How to find Remote Off Grid land for Homesteading 

I love how this is a 2021 channel with a 2005 vibe in video quality. I mean that as a genuine compliment, I miss this style of home made content. Also, your channel has made me literally rethink my life and reconsider what I actually want. Thanks dude, God Bless

Quite a long time ago I looked at a remote farmstead site in N. Wisconsin. I thought it was everything I would ever want. I didn't pull the trigger, I waited until it rained. When I went back it was under two feet of water with Mallards swimming around. I was shocked and very disappointed, but relieved at the same time. This was a huge lesson learned. Thanks Brooke and Dave! 🌲🌷🌲

Thank you for sharing the upsides and downsides of living remote. If I was in a different stage of my life I definitely would try this. People are seeking a simpler way of life. The world has changed and become way to stressful for many people. As a senior citizen we need closer access to health care. However, we are simplifying the way we live and we have never been happier. Thank you for allowing this senior to live a bit more vicariously with you and your beautiful wife.

Ah man, my wife and I discovered the Upper Peninsula this year and I have a strong urge to find a place to live up there. Just such a beautiful area.

I am absolutely committed to finding a remote property this year and start with baby steps building a tiny cabin and starting a little garden.

You two have got to be the coolest off grid/remote couple on RU-vid. Showing both the upsides and downsides, the actual realities of the lifestyle is pretty uncommon in the cyber world. Thank you!

Loved your story!! We did ten years ago something very similar in Nova Scotia. Saw the 100 acre property on a realtor site, January 2nd. Next day it was a day with a big snow blizzard. We still drove the 100 miles (and back) to inspect it. Because of the weather, the selling realtor (a friend) even didn't dare to come along. This acreage had not just 2000 feet of river frontage, but 2000 meters!! We stumbled through the snow with our hiking poles (should have brought our snow shoes) to take a look. And closed the deal a week later. And yes, GPS is very important.

Hearing the wind blowing while the video was being made was so exquisite and captivating! Coming through my earbuds just transport it into such a remote and natural setting. It reminded me of being in my 20s and giving a stab at this kind of life. Can’t bring back the years but I sure appreciate the upper lift The springs to the heart! Thank you so much for sharing. All the best!

Congratulations on your new property. We're super lucky we live in a remote area of the Adirondacks with not only a creek, but a beautiful waterfall and were only 20 miles from a town. Be blessed. 😊🇺🇸

Two thumps-up on Star Link . PNW fairly remote retired logger . “Off Grid “ and love my peace !!!

I have sent your vid to my daughter and son in-law who are gearing up to resettle up north on a piece of property we will co-invest in with them. We are too old to go home-steading, but we can sure support them in their efforts and get a bit of space for recreational cabin as well,. This is easily the best video on what to consider as you prepare to buy. We are in that process now. God bless you both and thank you! And....congratulations on buying your land!

Would love to see an episode where the two of you walk the property and make some decisions about where you want to locate the home on the land, then maybe some time around the table where you run through design ideas.

One of the biggest reasons for living is not to make the most money, have the best toys or be the best known; it's to pass on what you know and how to do what you do best. Thanks Whipples! Keep on keeping on:)) Keep safe and stay well.

My wife and I recently purchased a large remote property on a river up in Alaska. Only accessible by four wheeler or snow machine. We will be the only people in the entire valley and we can’t wait. the solitude is unmatched when you’re in the wilderness where you belong. We are from Nevada but we’ve taken multiple trips up to Alaska to look at properties so we are pretty familiar with the area. Our place backs right up to state land for thousands and thousands of acres. I obsessed over google earth while looking at this property as a potential homestead site. Everything you two are saying is exactly correct. My one main piece of advice to anyone looking to buy remote is do your research. Follow your heart, but don’t let excitement cloud your judgement. Thank you for the content, it’s always wonderful to see you pop up on suggested.

