Should YOU Buy Land as a HOMEBASE for Van Life? 

You are inspiring me. I love it

Awesome. 👍

I bought 2 600 W power boxes and a small solar panel just to learn from. I was thinking of trying to experiment with going off grid but I really do love having a refrigerator. What do you do to keep your food cool? Can you freeze your food? Also I'm not sure I could live without an air conditioner in our 90+ degrees June - Sept temps here at Sunset Beach, NC. Any ideas or advice would really be helpful to me. Thanks. I do have propane for winter heat. joyce

​@@joycehandersonfriends3225 you could make a root cellar to keep things over the winter I think

What area of Golden Valley did you buy in? What is the actual elevation of your property. I am looking for somewhere, GV is fine, that is in the 2,000 foot elevation, I need the lower area as I have lung cancer, thanks

There are no neighbors out there, lol

So true !

Great advice

Get the property surveyed

Yes !!!

I've seen similar structures in my area, but on commercial/industrial properties. I like the idea.

I like it, problem is theft and vandalism, can you protect w/ land mines?, live streaming video cameras?

@@trumpsAnti-Christs Your best defenses against that are location and concealment. Find an area with less theft/vandalism. Find a spot where your structure isn't visible from the road. Then, make access harder. Ditches, gates, boulders-keep unwanted vehicles from pulling right up to your structure.

What qbout bathing and a toilet?

@@pinkelefant4ever collect rainwater from the roof. Build an outhouse.

Wow! Now that is so smart!

Thats an interesting idea. Each nomad could host a two week camp in or something like that. It could be a great way to help each other out with tough projects and a great way to make friends.

How would such a system deal with those who take more out of it than they put in? For example someone camps at a spot for six months and has no intention or is unable to leave.

Agreed. Having a like minded support group around you is always a good idea. No man is an island. One never knows when circumstances might change. There is safety in numbers.

@@kdegraa That's why each party needs to have some 'skin in the game'. It could just as well be YOU who could not 'move on' if health or mechanical issues arose. At some point it WILL happen.. rigs get old, people get old, one needs to be ready for that inevitability. True friends WANT to help one another out... it's not always 'balanced' financially or itherwise. Chose your close friends WISELY. If you approach it only as a business arrangement you could be disappointed. I suppose one reason some camp grounds do not welcome rigs to stay that are over 10 years old do so for that very reason.

Excellent idea!

Amen, I have friends with off-grid spaces and it's like a whole commitment not only to get to them, but to even run to a store for stuff after you get there. Once you're out on your off-grid land, you will still need stuff. So what's the tradeoffs to that cheap land? It's something to be considered, especially if you are looking into having something for retiring when your body doesn't work as well as it use to.

Agree. The older you get the closer to civilization I would think you would want to be. In fact, I could see living out of a van (near cities, etc) being better for you at old age than living on land way out in the middle of nowhere. Provided of course that you can still drive the van. Though, if you can't drive then that would be even more reason not to live way out there. The only exception maybe being that you are ready to die and don't care if hospitals, etc, are available.

Good rebuttal. Very realistic. 👍

I would add to balance between cost of land and maintaining reliable transportation and/or mobile liiving quarters. Chemo is usually followed by radiation treatment. Radiation treatment is 5 days a week for 4 weeks or more. Either you will be driving a lot (gas, maintenance, etc) or you will need mobile living quarters that is well maintained. I still think it's a good idea for most to own a little place to call home.

@@gw9502 I think my only thing would be do you need to ‘own’ (minus the endorphins associated with the idea of ‘ownership’) especially if this is something you are pursuing late in life and you either don’t have children or have grown children who have their own stuff and are self sufficient at this point anyway. If we are talking late in life, not to be grim, but in reality you don’t have time to dedicate to anything with long term payoff at this point. It’s one thing preparing for the future at thirty when you have a reasonable reason to believe you can live rough off land for a few years and build up, another that life just didn’t work out and you are now knocking on 70 with health concerns and low income. Do you really need to ‘own’ (especially raw land) or are there cheaper options and alternatives that still offer the security of a home base (such as senior housing) or home sharing of some sort with a family member even. And would be closer to resources you might need or want in your senior years.

Aloha, born and raised on the big island of Hawaii 💚

Ya know, I haven't figured my life out in my mid 20s and have been feeling pretty down about it lately. I venture out when I can, but I haven't reached my adventure peak yet. Your story of finding your wife later on in life (45 is probably young to you now, but it feels like eternity from my 20s perspective) gives me hope that I can still enjoy life and not worry that I have yet to find a true partner. There's still plenty of life after 40. Thank you. Best wishes on your kickin' back. Hope you still get to enjoy the little adventures :)

@@madeleinec147 If you are happy staying single and want to see whats up out there before you settle down, just do it. You get to know people better that way, and when he comes along you'll know he's the right one for you! Best of luck. Enjoy Life!!

