We probably need a better description of the area but could you remove any fences and paths then cover with dirt and seed?

@Ryan Murphy, I don't see it as an advantage or disadvantage, nor would it factor into my decision from a development standpoint.If your're genuinely interested in the neighbor's lot, you might want to start planting seeds with them for that now... who's to say that they won't sell it out from underneath you should someone approach them about buying it between now and your someday?

Due to the company I work for being sold we will be getting a fairly nice retention bonus, I'm thinking of using this as seed money to start investing in real estate.

Seed over with a quality grass seed mix (dont cheap out on that one) and follow up with summer fertilizer later.

We sold our primary residence and used the proceeds as seed money.

These are significant amounts obviously but they said they can get us initial funding through Seed Capital, etc.

That will make every loan more expensive and penalize all borrowers, not just those of higher risk.The same thing also happens in a different way with protective tariffs; the cost of goods goes up and seeds inflationary pricing, just as the FUD associated with Brexit is already doing.

I planted the REI seed with him already and he is going to be getting involved at a much earlier age than you and I (lol).  

You are letting the seeds of charity grow in your head which will ultimately only be in conflict with your business interests.

The whole name of the game is time and how fast you can recoup that initial seed investment you make and reinvest it into something that will double your cash flow.