Funny you mention the power pole thing—I once got excited about a “bargain” lot, only to find out the only buildable spot was basically a triangle wedged between a drainage ditch and a transformer box. I’ve seen folks get creative, though. There’s a guy down the road who squeezed a prefab cabin onto what looked like an unbuildable sliver of land. He went vertical—three stories, believe it or not—but he’s got stairs everywhere and barely any yard. Not sure I’d want to live like that, but hey, it works for him.
I always wonder about resale value on those oddball lots. Like, even if you make it work for yourself, does anyone else actually want to buy it later? Or do you just have to hope another creative soul comes along?
Yeah, I hear you on the resale value—those quirky lots are a gamble. Sometimes the right buyer comes along, but it feels like you’re limiting your pool big time. I always wonder if the savings up front really balance out the hassle and risk. Has anyone actually made money flipping one of those “unique” properties? I’ve only ever seen folks break even, at best.
I’ve wondered about this too, honestly. The numbers can look good on paper with those oddball lots—like, the price per acre is tempting—but I keep circling back to the resale headache. I’ve run the math a few times on properties with weird shapes or access issues, and even if you score a deal up front, it seems like you end up either sitting on it forever or taking a hit when you try to sell.
I did talk to someone who made a little profit on a flag lot, but it took them almost three years and a ton of marketing. They had to get creative just to get people in the door. Makes me think unless you’re super patient or have some kind of niche buyer in mind, it’s not really worth it if your main goal is flipping. Maybe if you’re planning to hold long-term or use it yourself, the risk feels different? But for quick returns... I’m skeptical.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen some of those “weird” lots turn into pretty cool projects—especially if you’re not just looking to flip for a quick buck. Like, yeah, resale can be a pain, but sometimes the right buyer is just someone who wants something unique. One of my friends picked up a super awkward hillside lot that everyone else passed on because it looked like a nightmare to build on. Fast forward a couple years, and she’s got this insane modern house with crazy views that people drool over.
“Makes me think unless you’re super patient or have some kind of niche buyer in mind, it’s not really worth it if your main goal is flipping.”
I think that’s the key—if you’re only in it for fast flips, probably not worth the headache. But if you can see the potential (or just want a place that stands out), those oddball lots can actually be gems. Sometimes it’s about playing the long game or being willing to get creative. Not for everyone, obviously, but I wouldn’t write them off completely.
Honestly, I get the appeal of those quirky lots, but I’d be careful about underestimating the extra costs—especially if you’re thinking about building green or energy-efficient. Odd shapes or steep slopes can make things like solar orientation, water runoff, or even just basic insulation way trickier (and pricier). Sometimes what looks like a bargain upfront ends up eating your budget in design tweaks and site prep. Cool if you’re up for the challenge, but it’s not always as simple as “unique = hidden gem.”