View Full Version : kicking some bad ideas down the road
Yep; thinking about moving some place - thought I had a clue, and then someone yelled Squirrel! and all the good ideas left.
I have been looking at raw land out of state; thinking about selling my house after securing said land (and fixing it up pretty).
But I got this problem with some goodies I just don't want to leave unintended. Some of the locations I have found it is going to be
a royal pain just to get the truck there; so renting a U-Haul to move said goodies might pose an issue. So I am wondering is there any
company that does real secure storage for my dozen Ruger 10/22 rifles? Or can handle a shipment to the FFL once some of the dust gets
settled?
So far the best plan I found is to buy a mini cargo container - put it up on 4x4 timber, and weld the doors closed on site. Yea, I know the price
of that hardware is no where close to being cheap - but then I am OK with that. And anyone with a cut off wheel will be able to break in short work...
This still might be a good idea; but to store supplies on site; nothing as expensive as real wood...
My guess it will be a matter of keeping the local house as long as possible and toss the fun stuff in a true lock box in the bed of the pickup under a bunch
of stuff that needs to be moved.
And selling won't work; just because....
BushMasterBoy
10-09-2021, 18:13
PVC tubes full of guns with endcaps glued shut and buried. I can sell you a metal detector and a GPS handheld.
Great-Kazoo
10-09-2021, 18:21
Yep; thinking about moving some place - thought I had a clue, and then someone yelled Squirrel! and all the good ideas left.
I have been looking at raw land out of state; thinking about selling my house after securing said land (and fixing it up pretty).
But I got this problem with some goodies I just don't want to leave unintended. Some of the locations I have found it is going to be
a royal pain just to get the truck there; so renting a U-Haul to move said goodies might pose an issue. So I am wondering is there any
company that does real secure storage for my dozen Ruger 10/22 rifles? Or can handle a shipment to the FFL once some of the dust gets
settled?
So far the best plan I found is to buy a mini cargo container - put it up on 4x4 timber, and weld the doors closed on site. Yea, I know the price
of that hardware is no where close to being cheap - but then I am OK with that. And anyone with a cut off wheel will be able to break in short work...
This still might be a good idea; but to store supplies on site; nothing as expensive as real wood...
My guess it will be a matter of keeping the local house as long as possible and toss the fun stuff in a true lock box in the bed of the pickup under a bunch
of stuff that needs to be moved.
And selling won't work; just because....
If it's moving to AZ, i have a secure building .
Yep the pipe thing I already knew; and figured I would consider that then dump an empty min-conex box on top or pea gravel which is over the new sewer line.
The other thing would be to reduce the bulk; if I had said modular firearm I would break down the upper; pull the butstock off the lower and that would be easier to secure.
click, click, click - checking on land in AZ - what are the water rules for wells?
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3555-W-Old-Highway-66-Ash-Fork-AZ-86320/295056880_zpid/?
OtterbatHellcat
10-09-2021, 19:00
If it's moving to AZ, i have a secure building .
You have more than one if you head down here, meaning I could help as well.
The places that look good, you can't get to, or can't afford, or no water..... Who knew looking for 4 - 25 acres would be that hard to find.
One second; ok - all that time I spent looking in Texas - got it that real good land deal and a rider; no one was allowed to
to live on the property. If it was easy finding a place you wanted to live; I would have already have moved.
That rail road car in AZ is starting to look mighty good to me; or maybe that abandon cement mixing facility.
BushMasterBoy
10-09-2021, 21:33
I'd just find a place with power and water, pull an RV on it. Build a building later. There were a few steel barns with apartments inside for sale around the South Park area 10 years ago for cheap. Crazy prices right now with the pandemic, folks in the big cities moving out due to density. Good luck with your move. Link below was an offering in 2011.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1030-Southpark-Way_Fairplay_CO_80440_M28955-65522?row=59
I'd just find a place with power and water, pull an RV on it. Build a building later. There were a few steel barns with apartments inside for sale around the South Park area 10 years ago for cheap. Crazy prices right now with the pandemic, folks in the big cities moving out due to density. Good luck with your move. Link below was an offering in 2011.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1030-Southpark-Way_Fairplay_CO_80440_M28955-65522?row=59
Yep - that would be my current plan, search option was WY, 2 acres mini - max 50 with no house, but manufactured home ok as an option. Need at lest an improved gravel road to access. Desire city within 50 miles. Power needs to be at least road side for access.
