What to look for in a property to be truly SS?

[PunkinPeep]

Definitely make sure there aren't any codes or regulations - hoa, city, county, state, or otherwise - that will restrict you from doing what you want to do on your land. Some of the most unexpected places have some of the most ridiculous rules.

 

[Farmfresh]

But there is no reason you can't buy 50 acres and do a lot split. But that would cost a bit. I think it's just better to have all of the legalities in black and white.

I wish I could move with you. You now where I would go. It's funny what Pioneer girl says about Missouri being full of rocks. It's true. My cousin says she grows rocks in her garden. But at the same time there are a lot of Amish and others who make it work some how.

Thanks, gina

Having sold Real Estate in one of my former incarnations, I can tell you that it is by FAR cheaper to buy a large parcel and then divide it. Per acre prices go up as the amount of acreage goes down. It would be money ahead to buy a large place, but then by all means immediately have it surveyed and properly divided and titled. The best way to keep good neighbors is a good fence - the same goes for family!

The main problem I foresee is the initial purchase and financing. You would have to have enough money or take out a loan with the other family members, pay for all of the legalities and survey fees to divide and then refinance each piece to the proper owners.

As for Missouri being full of rocks. We own a place near Lake of the Ozarks and I can testify that southern Missouri is COVERED with rocks. However the northern and middle of the state has lots of good dirt. Where we are was once ancient ocean bottoms the top soil is several FEET deep especially near the rivers. Great farmland and also open grassland to the north of the state. Missouri dirt Basically anywhere green or blue is good deep topsoil. Peach and yellow is rocky.

Another consideration for your place is energy sources. When traveling through Kansas recently you see lots of windmills, solar panels, oil wells and natural gas wells. I would think having a resource like that would make things even easier. I understand however some properties that are oil and gas rich have NO GROUND water or nasty water. Something to think about.

 

[TanksHill]

Great map Farm Fresh, thanks.

 

[k0xxx]

Great map Farm Fresh, thanks.

I agree 100%. Great Map.

We are located just south of Oregon County, at the southern border. Our three main crops are Rocks, Ticks, and Copperheads. It takes a lot of work and compost to get a garden into decent shape in this area. Our garden is approximately 60x125. We took 17 wheelbarrow loads of rocks out when we first started, and each Spring we take at least 2 - 4 more wheelbarrow loads out. And we're in a small valley with a decent depth of topsoil.

That being said, being retired and having more time than money, the little bit of time and effort devoted each Spring is not that big of a deal. We will be opening up another similar size garden area this Fall, but this time I'm buying a rock rake for the tractor.