The two of you are spectacular, probably in the top 5% of RU-vidrs. You are so right on looking out for the gotchas. When I retired a number of years ago one of my focuses was a remote home or farmstead in northern Michigan. I drove a very long distance to look at property with a realtor, several times. I found several properties I was considering. I told a friend about them and his response was, “northern Michigan ? They have a huge problem with Meth labs up there”. I told him I had never heard anything like that. He told me there is a government web site that will shows drug busts, just go to the state/area and look it up. I was skeptical but did so and was amazed. The area I was looking at lit up like a Christmas tree, I was dumbfounded. Thinking about it “kinda” made sense. That was a huge wood products area for years and the wood products industry has been (at that time) decimated. Lots of people out of work wanting/needing to make money somehow. Never did buy property there. Had I not talked with a friend and been told of that website I may very well have purchased something. “Due Diligence”, very important.

You two are so realistic and there's alot of pro's and con's to buying remote property, wow there is so much to this.

Awesome! Hello from the other side of lake superior. We were lucky enough to get 20 acres up in Northern Ontario on a lake for a good price a few months ago. Already built and installed an outhouse and next is a hand pump for water. 👍

One of the most interesting videos I've seen on YT yet. We have an off grid cabin at 8300 ft here in AZ. We built the first one in 1986, then bought two acres near that cabin and built our current "cabin- house" We catch rain water and have solar power, it's only one hour from our main home and is usually only accessible by snowmobile in winter, it gives us the best of both worlds. Love your videos.

You guys are slowly becoming my guides. I've been looking for simple land for cheap to build something like that black-stained cabin you built. Super inspirational!

My wife and I got 20 in Keeweenaw County and while that feels like a nice little chunk I still long for that big remote chunk of land. Thanks for the video, that was very thoughtful of you guys to post and a ton of great useable info. With any luck I’ll be up there sooner rather than later. Anyhow...Love your videos...both of yous!

One of the best videos on homesteading! Some of the best advice I've ever heard. Thank you so much for this video.

About 20 years ago I looked at a property in western Illinois that was configured for a campground around a spring fed lake. The county was evicting the campground because they had no sewer and water and... well.. counties do that. I've been kicking myself ever since for not buying it outright.

One thing about access in the U.P.: if you need to cross someone else's property to get to yours, you probably need to look into getting an easement from that property owner. Those lumber roads might one day have a gate on them or a pile of trees for that matter. I'm sure you guys have that taken care of, but it might not hurt to mention it in the future. Maybe this is just a realtor scare tactic, but having "legal" access (and to not be trespassing ) to get to your property is one less thing to worry about. Great video! I had to come back and watch it a second time.

Brooke and Dave, the wife and I have been enjoying both of your channels for several years now and this episode really struck home. We are in the Northern lower and love to camp during the summer months, the rustic state forest campgrounds are not cutting it anymore, big fifth wheel rigs, generators and satellite dishes. You know what I'm talking about, so we thought about finding a piece of remote property we could establish a summer camp on. I have used Google maps and Google earth to find off road trails but with this acre view program you talked about I think i will be able to locate a piece of land to fit our needs. Thank you both so much for the hours of enjoyment and the inspiration. Mike & Lori

I can remember walking land in the Catskill Mountains with my dad in 1967. He ended up with 100 acres.

I would agree with everything you said. Well covered and points that people just don't think about. Can't wait to see your new adventures.

OMG I GOT SO EXCITED WHEN I SAW THE TITLE TO THIS VIDEO!!! And then for the first half...pure tension anxiety, stomach in a loop, fingers crossed that you got it. -Living vicariously through you & definitely wanting/needing more answers to this question. We’re going, tomorrow, to look at a couple rigs for travel. Once we have that in place, we’re O-U-T -out! And the search for land, for my and my children’s very first time, is ON. I’m scared, wanting to find & stuff as much info as possible into my head & crossing every finger that I do well. We’ve been dreaming this up, going through it to get to it... there’s no other direction for us to go in. The pull from the chest, from my entire being, being the soul parent to my amazing children... it is happening. Got a huge burst of glee and warmth in my heart, seeing this video. My 12 yr old ADORES the both of you, as I’ve mentioned before and his heart is in this... wanting his own piece of peace & fulfillment by way of nature. I can’t wait to give it to him. Thanks for the inspiration and the constant support you send through your videos.