My version of city is Post Office + 3 gas stations.
If there is a home, it needs at least well water.
With no house / pad / water - I capped out at 75k for the land. Then I bumped it to 125k.
Oh, I figure I could spot something, something at 100k point. Add power, pad, water, septic later....I know funny me...
P.S. That link was cool - sort of modified garage design from what it looks like. One good option is to drop an over constructed garage to live out of as I figure out the rest of the game plan.
thedave1164
10-09-2021, 22:01
Check out MO, I found 3 acres in the middle of the state for a good price, under $10K
Far enough away from KC and STL so that you wouldn’t even know they existed
Mobiles depreciate worse than cars. Get a house or barndominuim or about any other type of construction
BushMasterBoy
10-09-2021, 22:39
Just put up a steel building. I was thinking of one of these for my backyard.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1039-43rd-Trl_Cotopaxi_CO_81223_M12933-01927
Great-Kazoo
10-09-2021, 22:42
Yep the pipe thing I already knew; and figured I would consider that then dump an empty min-conex box on top or pea gravel which is over the new sewer line.
The other thing would be to reduce the bulk; if I had said modular firearm I would break down the upper; pull the butstock off the lower and that would be easier to secure.
click, click, click - checking on land in AZ - what are the water rules for wells?
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3555-W-Old-Highway-66-Ash-Fork-AZ-86320/295056880_zpid/?
Rules. 100' from septic and leech fields, form any surrounding properties as well as your own septic.
The well permit is either approved by the town, county, or state. Right now average wait times ate 4 months for drilling, with a cost, not including electric or plumbing hook up, is $12-14K for a 300-320 ft' depth.
You could haul water in, which a lot of people in that area are doing. As well as generators, or solar with battery back up.
One thing about ash fork, as well as other off grid areas. You get a heavy rain, or snow and you're not going anywhere. Our Dr. assistant works from home during monsoon season, as she's unable to access pavement.
What looks good on paper, for off grid really needs eyes on, before committing to purchase. We looked at a nice 40 ac section, for $30K. north of AF. Turns out you needed easement access from another land owners property . It was basically land locked, with zero access unless right of way was granted.
We're 45 min straight south from AF, if you need a place to camp while looking. There are some interesting places available but again. No matter what state you choose. Better look it over.
thedave1164
10-10-2021, 07:10
G-K brings up a very important point, access.
We turned away from a bunch of very nice properties that did not have easements or deeded access.
Also water rights is a big thing, and every state is different.
Property in UT where we looked, you had to buy a minimum 1/4 acre foot of water rights to even haul water in from a local spring or use any water from a stream flowing across your land. While I am not 100% sure it is that way state wide, I believe it is so.
We were looking at a 10ac lot that was 45 minutes from the closest town, 7200’ elevation, trees, flat areas.
Road to the property, but it was not deeded access or easement. No water rights.
G-K brings up a very important point, access.
We were looking at a 10ac lot that was 45 minutes from the closest town, 7200’ elevation, trees, flat areas.
Road to the property, but it was not deeded access or easement. No water rights.
Sounds close to two locations I spotted. One was perfect but no access; the other was a full house + access, but no water. The storage tank was 700 gal - so I would expect freq fill ups would be required. Distance to fill ups would be a good 70 miles round trip. That no water place would be perfect for short term living and getting a water hog trailer would work fine.
Now it would be possible to set up water collections for easy good quality gray water. With the possibility for advanced filtering for consumption.
I did spot one location and it had wagon wheel style ruts for a road for about 5 miles before hitting a low grade two lane dirt road (not gravel).
Great-Kazoo
10-10-2021, 09:44
Sounds close to two locations I spotted. One was perfect but no access; the other was a full house + access, but no water. The storage tank was 700 gal - so I would expect freq fill ups would be required. Distance to fill ups would be a good 70 miles round trip. That no water place would be perfect for short term living and getting a water hog trailer would work fine.
Now it would be possible to set up water collections for easy good quality gray water. With the possibility for advanced filtering for consumption.
