"internet was spotty at best, and getting reliable contractors out there was like pulling teeth."
Yeah, been there myself—beautiful spot, but the internet thing drove me nuts. One workaround I've seen work pretty well is investing in satellite internet or even checking if local providers offer fixed wireless. Also, if you're into green building or off-grid setups, rural spots can actually be a blessing in disguise. Fewer zoning headaches when you're experimenting with alternative builds... just gotta make peace with the occasional inconvenience.
Totally agree about satellite internet—it's gotten way better lately. Another thing to consider is tapping into the local community for contractor recommendations. Small-town word-of-mouth can be surprisingly reliable, once you're plugged in... saved me a ton of headaches.
Good point about local recommendations, they've definitely saved me from some sketchy contractors. But speaking of hidden gems, has anyone had luck finding affordable land near state or national forests? I've heard mixed things—some say it's a steal because it's remote, others warn about zoning headaches or restrictions. Curious if anyone's navigated that route successfully...
I looked into this last year near a national forest in Oregon. Prices were tempting, but zoning was tricky—some parcels had strict building limits or required special permits. Definitely doable, just gotta dive deep into county regs before pulling the trigger.
Good points on zoning, but honestly, I'd be more concerned about access and utilities. Last time I checked out similar parcels near national forests, the real headache wasn't permits—it was getting reliable water and electricity without breaking the bank. Even if zoning checks out, infrastructure costs can sneak up fast. Might be worth factoring that into your research before diving too deep into county regs...