I just recently came across your videos and Brook's videos your wife and now am addicted to them. I love how happy you both are regardless of the challenges you encountered. I applaud this video to you both for your determination and positive outlook.

What jumps out about this video is how articulate these two are; they're not uneducated yokels. This is what kept my attention.

You two are awesome, congrats on your new property! Really glad we found your channel, we love the vids and are inspired by you, thank you!

I built solar backup for our main home last year. If I can do it, anyone can. It will come in handy with our new property...it will be our only source of power. You guys are an inspiration.

Came across your video's of building your cabin. Very nice, enjoyed them. Very well done. Then saw this one. Thanks, very informative and straightforward with no B.S. Being several years retired, still have a dream of something similar. One of a few things on my bucket list. Love the outdoors with some solitude.

Oh yea, I went to other states to look at the land, and I know exactly what you mean--Logged trees, etc. THIS IS THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE EVER HEARD!

I'm blessed to be 10 miles from a town , I grew up in the ghetto and live out in the trees now . Took some adjustments but I wouldn't have it any other way now .

That’s a great piece of advice. Don’t wait and don’t hesitate when you find something you love. I got so lucky with my home in Vegas. It was on the market about a month before I found it. Two different people already tried buying it before me, but they’re financing fell through. The same day I saw the house, I put in an offer. It was my dream home. It’s a big and beautiful house, and I got a killer deal (this was back in 2010 with the housing market crash). Even with the closing costs and upgrades I’ve done, I’m looking at a six figure profit when I sell. I won’t say exactly how much, but it’s a lot. However, I’m tired of Vegas and have always wanted to live in the woods. I’m hoping to fulfill that dream in a year or two.This was a great video and had great information. Dave, congratulations on the new land and God bless you and yours! Stay safe and healthy my friend!

Gracias amigos. Thanks for sharing precious information. I've been watching your videos hoping to learn for future plans and adventures but in a totally opposite setting. I want to build my future off grid homestead in a rainforest in the Caribbean. You are welcome to share any advise you think may help. Also, I like to say I am very proud to see you do not hide your faith and always keep a very nice, positive attitude. I love seen you two working together as a couple, caring and supporting each other. You make a good example of what a marriage should be. And last but not least I want your wife to know I love her outfit and her Native American hair style, hat and booths. ♥ Hugs from Puerto Rico!

I'm one step away from being a city-slicker. I love how real you keep your expectations. I get my remote property desires filled vicariously through you. Maybe one day I will be able to cut the cord. Cheering you on from Utah.

Starlink is a total game changer. Faster internet than a lot of connections in the city with great latency. The main downside is the power brick consumes 120 watts continuously while it's on, so you'll want to factor that into your solar budget. Or maybe just use it for a fraction of the day.

You guys are so awesome! I love listening to your advice and watching you fulfill your dreams. I have followed a much different path in life, but I love contemplating this remote way of life. I have a property where I can retreat, and you give me ideas for retirement and even tips for ways to use my place even now. I've told my relatives about your channel, and now they love it too!

I grew up on an Air Force base near Marquette Michigan. I was there in the ‘70s, early ‘80s and the snow made for a great place for a kid! Your sleds remind me of our Yamaha Exiter and Enticer.

I swear I am looking in the north woods for land right now and You and Brooke are my inspiration and then this video popped up! Serendipity? You guys are my FAVORITE ✨

Looking forward to following your journey. Two of my favorite people to watch and root for. May this new endeavor be everything you hope.