I did spot one location and it had wagon wheel style ruts for a road for about 5 miles before hitting a low grade two lane dirt road (not gravel).
2k water storage would hold 1 person over for some time. With that said.
With all the planning you're doing. Add a 3-4 month window for getting materials, such as water tank, pump, solar etc. Here's the link to the guy who provides solar set ups to a lot of the off grid folks. He's down the road from us, i also have a guy down in the valley who designs solar systems, as needed.
http://mannixfamilysolar.com/
For quality land Montana is a lot better - few searches found pretty much stuff that could work at first glance. And I would be looking at a road trip if it was located in Wy....
I found about 10 spots that could work; some even had per-approved septic well below Wy prices. For simple 'home steading' it would be a much better choice.
But that is not 100% of the story...not much trees tho...
Depending on rain amount, 2K holding tank works quite well for a two people. Esp if you can use rain catchment to supplement your green thumb needs. AZ "should" be easier to setup a ok to good solar power with generator backup if a well can be dropped in.
BushMasterBoy
10-10-2021, 10:45
I wish I had moved to the Big Island of Hawaii. Most folks get their water from rain catchment tanks. It rains that much there. Instead I bought a 3 bed 2 bath brand new on a acre in Pueblo West for $130K in 2006. It used to be quiet with coyotes howling at night. Since then have built a fire station, ER, convenience store etc. nearby.
I could have bought a 12 acre tropical tree fruit farm 4 months ago for $289K. My house is now valued at $300K+. The sound at night is barking dogs. The construction going on is unbelievable. There is talk of a water fee increase of 20% and raising the water tap fee 600%. Link of tree farm in Hawaii below...
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/16-1236-Pulelehua-Rd_Kurtistown_HI_96760_M90611-95882
I have been on a cistern and had to haul water. It sucks. On paper it sounds like it would work. In reality it just sucks. I have lived that way for years in the past. Guess what happens when you have large animals? toilet float gets stuck? roads are bad and you need water? the place you get water from is down for maintenance, cleaning whatever? I still have to haul water to cows when we lease cattle pastures that dont have water. It sucks.
Oh, I am not saying that would be something I would want / desire. I did the non-portable water thing when working on the farm back as a kid. The folks rented out the house and we stayed on the 1/2 burnt out farm house on the far side of the land over the weekends. If we wanted water we hauled it in in 5 gal containers. However; if you wanted to flush the toilet, you got a pail and went outside and used the old hand pump. If you wanted a bath and it was summer, you went to the lake and went for a swim.
I have "seen" on tv a few setups that had used water collection systems to provide water thru the year. The owner needed to "seed" the system with fresh water at start up. Most years they would not have to add water to the system and the "clean" gray water was used for plants and such.
I included the pre-fab / trailer option on the searches. Not that I wanted to live in one "forever"; but it would provide a spot to stay as I fixed up the area. I spotted one candidate that was too close to town to work, that had some fantastic outbuildings, but the trailer pretty much needed to be burned to the ground. So it would be possible to fix up the outbuilding to live in for a year while work got started on the new digs.
KevDen2005
10-10-2021, 19:36
Check out MO, I found 3 acres in the middle of the state for a good price, under $10K
Far enough away from KC and STL so that you wouldn?t even know they existed
I'm south of Springfield. The attitude in this state is that they like to be left alone. Springfield tries real hard to be a cool big city. Very hilarious. I'm in a neighborhood now, hoping to secure some land down the road. I'm very happy with leaving CO.
Great-Kazoo
10-10-2021, 20:36
I wish I had moved to the Big Island of Hawaii. Most folks get their water from rain catchment tanks. It rains that much there. Instead I bought a 3 bed 2 bath brand new on a acre in Pueblo West for $130K in 2006. It used to be quiet with coyotes howling at night. Since then have built a fire station, ER, convenience store etc. nearby.
I could have bought a 12 acre tropical tree fruit farm 4 months ago for $289K. My house is now valued at $300K+. The sound at night is barking dogs. The construction going on is unbelievable. There is talk of a water fee increase of 20% and raising the water tap fee 600%. Link of tree farm in Hawaii below...
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/16-1236-Pulelehua-Rd_Kurtistown_HI_96760_M90611-95882
Give up your guns, mandatory masking, vaccines, drive 8 miles and have to turn around, cause THE ISLAND ENDS!
