Real Estate Investing: How to Find Great Deals on Undeveloped Lots with Big Potential

Purchasing a plot of land can be one of the best investments to make. A landowner has great (but not unlimited) freedom in how to develop their plot, and land never expires so its potential is essentially infinite. That said, buying undeveloped or vacant land can be risky business, so read on to find tips on purchasing a plot.

Do Your Homework: Before You Get Onto The Land

Before anything else happens, figure out your priorities. Decide what you want the land for, what amenities and what location you want, what you’re looking for in terms of neighbors or local government, and, of course, know your budget. More specific questions will arise around taxes, fees,and permits for building, available utilities/water access but, first, just start with your ideal land plot and work backwards (and into reality) from there.

Do Your Due Diligence: On The Land Itself

Once you find a plot that fits your needs on paper, get out onto it. Walk the land with an eye on the topography (any unexpected hills or valleys? Is the ground solid/fertile/arable, depending on what you need?), neighboring properties, size and shape of the plot, and any other element that the walk brings to your senses (smell and hearing as well as sight). Ideally, do this walk in the fall, so there is no foliage hiding your view of the property and what’s around it.

Don’t Despair: It’s Costly, But There Are Deals Out There

Remember that developing the land will incur costs too. Budget for as many foreseeable costs as you can, including a land survey, well/utility installation, legal fees, land clearing, landscaping, road construction and others. That said there are places you can look at for deals on the initial land purchase, including property lots for sale (which are cheaper the farther they are from major cities, road access, and already-connected utilities) or bank-owned plots. For those, you can talk to your real estate agent about asking local banks for lists of their foreclosed properties, which tend to be cheaper as banks look to sell them off.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask: Reaching Out To Experts

Finally, talk to people. Ask locals about the neighborhood, previous uses of the land, potential surprises (like calm paths that turn into snowmobile trails in the winter). Connect with professionals in the local health department, zoning and building departments, accountancy and other areas of development for in-depth answers to your municipal questions.

But remember: while you will need to talk with many professionals in your due diligence, let me be your first point of contact – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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9501 E Broadway Road Mesa, AZ 85208

$19,900

2 Beds

1.5 Baths

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662829

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This is a 2 bed, 1 & 1/2 bath in a 55+ adult community. The unit has wood flooring, neutral paint throughout, updated kitchen sink/faucet, 2 toilets, all ceiling fans, window blinds, lighting and stainless appliances! The Patio room / sunroom is screened in and shaded with plenty of storage . The community offers a heated pool, library and all the extra clubhouse amenities.

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265 S Smelter Road Hayden, AZ 85135

$19,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6647911

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a great place to create a ranch and have all the off road devices you possibly want. Come take a look at the possibilities today!

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5201 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85031

$18,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6610629

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

***Highly Motivated Seller***55+Park***You will enjoy the spacious feeling in this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home, a super cute home, and a bargain to boot! This adorable place could be either your primary home or your Arizona getaway! Boasts an beautiful Arizona room, which is where the second bedroom is. The interior of this darling place has been well taken care of, with upgrades galore: New wall unit style AC/Heating units remotely controlled as well in Front room, bedroom and 2nd bedroom. Freshly painted inside recently inside. The refrigerator and dryer stay. Low maintenance yard. Buyer to verify schools. New hot water heater as of Jan 2024! The water and sewer are also included in the lot rent! Lot rent is approximately $855.00, Live in a great 55+ park with many amenities to enjoy. Heated pools and spas, or enjoy your days playing pool or reading from the vast library. The walking and biking path winds through the community. This place is bargain paradise!

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9333 E University Drive Mesa, AZ 85207

$18,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

728 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6629913

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This spacious 1bd & 1ba will have you ready to relax and kick back with comfort and activities for the single person or active couple. If you feel like you're moving slowly at your age, come on in and get speed back in your step. Here are some amenities our residents enjoy together. Spa, Horseshoes, Shuffleboard Court, Billiard Room, Library, Fitness Center, Dog Park. This home sits in the back on an end cap, so you can have that private BBQ if you want that solitude back. New flooring and subflooring in 2022. A three-car parking spot that will allow your visitors to park off the road.

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7807 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$18,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6661953

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This home comes furnished !! You'll definitely LOVE this single-story residence with carport space in Mesa. Once inside, you'll immediately be welcomed by the perfectly-sized great room graced with wood-look flooring in all the right places. Cook your favorite recipes in the kitchen, displaying matching appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The sizable primary bedroom will give you a good night's sleep after an exhausting day! Sit back and relax under the covered patio. Take advantage of the excellent amenities this Community has to offer, such as a swimming pool, spa, and many more directly across the street from you ! Library sits next door to your home and the laundry mat is steps away from your front door. What are you waiting for? This value is ready for you to move in and enjoy!

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16005 N 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$17,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6635032

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Seller Financing Available! This one bedroom, one bath is located within the 55+ age restricted community of Paradise Valley Ranch. Freshly painted, this home features central AC and heat, gas cooking and all appliances including W/D. It features two extended covered carports offering privacy and shade. Located at Paradise Valley Ranch 55+ Community operated by Treehouse Communities. Community amenities include, pool, spa, fitness, recreation center, outdoor dining and laundry. The lots are spacious and private.

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425 E Mckellips Road Mesa, AZ 85203

$17,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658266

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Welcome to a life of comfort and serenity in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath mobile home nestled within the heart of the La Casita Community in Mesa! This inviting mobile home is perfect for both practicality and relaxation. Boasting two cozy bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom, it provides just the right amount of space for a comfortable and manageable lifestyle!

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9421 E Apache Trail Mesa, AZ 85207

$15,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662675

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Economical 1bed/1bath home located is 55+ Desert Valley Oasis. Spacious Living Room with Eat In Kitchen Counter space. Spacious Kitchen with plenty of cabinet space for dining. Gas Stove and Oven. Appliances Included. Many Updates Including NEW AC and ROOF 2020, New Flooring 2021, New Awning 2023. Large FENCED lot. Storage Shed includes Washer & Dryer. Easy Commute To Shopping, Entertainment, and Freeways. Seller Is Motivated!

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425 E Mckellips Road Mesa, AZ 85203

$15,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

784 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668136

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Charming mobile home in an adult community. Well cared for and maintained home. Newer plumbing, metal roof with coating with lots of life left. Nice big deck with a car port and a storage shed out back. FENCED in back yard great for pets~!

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