You had me at, "the middle of nowhere!" Exactly what I need right now!

Man you were brutal at the end of the off grid video; but extremely accurate and honest. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for this video. I made a huge mistake on 10 acres. Logging trucks came in all around me. I was over run by snakes and critters. I had to leave and land is basically worthless. So now after that financial disaster I am looking again but not this state. I appreciate your advice.Love both your channels!❤️❤️

Congrats on finding your new property, looking forward to seeing how you develop it as you move forward. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Take care.

This is the BEST, BEST, Best video with so much info. Thank you. LIVE THE DREAM! ❤ You two are awesome and inspiring to me. (67, female, strong, able, willing)

My two favorite people on RU-vid. Thanks for everything you share with us! God bless

Excellent points raised, exact hurdles we've considered about having remote land. Unless one wins the lottery or has huge retirement savings, then gotta consider having enough online/independent income like you both pointed out. At least to pay the annual land taxes & any small monthly bills left over after converting to as off grid as possible/eliminating as many bills possible like water electric & gas heat etc, so that's what I'm trying to figure out. I'm not sure if there is anywhere to escape zoning/permit inspection restrictions that I'm tired of seeing humanity suffer through if they have remote land it should be to each his own if they cause no intentional harm to anyone or the land. I'd like to build whatever I want on land if I ever finally get some & allow other ppl who cant get the land themselves the chance to live, build, garden and create art free & wild on some of it that isnt used for growing etc. So I'm sure it would have it be remote to be where we could all mind our business in peace as free spirits exercising our birthrights w/o permits for every right that should come natural. Glad you guys went at the right time & are so right about thoroughly checking out in person what may be cat-fished realtor listings as they tend to go beyond embellishing at times and checking how the land is spring/winter. I never saw your tv show since I watch very little programming the past several years now, but when I do I try to make sure its something worth it, which your content surely is : ) Much success to you two Beautiful souls!

I have been following your channel for a while and appreciate your no nonsense approach to content... I have been tracking Michigan's DNR parcel auctions in hopes of finding my own off-grid property; these tips & helpful hints are invaluable!

So happy for you guys. Welcome to the UP. You live the life I dream of. You remain an inspiration for my recovery from major health issues. From bed bound to camping and handicap biking......the woods are calling my name.

Thank you Dave and Brook. Have a wonderful day.

Have you guys considered starting a consulting business where you can guide people towards their version of off grid or remote living and if its right for them.

Hey Dave and Brooke, We live up next to the border in the Arrowhead and I have worked remotely for 10 years. First satellite then we got fiber optic. either way worked. One just a little more reliable. We found our place by word of mouth. You have great experience and my wife and I can't wait until you two get started. The first start of a journey begins with the first step. Take care!

I can't express in words my love and respect I have for you guys. You proved yourselves on Alone, and now share your passion and knowledge with the world. My wife and I moved to Alaska in August 2021 from Florida. I eagerly soak up every bit of knowledge you have to offer. We are in a dry cabin, but not off grid yet. Have a very Happy New Year ahead. We look forward to maybe sharing a meal together someday.

This is the best video on off grid property I've watched so far. Vital information! Thanks y'all!

Amazing amount of well thought information. Saved us a bunch of hard learned lessons that could have been very demoralizing. Thank you, Brooke and Dave!

This was great to open someone's eyes to the reality of remote property. It's too late for us but you two are like family and so we can enjoy this adventure with you through RU-vid. Be safe! looking forward to either of Y'alls next installment.