You think it's a paradise. This last weekends garage sale. We met 4 couples from da islands. They seem to be leaving the state, faster than californians. How they went from lush greenery to the high desert, is still puzzling. BUT, none of them have anything nice to say about Hi. Especially when it comes to the tourist flooding the roadways, hotels and every spot in between.
Then again, there is no perfect place to live.
BushMasterBoy
10-10-2021, 21:09
Give up your guns, mandatory masking, vaccines, drive 8 miles and have to turn around, cause THE ISLAND ENDS!
You think it's a paradise. This last weekends garage sale. We met 4 couples from da islands. They seem to be leaving the state, faster than californians. How they went from lush greenery to the high desert, is still puzzling. BUT, none of them have anything nice to say about Hi. Especially when it comes to the tourist flooding the roadways, hotels and every spot in between.
Then again, there is no perfect place to live.
The fishing is unlimited. The land is cheap. The weather is damn near perfect. Way easier to survive there than Colorado. The big problem is the island is overrun with wild pigs! And all that merchandise that is imported is more expensive. Did I mention the pigs? Too bad Space Force doesn't have a base there!
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=19.7192&lon=-155.0818#.YWOn29rMI2w
HoneyBadger
10-10-2021, 21:21
Too bad Space Force doesn't have a base there!
They do ;)
Edit: Okay, technically they don't yet.... but they operate several space missions from HI... which will become USSF locations very soon.
Wild pigs is a voluntary problem, especially once Pig Gone his the market.
BushMasterBoy
10-10-2021, 23:24
If I was 20 years younger, I'd buy something like this. 10 acres and some shipping containers. It is a deceptive listing though as the seller really wants to sell 60 acres for a half a million. Watch out for scumbag realtors that try to scam you! They are just as bad as used car salesmen...
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/18-4141-N-Glenwood-Rd-Lot-318_Mountain-View_HI_96785_M92754-77193
Off grid tiny home for the win.
The few times I have been to Hawaii the only wild beasts I saw were chickens and mongooses. But some coworkers did indicate that people did hunt
wild pig was near by the facility. Hawaii is one of the few places I think a connex container would work to live out of. I spent about a month there, half on the company dime.
I would have no problem living there, the weather is down right good. Going Island happy would not be an issue....but I don't like ocean fishing, I no longer have an active scuba license.
A funny thing was; way back when I had a job offer (in jest) to move to Ascension Island doing some hardware maintenance that I was not qualified for. Now that
place was small.
And for tiny houses; just say no...They have their place, but for me no thanks. The last year I have been pretty much living out of my basement in my house for work.
I have a bathroom, big room, utility room which covers most of my direct needs. So I figure I could live fine within 800 - 1000 square feet. Which is bigger than
most tiny homes. Now take that tiny house, put it in a big old garage/barn...then it can work out well.
I am not sure why I got spooked looking at land in Montana..maybe it is that big sky thing.
Great-Kazoo
10-11-2021, 08:55
The few times I have been to Hawaii the only wild beasts I saw were chickens and mongooses. But some coworkers did indicate that people did hunt
wild pig was near by the facility. Hawaii is one of the few places I think a connex container would work to live out of. I spent about a month there, half on the company dime.
I would have no problem living there, the weather is down right good. Going Island happy would not be an issue....but I don't like ocean fishing, I no longer have an active scuba license.
A funny thing was; way back when I had a job offer (in jest) to move to Ascension Island doing some hardware maintenance that I was not qualified for. Now that
place was small.
And for tiny houses; just say no...They have their place, but for me no thanks. The last year I have been pretty much living out of my basement in my house for work.
I have a bathroom, big room, utility room which covers most of my direct needs. So I figure I could live fine within 800 - 1000 square feet. Which is bigger than
most tiny homes. Now take that tiny house, put it in a big old garage/barn...then it can work out well.
I am not sure why I got spooked looking at land in Montana..maybe it is that big sky thing.
I know where there are a few 20 ac + lots in MT. Our daughter has one, as well as a few friends.
Google is my friend - at least for this tidbit of info
what is the average altitude in Wyoming...