@@jadef6784 I stayed in Honokaa and Waimea. Worked on the Waikoloa Village Project in the 70's. How old are you bra?

Great fishing

Whenyou buy land like ghis do you have mineral rights

@marcella robinson Our raw AZ parcel did NOT include mineral rights. Definitely something to look into.

💯🎯

I have always thought about setting up a home base in Yuma area and one north for the summer months. Thanks for the advice.

And think about no water and no power on these lots which is very costly to put in.

I just read this post and "liked" it, then saw that I was the one who wrote it a year ago. Lol 😅❤❤❤

I've done that before!😂. But your comment really is a fantastic idea 💡

​@@debbiedebbie9473I'm seeing it for the 1st time. I've thought alone similar ideas. Obviously I like it

@@debbiedebbie9473 I don't know you, but your comment just warmed my heart. Thank you.

I have some worthless land in Valencia Nm if anyone ever needs a place to park, it allows like 30 days a year I believe. Welcome to send coordinates. I’m heading that way soon as my time is running up here in fl

Good idea

@@eckankar7756 lol😂😂😂😂

So Well Said!! 👍🏾

"WOLVERINES!!!"

If you're rigs broke, how will you get there?

Agree. It's never a bad idea to own land.

Smart man!

Property ownership is a mixed bag. We all grew up hearing about the American dream. I personally have owned property since 1980. I’ve also sold properties I’ve owned for profit. Often people don’t realize the cost associated with property ownership. In doing so they also don’t get the real picture of cost of ownership. Interest paid is huge cost, property taxes are also expensive, some have HOA fees, then maintenance expenses should also be included in cost of ownership. This can significantly decrease profit. Fortunately I have owned my homes free and clear since 2000 but I still need to budget for other cost that would not be their if I was renting. Just saying be sure to include all cost when making your decision.

@@TomBTerrific Yes. True.

Just sold mine yesterday! Official Nomad it is!

How is SAFETY With all the hardcore “ Gottaways” plaguing our border states ? Back in the 80’s I lived in Pine, Strawberry & Prescott Arizona… it was a different world back then Now we’re hearing and seeing RU-vidr nomads that LOVED Quartsite Arizona telling the truth on break ins and single women being attacked in their campers and vehicles they use to camp in …. I love the little to no Zoneing ideas state to state as I have to reside in my motorhome while I build tiny home to homestead …. Just as a single person Very concerned about the safety factor …. ( I have a faithful pup and am Considering getting my permit to pack heat and we’re not talking canned ;)! Sterno….

Si habla Español ???

I'll be 65 soon and I have lived within an hour of the Border or at the border all of my life. It's a very different place now than it used to be, and it will never be what it was again. I would feel just fine going over to Los Algodones on my own, been there so many times, that's where my favorite dentist is. But I would not venture as far down on the peninsula or especially on the mainland as I have before, and I would not even consider venturing over towards Juarez outside El Paso Texas, and that's where I grew up. Anyone who tells you that we do not have a border crisis going on doesn't know what they're talking about. I have lived it all my life. But these last four years are unbelievable. I have Hispanic friends that I have grown up with all my life, they're on my fb, and they hate what's happening at the border as much as anyone else and with great reason. What's happening in our country right now with these illegal immigrants is a slap in the face to their heritage, the people in their family who came to this country to build better lives for themselves and their families and did exactly that. My only reason for bringing that up is to remind people that we do all need to be careful. And one of the best parts about being out here is all the people you will meet who will, if you're lucky, many will become part of your tribe. You don't even have to see each other all the time, but you still stay connected, you still know who you can call and who can call you. It's an absolutely wonderful life out here! My only regret is that I didn't start it when I was younger than mid 50s. But if you had told me 15 years ago that I would be doing what I'm doing right now, I would have thought you were nuts! 🥔🥔😂 But here I am, loving it! I hope anyone and everyone who is considering this lifestyle will at least give it a whirl, you never know what you're capable of until you put yourself out there. Happy trails to all! 💖

If you pay taxes on the property can the municipality consider it abandoned?

excellent point for those with large acreages.

Remember the 2nd

If it is not there is usually an easement.

Land locked property definitely needs to be discussed with surrounding property owners on terms of access if possible....