Awesome video. Made it all more realistic/ more real. Am very thankful for your (& Brooke's ) honesty. "If" we can get to own our own home we wouldn't be as remote & yes hooked up to the grid, BUT, would like to have back ups in place & maybe half off & half connected so if there is a "shut down" of the grid we wouldn't be "stuck"...... just back down ("simplify") our lives & be able to "keep on trucking" with our lives 😀😁😉. At 74 & 64 we sometimes wish we were 40 yrs younger BUT we still have the spirit in our side. Yes we struggle at times but we never give up Love ya videos & love to you both & thanks

I get out into the woods often myself, and have built several homes and even owned a farm. At this stage of life I am happy watching your productions and enjoying your experiences vicariously, so thank you!

What a great education, Dave and Brooke. I had no idea a realtor could put any pictures on their sites, if I did not misunderstand. Congrats on yall's new property. Can't wait to see what yall do with it. You two amaze me! God bless yall

Just discovered you guys. Dave, amazing step-by-step vid on building your small, remote love shack. This video too was equally as informative. Great beta on the realities of choosing a small remote homestead. Keep up the great work and thanks again for all the effort you've put into your vids.

I feel like you two are related to me some way. Your whole attitude and disposition is so close to how my family are its crazy! Thank you so much for your hard work, and for learning how to edit, so that we can feel like you're family.

I love everything about the two of you and your shows! It’s exciting just to watch and live vicariously through your adventures!

Nice work folks. Good things happen to good people. Looking forward to more of this adventure. Cheers.

Hi again B&D Happy to see you both together doing this excellent informative vid. Congrats on your new future home spot. Amazing trees and year round water make for a nice place. 40 with trails and no close neighbors yay. Looking forward to the time you start your new forever home. Thx as always for sharing and you two stay safe. A hug to Da Woof!

You guys have a wealth of information that is HIGHLY valued to individuals trying to live a life similar to yours. God bless, and thanks again!

Thanks Dave & Brook. Great wise words of wisdom, advice and recommendations🙏🙂

Wow! I just left a message on another one of your posts asking these very questions. This was so educational. Thanks guys for taking the time to educate your followers. Awesome video.

I'm soooooo excited for you guys!! Awesome you guys found some property!! Let the new adventures begin♥️👍

Love listening to you both! Thank you for your videos; the down to earth advise, sharing your experience, humor… LOVE IT!

We did the same thing! We snow machined into one property and snow shoe to another. Definitely an adventure!

The timing of this video is perfect. Last weekend, my girlfriend & I were also looking at land near lake superior. Good stuff.

Dave, thank you for your awesome videos! You and Brooke do a wonderful job explaining realities of remote living. It seems like some of your critics confuse ‘remote’ with ‘primitive’. Those are not the same thing at all. My wife and I are selling our home in the Grand Rapids area and are looking for something fairly remote and probably still in Michigan. I do need some type of Internet access, as I already earn my income online. We also plan on having creature comforts such as a well and septic tank, and indoor plumbing. Our camper is good down to 0 degrees - at least when the propane furnace works - but we are planning to have at least a small cottage, maybe not much larger than your cabin. We looked at one property last winter where we trekked up a hill only to find there was a 5G antenna right next to the property line. Not sure I want to be that close to a tower. Years ago, I took classes in passive solar system design, and it will be nice to apply that education. My questions are: - How do we determine the ground water level of an area? Is there an app for that? - How do we find locations where we are away from zoning areas, so that we can be flexible in what/how we build? I’ve seen that indicator right in listings, but it would be nice to know what general areas are like that as a whole. - it is possible that we can do without the camper to get deeper into the wilderness, but then we definitely need a place to live quickly - perhaps a wall tent like you guys lived in. Thanks for being the inspiration that you are! May God continue to bless you and your family, and that you continue to see that bright side even when crap happens, like a deer landing on your Escort in Canada! Be radical!

thank you so much !!!!!! this land was lucky to have you both caring for it !!!! love your channels

I’m East of you folks I believe, at the base of the Hurons. Wonderful country, have fun exploring those amazing lands. McCormick, Ford, and Leopold all understood the draw of this area too.

You guys do such great videos! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us on both of your channels. Good luck and God bless!

