earned is explosive to the underlying asset value.

If you aren't doing or pursuing anything unethical or immoral, once you are of age, you should go and pursue whatever you desire. 

Will using a high yield savings account and your current savings rate get you the capital you need in the timeframe you desire?

The difficulty in finding tenants is determined by the desirability of the location, the property itself, and the amount of rent you're charging relative to other rentals in the area.

Good STR areas are often times desirable places to live as well, so prices tend to be higher in my experience.