Also look for liens/back taxes

As I recall, they have to let you use that road.

@@zedmak an easement is no guarantee of ongoing access. If the landowner upon which the easement is located decides to restrict access, you'll need to take them to court. If someone tries restricting access on a public road, that's the county's problem.

Just checking in... are you now on your land in Apache County? Wondering how its going?

You be careful currently many druggies! Criminals. Yes. But drones in the last year has reduced crimes. It was so bad fir a while. It's a place to keep one eye open while sleeping. If off grid. Camera systems are wise and knowing a decent reliable neighbor. There are lots of new people moving in. Locals don't want concho growing too bad they can't stop growth. Some folks shooting at neighbors further out. Yes!! How do I know. I currently know two people being shot at. That has to stop !!

Is it ok for me to ask you the name of the place you live in? Thank you so much.

Oh and can you have a mini van instead of an evening?

* Instead of a RV?

My first thought would be setting up something underground, but I doubt they let you dig very deep? Not sure?

@@jesshurley6407 you would have to take digging into your land selection especially in the southwest states, much of the land is shallow before bedrock. Going deeper becomes costly but the cooling/heating neutralization in high/low desert would be fantastic.

@@HeatGeek1 good ideas. Another one is to place a tiny house or trailer on the property and allow a care provider to live free (minus utilities) to watch the property and items inside pole barn or similar structures with camera system. There are many horror stories of entire cabins and their contents missing while left vacant on rural, private properties. Many communities will not let you “camp” on a vacant lot you purchased and pay taxes if no hookups exist.

@@jesshurley6407 But do be sure to check what sort of soil the lot has and how deep it is. There's a lot of caliche in the Southwest. Not fun to dig in unless you enjoy digging in concrete. Also, be sure to check the flood maps before buying or you may end up with land that gets cut off by or is in the middle of an arroyo.

You need good neighbors 100%. As much as I dislike folks, there is no question, you need good folks to watch your back and it feels good to watch theirs. There is a saying I like: if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, stick together.

a timeshare?

Quit thinking of having so much stuff. Go small. Find a place to safely obtain water.

@@travelswithrickandzeb725 In my defense, I'll point out that most of the "stuff" I listed were items a prepper (or anyone paying attention to current events) might stock as a buffer for hard times, not so much luxury items like furniture or decorations. I mentioned them because Bob has done videos on keeping extra shelf stable foods on hand for hard times and a piece of land offers a way to have any number of preps on hand without cramming a vehicle full necessities, sould problems arise in our food distribution chain or shipping system that cause shortages for a period of time. Or, if one wanted to camp on that land without having to leave to resupply for a few weeks or longer, having a cache or two might allow that, too. While you may see no benefit or value in having access to extra necessities, you can rest assured there are other nomads who will. My post was for anyone who might be interested, for whatever reason they choose.

Why bury supplies when you could bury the building with supplies in it? Bunker time!

@@lordmalachi6 I like the way you think, though that would require more work.

Good points!

@Kathleen Dittmer - Do you think it would be possible to have a reliable mobile hot spot internet on a piece of land like this in AZ? Also, I'm wondering if there would even be cell phone service. It could be risky for an older person to be out there by themselves too long without an ability to call for help.

When I bought acreage it had no address. I had to go to the county to get a 911 address assigned. It wasn't a big problem.

@@rwspal Glad you got address in your county. My msg is a heads up. People should ask the county (not the realtor) about that before they buy.

Where I bought west of Bob they won't assign address until you get a build permit

Thanks looking into that trailer to store. I was considering simply storage but that trailer makes for a quick pick up and go. I may do both idk.

All these people worry about medical service all the time. Stop living in fear. The whole country was settled by pioneers who had no medical service at all. Tons of them lived into their 90s. Stop eating whatever you're eating that's causing you to have such problems and just live your life. We're the first generation that feels like we have to live within 5 minutes of a doctor. It's ridiculous.

It can also raise your yearly property tax so high it's not feasible. Location and research is crucial.

The goverment makes sure its a very difficult task if not impossible. It only happens in the US, so you know its by design.

@@yougeo It's not "living in fear", it's being sensible. It's rather silly to forego something readily available that will keep you healthy just to "act tough and fearless". The irony of your comment is that the fear of being perceived as "fearful" is worse than a reasonable fear based on an actual risk to your life. So many health risks can be avoided just by having regular checkups. Think "stitch in time". Just like maintaining your car. Do you call it "fearful" when someone takes their car in for a tune-up or oil change, or have the brakes checked, etc?? Do you think the pioneers would have snubbed access to modern medical care if it was easy to obtain? As for your "tons of them lived into their 90's", statistics don't bear that out. They were the exception, not the rule - average life expectancy was around 40 in the mid-1800's. I would agree with you that people need to be sensible and balance their healthcare needs against other factors and priorities, but the tone of your comment to not be concerned about it at all is just plain foolhardy.

