I am much more familiar with thinking about zoning...  

I realize that there are zoning laws, development issues that can come up with the land itself, difficult decisions regarding where the land should be purchased etc...I would be grateful to hear from anyone out there that would be willing to provide detailed “real life” experience on developing land....

I recommend looking up the property on the county website and seeing what it's zoned for.

I don’t know what that area is like, but my first thought was turn it into a bed and breakfast if zoning allows.

It's not an easy decision to make to come work at a base in the 'hot zone'.

So in the worst case, I'm living for free.Other variables: It's a 1-acre lot that's zoned for multi-family and has enough leftover space that I could use someday for a triplex or just divide it and sell.New roof in 2019, new hot water heater and HVAC within the last 3 years.The utilities are combined so I'd either have to include it in the rent or work out another solution.I think I can get it at $120,000 with either 15% down on an investor loan or 5% down on a conventional mortgage.Taxes: $950Insurance: $1200I would manage it myself for now.In my various scenarios, I either run $1000 a year for expenses for living in the main house and renting out the MIL suite or up to $3000 a year in expenses for the student rental scenario.

Until the red lights come on anyway....  

As for value appreciation, the area is expecting to have a new high school built in 2023 only 2 miles from the property and the local zoning is encouraging larger high-value properties by restricting density to 1 house/acre.

Thanks  Light industrial zone (LIL) on 2.55 acres with high freeway visibility and a convenient location.

What does the zoning allow for?