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10 ways to investigate your property's potential
Use this checklist to decide what deserves further research. It does not establish income, ownership rights, or appraised value.
- Farmland: Compare local rental rates, soil quality and lease restrictions.
- Buildings: Check structural condition, insurance, zoning and storage demand.
- Equipment: Record make, model, hours, condition and completed-sale comparisons.
- Antiques: Photograph markings and find sold—not asking—prices.
- Timber: Ask a licensed forester for a timber cruise before estimating value.
- Recreation: Check access, liability coverage, local rules and lease comparables.
- Energy: Investigate utility access, setbacks, resource quality and lease terms.
- Development: Confirm zoning, easements, floodplain and infrastructure.
- Natural resources: Confirm legal rights and permitting before assigning value.
- Specialty uses: Test local demand for camping, beekeeping or agritourism.
Before spending money
Gather parcel ID, current photos, tax records, any leases and easements. For each opportunity, record the source, date, expected costs, and what still needs inspection.