@@yougeo Totally agree with you.

Be careful where you buy, water table is dropping and wells are drying up! Land may be cheaper in Cochise but no water isn't going to help you survive. If you try rain water harvesting, good luck! Arid a lot of the months. Humidity is low. Build a huge roof to catch the rain and barrels to store. 🤠

My Aunt and Uncle lived there the last day s of their lives *(Dragoon))i think the name oif the town ,,being an iowa farm boy he would take his pickup truck pick up donkey and burro dropping as fertilizer he had the greenest acre with grass trees vegetables ,,pretty soon all the other retiree s hired him to do their yards ,,,,NO LAND IS WORTHLESS liked Cochise county God bless

@@suzanneweitzel8969 i was watching frugal off grid and he uses water catchment and is able to have enough water for him and his animals. He has a small farm. Crops too. Just catching rain water. He's in the same area. Around Tucson

@@jasonpolk3491 cochise has a lot of beautiful places. If you have a good plan and money to back it, you definitely can do rain harvesting and also solar. The wind where I am will whip through the mountains. One Easter it came through here at a 91 mile gusts! Even sierra vista had to shut down the Easter parade due to the overnight damage! It moved my corral panels! Wild! If you wanna grow, check the land. I do tanks as the rocks and gophers were horrible. Maybe hydroponics is an option. Anyways, cochise is a beautiful, but it definitely needs some creative work in some areas! 🤠

@@suzanneweitzel8969 kn

That is a good idea.

That is a great idea, but I feel like the trend in the states, as home ownership becomes more like a dream to people than a reality, these towns and counties are enacting regulations that are hostile to creative solutions to this mess.

I seen that in certain places. You can be the Mayor even if you are the only person who lives there

Check out Cerro Gordo on YT. He has an old silver mine. Very interesting.

need to be by a hospital

I was looking into land in California City recently and one of my questions was if they would allow someone to live in an RV. I also had questions about the crime rate, but sounds like it's not too bad.

Sounds heavenly

Excellent idea

Bingo..

Bob has a video about an RV park in Arizona that is even cheaper than a storage lot!

Until a private investor buys it and Jack's the rent up because they know it's very difficult for RV and other people owners to move. It's happening all over.

I was looking for such a thing near my major city. No dice. At all. I think you'd have to find a factory or something and do that.

The state of Virginia doesn't allow RV living on your own land. Can you imagine. Ambulance Is already built out. For me that's the way to go too

@@Graymanvanlife When people tell you voting is not important. Remember what you just typed. This is not any type of political admonishment. Just the facts when it comes to liberty...

In the applachias people live in their RV's out in the boonies

I have seen many articles of people squatting on that type of land. How do you protect it? How do you keep theft from happening from anything you install?

@@cheri6174 I was thinking the same thing too. I know the police can take squatters from a private business. I was thinking of starting a LLC and putting up a sign on the property, so if squatters attempt to, you know, squat. The police can arrest them instead of having to evict them.

BobVille.

Thats sounds like a great idea! Im in if you decide to do it Bob!

There's always great power in unity. Someone need to take initiation with group of people. I am in.

I offered that on this channel 3 times in past. Not 1 person contacted me.

@@HidingFromStupid I'm not sure the channel would reach the people you want. A "Go Fund Me" type of scenario where the funding buys a percentage of ownership may work. A cross between time share, crowd funding and Airbnb.

Love Bob, but his plan is pie in the sky.

I agree! We all have such a short time on this earth its ashamed to waste it buying into that crap!

A senior apt I noticed the other week in a small town north central Texas 900 a month. Sounds like a huge chunk of a social security budget to me. For forty plus years I dreamed of a small chunk of land in Texas. Guess what it looks real bad for the home team, (me). Price of land is skyrocketing and “OSSF” looks like a serious issue looks like my “rinu” friends may have done me in once again. But I have not given up yet.

@@jbman413 I’ve seen them way cheaper then that. Also, if I would only do it if the body was failing. Otherwise I wanna stay on wheels, not stay still. But if the body is failing and I can’t do things like I use to, the last thing I want is Raw land. The price of a senior living community is worth the security of the community at that point.

