Looking for affordable land—any hidden gems?

"The key was thorough due diligence—checking zoning, soil reports, local regulations, and even chatting with neighbors beforehand."

Totally agree with this. Doing your homework upfront can turn a risky situation into a hidden gem. Plus, sometimes those quirky landowners have the best stories...makes the process memorable at least.

Definitely see where you're coming from... but honestly, how much time should someone realistically spend chatting up neighbors? I'm all for thorough research, just wonder where the sweet spot is between smart prep and overthinking it.

I get what you're saying... chatting up neighbors can feel like a rabbit hole sometimes. But honestly, a quick casual convo can save you headaches later. When I was scouting land last year, I spent maybe 10-15 mins tops chatting with a couple neighbors—just enough to get a feel for the vibe and any red flags. It helped me dodge a property that flooded every spring. So yeah, don't overthink it, but a little neighborly chit-chat can go a long way.

Yeah, I hear you on the neighbor thing, but honestly, it's not even just about avoiding floods or disasters. When we built our first custom home last year, I did the same quick neighbor chat—mostly to gauge if we'd get along or if they'd be the type to complain about every little thing. Turns out one neighbor casually mentioned that the road gets crazy icy in winter and nobody ever salts it. Saved me from a nasty surprise my first December there.

So yeah, small talk can feel awkward or pointless sometimes, but think of it as cheap insurance against future headaches. Doesn't have to be a long convo either—just enough to see if they're chill or waving any red flags. Plus, you never know...they might even tip you off on a hidden gem property nearby that's not listed yet.

"small talk can feel awkward or pointless sometimes, but think of it as cheap insurance against future headaches."

Couldn't agree more—I've learned the hard way that neighbors often know things even the realtor misses. That quick chat saved me from building on a lot with some serious drainage issues...