On the other hand, since we're a smaller PUD, our assessments may simply need to be higher since there are fewer cabins sharing the costs.    

Another trick from investers I’ve worked with is chatting up folks at local meetups who’ve recently navigated the same municipality.. they’re often happy to share how fast or slow things move.

Thanks for sharing your insight!

If you’re still looking to connect with local professionals, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to share insights or point you toward helpful resources.If you have any questions about specific neighborhoods, investment strategies, or building your team, don’t hesitate to connect or message us.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

I appreciate any advice or suggestions you can share.

Never fully trust anyone that isn't willing to share the negative aspects of all this.As I'm sure you've experienced, this can be a very rewarding path to take and depending on your grit and determination, overcoming all the pitfalls are well worth the effort.Cheers and drive safe!

I'd also think about long term-do you want to share your property with tenants and how will it affect resale value down the road? 

So by spending $42k I collected an additional $75k over 5 years, and then sold the furniture through a consignment store collecting $8k as my share.  

What have you learned that you can share?