Very good points about access. My family owned a semi-remote house up in the mountain areas in my country. Had a big yard that ended up with a river, the other bank of which was the beginning of a 4000 ft mountain. It was a truly magical place, but the road to it was collapsing over time and at one point it became completely inaccessible to anything other than by foot, and that required an enormous amount of effort as well due to the elevation. Wanting to live remote is one of the main reasons I got into programming as well. One day, I hope I get to live on a remote piece of land like this. Cheers for the awesome video!

Discovered your wife yesterday and you today. I'm hooked, I just don't know why I didn't know about you two sooner. I found my remote paradise last fall in Nevada with most of the necessities already placed. The only draw back is there is no contact with the outside world. I honestly don't mind it but my kids freak out when I'm up there alone. Long story short, your videos have given me valuable information for things I can improve on and hopefully at least get cel service this year. Thank you for all the awesome tips. God Bless you both and congrats on your new adventure.

I am looking forward to watching you two as you keep living the dream!!!! You are both awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

This will be so much fun to watch as you settle the land! Congratulations!!!

I love this! I'm so happy for you guys! Thanks for your insight and can't wait to see your journey on the new homestead! Greetings from Tawas Bay, Mi

Of all the years ive been on this earth, i have never had such good, very informative advice. Thankyou both! A billion times! God bless you both.❤️💙🙏

Thanks to both of you, truly, for your insights/knowledge it is greatly appreciated.

Congrats guys super happy for you both and can’t wait for the amazing adventures on the property

Heading off grid just as soon as I get my stimulus check. Got land but can't afford lumber to build. Lumber I'd almost the price of gold in Vermont. I bought a chainsaw mill and debating on making my own lumber.the only thing stopping me id it's all mayple. Going to buy a wall tent. We have a huge stream on the land apple trees and Barry bushes cant wait .lol and talk about remote I was talking to s cop the other day and told him where we were moving and he asked me if I lost s bet lol.

Thank you Dave and Brook! Great advice and great video! - Josh!

Thank You so much!!! I've been researching on getting some remote property. I had to get away from florida cause there are too many people and not enought land. I am grateful to you for giving me and myrna some very good information. God Bless You guys.

Congrats 🍾 can’t wait to see what you do with this property!

Another helpful hint! If you don't want to pay for acrevalue, MANY counties now have their tax assessor maps online to view for free. It is essentially the same thing that acrevalue does, but you don't have to pay for the owner's name and address. I'm currently using this to find some land for our future homestead! Great video, as always!

Best video I've seen on RU-vid for finding and buying remote off-grid land.

Just so nice hearing to your experience . Thanks for your advice !

Congratulations on getting your new property! Can't wait to see what you can do with it.

Love you two. I wish I was young again. I will live vicariously through you-all. I will enjoy watching what you guys develop your new place 👍congratulations on the new land.

Congratulations, guys!! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Glad that beautiful piece of land worked out for you!

I’m fascinated watching you 2 but I wouldn’t want to live remotely. I like people nearby… but I really admire your creativity and work ethic. It’s fun seeing how to tap for water and build a shower. I just sold a riverfront property in the mountains of Washington state - small cabin with electricity and a well on it. Sold it to my nephew for almost nothing. He has kids and they will enjoy for years to come. 😊🌸🌺☘️

OnX maps is a great option for scouting properties. I started using it years ago for public land hunting, now I am on it everyday looking at property lines and owners.

OMG!!!! I AM SOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!!!! Looks like a great spot guys!!! Can't wait to see what you put up there!!!!!

Thank you for being kind and sharing your knowledge

Congratulations. Loved this information and I am going to have a blast with Acre Value. In the 70's that's how my parents purchased their 40 acres in north central MN. Plat book info and some dude in N.Y. city owned it and sold it to them because he liked the bird stationary my mother wrote the letter on. I love the passion you two have for Mother Earth. Thanks for this.