Field Archive.
Independent analysis for raw land buyers — water rights doctrine, due diligence traps, holding cost math, and state-by-state market intelligence. No broker sponsorships.
How to Buy Land With No Money (And Survive the Contract for Deed)
Zero-down land deals are almost always seller-financed contracts for deed, where you don't hold title. The terms to demand, and when to walk away.
Why USDA Loans Fail for Raw Land (And How to Finance It Anyway)
USDA 502 loans require a dwelling. Section 523 is for nonprofits. FSA requires farming experience. Here's what actually finances raw land purchases.
The EPA Is Narrowing Wetlands Rules. Your State May Not Be.
The EPA's September 2026 supplemental rulemaking shrinks federal wetland oversight — but Colorado, New York, California, and others have independent state laws that still apply. Here's what to verify before you close.
BLM Land Auctions: What They Actually Sell and What to Expect
Federal land sales are rare, restricted by law, and the parcels are often remote. Here's the reality before you bid on BLM land.
The Hidden Cost of Raw Land: What You Pay Just to Own It
Taxes, loan interest at 8–15%, road maintenance, and wildfire mitigation add up fast. Most buyers skip this math. Don't.
Is Buying Land a Good Investment? The Honest Math.
Land appreciates only in the path of something. Here's how to tell if you're in the right path, and what the holding cost math looks like over 10 years.
Every post is grounded in primary sources — USDA NASS data, state water engineer filings, county assessor records, and real estate market data — and reviewed for accuracy before publication. Read our methodology.