Minimum elevation: 2,116 ft
Maximum elevation: 13,918 ft
Average elevation: 5,502 ft
And I was wondering most of my searches were hitting around 7k+
Neat -
and Montana
Elevation 3,400 ft (1,040 m)
Highest elevation (Granite Peak) 12,807 ft (3,903.5 m)
Lowest elevation (Kootenai River at Idaho border) 1,804 ft (557 m)
https://geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Home/geography/geography_facts/elevation_of_montana_cities
So Mr. Great Kazoo - just how high is that 20 acres in Montana....(funny answer: It is so high that it makes the 10k per acre look low.... :) )
note: no idea on cost; but it just sounded funny....I had been running 101 temp the last few days and stuff that sounds funny in my head often are not that funny.
BushMasterBoy
10-15-2021, 19:02
Lincoln, MT has some interesting listings on the realtor site. I know of a guy that was metal detecting found a large gold nugget near there, 10 years ago.
Great-Kazoo
10-15-2021, 19:50
Google is my friend - at least for this tidbit of info
what is the average altitude in Wyoming...
Minimum elevation: 2,116 ft
Maximum elevation: 13,918 ft
Average elevation: 5,502 ft
And I was wondering most of my searches were hitting around 7k+
Neat -
and Montana
Elevation 3,400 ft (1,040 m)
Highest elevation (Granite Peak) 12,807 ft (3,903.5 m)
Lowest elevation (Kootenai River at Idaho border) 1,804 ft (557 m)
https://geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Home/geography/geography_facts/elevation_of_montana_cities
So Mr. Great Kazoo - just how high is that 20 acres in Montana....(funny answer: It is so high that it makes the 10k per acre look low.... :) )
note: no idea on cost; but it just sounded funny....I had been running 101 temp the last few days and stuff that sounds funny in my head often are not that funny.
I'll message you with that info, after i talk to the kid.
I am not sure what is what anymore; I did find a nice land, ok out building - well; maybe - a garage port without a roof; not sure what those are....with a converted garage as a house. Basic one bedroom, one living room/kitchen, bathroom. Size was 2.7 acres in south east Texas.
If I found that same thing in Wyoming I prob be in my truck this weekend scoping it out. At least the fever broke 1am today, I hope that is the last of that stuff.
If truth be known, there was another place that I would have jumped at, 10 year old house, semi-gutted or in a demo phase for a rebuild. I could almost see me buying it; lay down some artificial turf carpet + black out curtains to make it a nice place to live. I think it was 150k for 4 acres. Just a 10 year old house but the roof did look shot and it was a quality bank repo. All it would need would be a nice LP gas tank, instant hot water for the bathroom and it would have all the warmth of my parents burnt out farm house with a roof that did not leak.
Most of the installed lighting fixtures were on the floor, so flooded out/ roof leaked / who knows....
Great-Kazoo
10-15-2021, 23:27
I am not sure what is what anymore; I did find a nice land, ok out building - well; maybe - a garage port without a roof; not sure what those are....with a converted garage as a house. Basic one bedroom, one living room/kitchen, bathroom. Size was 2.7 acres in south east Texas.
If I found that same thing in Wyoming I prob be in my truck this weekend scoping it out. At least the fever broke 1am today, I hope that is the last of that stuff.
If truth be known, there was another place that I would have jumped at, 10 year old house, semi-gutted or in a demo phase for a rebuild. I could almost see me buying it; lay down some artificial turf carpet + black out curtains to make it a nice place to live. I think it was 150k for 4 acres. Just a 10 year old house but the roof did look shot and it was a quality bank repo. All it would need would be a nice LP gas tank, instant hot water for the bathroom and it would have all the warmth of my parents burnt out farm house with a roof that did not leak.
Most of the installed lighting fixtures were on the floor, so flooded out/ roof leaked / who knows....
cheaper to buy, if you could find one, a 5th wheel. Then see how much you want to invest in a stick built home.
Those garage ports are called RV units out here. Roll the RV, camper or 5th wheel under it to reduce u-v rays.
Also known ad high desert meth labs, out in the mohave.
You'll be driving along 40 crossing in to CA,towards barstow. Seeing one of those ports way out in the middle of nowhere. With a camper under it, a few cars on cinder blocks and who knows what else. 120 deg in the a.m and they're just hanging out.
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