While I agree with you regarding a lot of places having too many laws and restrictions imposed upon raw land ownership, I don’t agree with you about the statement of senior apartments being comparatively cheap. Many senior apartments can be pricey, depending upon the location. Most places in California are well over $1500-2000 or more per month for a 1 bedroom if you want to live in a decent area. Most seniors on fixed incomes cannot afford this.

Same here. i got 4 lots conjoined on a pond overlooking a golf course in an area with a private airstrip! 2000 down 400 month ( taxes on it all are 300 a year and i can camp 90 days a year or develop ... unreal!

Thanks for that information.

Good idea if you're healthy......😊

FAR TOO MANY do. its stupid in most places... zoning? who the hell cares.... theres nobody for miles

Are you sure it isn't already happening? I mean, there are definitely some brain dead people roaming around.

At this point, I think I’d consider it a relief 😂

@@zachparade2791 Right!! 😂

I've seen a couple of them already.

Can't wait for the zombie apocalypse

Come visit me Kay tee 😁

i would like to see that. do you have a link?

@@amy2brno2b That's one of his vids, which will take you to My Self Reliance (the name of his channel). Happy viewing. 😊

@@tracimcmurray5244 cool, thanks!

Are you Burt Gummer?

I was thinking the same thing… go to ground, become one with your environment. Hide, basically. That way potential thieves will drive right by.

Atlas Survival Shelter. Not cheap; but would work for this application if you have the financial means.

@@deepsea5107 that is doable on a shoe string if your resourceful.

@@deepsea5107 That is EXACTLY what I'm talking about for the living portion of the plan -- Thank you for bringing this to my attention!! A really really fancy and complete version of what I was envisioning. Imagine having this combined with a hide-a-way garage in the middle of nowhere but still being able to store/collect/filter rain water, a bit of solar, maybe a TESLA power wall if we want to get really fancy... instant leviable abode for years!

Right?! I always think about small underground area. I think Leathal Weapon 1-Mel Gibson had an emergency drop under his trailer-I would be able to drop into a hidden shelter. 😉🤣

Hello Keith how are you doing😊

How much land? and what is a going rate there?

@@mikek.9980 I purchased .29 acres. I paid a little under 10,000.

How much did it cost?

If someone breaks into my place , they will still be here when I get home 😂

Where in Mexico? Ajijic area?

@@tomking5358 Yes that's where the place I read about is located, though I'm guessing there may be others in other locations. Fortunately I'm not in any rush to figure it out ...... yet.

@@tomking5358 what kind of cost was ? Do you know? Do they have assisted living? Very interesting! Our long term care has gotten so expensive and subpar

then build a house. not hard.

You may stay on BLM land for up to 14 days per stay. Some locations have a fee, others not (and there are sometimes just a few miles apart, plenty in NM or AZ). I know folks that plan there are vacations visiting them.

Damn that’s horrible

He mentioned it at 11:27

@@mjb0500, thanks, I missed that-

Ya, we are getting priced out too down here in South Florida.

I am finding that all over the country as I am in Florida right now. Rents have doubled in most cases. I feel for the people as I feel their pain when they tell me their stories. Just check out the increased population through-out our great country of homeless where people are forced to live in their cars and on the street. Our priorities have changed. We no longer care about each other in a country that has plenty. Do Lives Really Matter? Angelo Darin

@@ridelocalride the movie Nomadland is really true. I'm coming to learn that in a very personal way. I wouldn't be able to travel with my rig, I found one & bought it, due to my vehicle BUT I do have a home & met some super new neighbors.

@@ridelocalride That's what happens when capitalism becomes attacked and you start caring more about those outside your country than you do those inside.

Hello how are you doing😊

Doing good, been running around in my old class b campervan today. Don't live in it but it fun

Something like that I think you just need to start small or you may never get started. I didn't do anything like that but I did have a few homes at one point. I started by buying just one... I barely was able to do so. Then when I moved I rented that one out. Then when I moved again I rented that one out also. It took me about 10 years to get to that 3 house mark. However, at that point I had enough collateral and good credit that I could have doubled that number in half the time. While I did consider it, owning a bunch of houses was never my thing/goal. I only did it to build equity, etc. Which did make me a nice profit. However, I like keeping my life nice and relaxed and owning a bunch of rental properties isn't that...lol.

you can't camp on your land in most of the United States, either.

Time to move. When enough do, stuff changes.

Huh. No mail sounds good to me. Lol.

I can imagine it can be a lot more costly than one would of thought. Thanks for the information

What kind of structure. Does it have to be a house. If not maybe just put a shed on your land with power to it. Then put in for an address.