11 Ways Raw Land Can Fuel Your Business

When you think about creating a business that will lead to financial success and personal freedom, real estate probably comes to mind.

However, it’s unlikely that the real estate you are thinking of is raw land.

This is a shame since vacant land has a lot going for it, especially if you know how to invest properly.

Land can be used to fuel any number of businesses, both real estate-focused and otherwise.

The great thing about land is that it can accommodate any dream!

With a little bit of creativity, a parcel of vacant land can be a great tool for an entrepreneur.

Below are a few ways to make your land work for you.

1. Become An Investor

Are you interested in real estate?

Then you should consider investing in vacant land.

This involves buying land and selling it for more than you bought it for.

Of course, you do have to buy at the right price, but it can be very profitable!

2. Create Your Own Private Fishing Pond

Fishing is a popular hobby and many folks will pay for a nice spot.

If you can find land that is not near other great fishing sites, you could consider building a pond on your lot.

Stock it with the right kind of fish and put in some amenities, like picnic tables, and you can charge a daily rate to hobbyists in the area.

Just make sure you do plenty of research – building a pond will likely take more work than you are imagining.

3. Build Out Trails

Did you buy a large property with great natural appeal?

If your lot is an idyllic woodland or an expansive desert property, you will likely be able to get a lot of interest from nature lovers.

It doesn’t take much work to build out some trails and put up a few signs with information on the local flora and fauna.

You can charge a daily rate or a membership fee.

If you get a few folks who seem to come back again and again, you may be able to ask them to volunteer to help take care of the property.

Just make sure that you are a good steward of the environment!

4. Provide Adventure Tours

You can go a bit further and build out trails for adventure sports, such as mountain bikes, ATVs or snowmobiles.

There are not always many options for people who enjoy these activities and so folks will be willing to pay for a great spot to enjoy their hobby.

If you really want to make a business out of this, you can also buy some vehicles and lease them to tourists as well as provide tours.

5. Look Into Alternative Energy Development

In certain parts of the country, alternative energy is booming.

If you have enough acreage in the right location, you can lease your land to a company to develop a wind or solar plant on it.

This can be a very profitable use of your property in many regions.

For the entrepreneurial, you may even consider developing a wind or solar farm yourself.

6. Sell The Rights Associated With Your Property

If you are looking for funding for an existing venture, you could consider selling the mineral rights or development rights associated with your property.

This will allow you to retain the surface rights to the property and use it for other purposes.

But first, double-check that you own whatever rights you are trying to sell.

And also make sure you really want to give away these rights.

Afterall, your plans may change in the future.

7. Start An Airbnb Business

There are many ways you can use Airbnb to start a business with your property.

You can rent out the land to campers, or you can build a cabin or home on the lot.

The more effort you put into building out the lot, the more you will be able to charge for a night’s stay.

Regardless of the option you choose, many people have found success with this strategy.

8. Board Animals

Pet owners always needs a place to board their furry friends when they are traveling.

This goes for owners of cats and dogs as well as owners of horses and other larger animals.

Build out some kennels as well as stables and create a business caring for animals.

9.Farm The Land

Farming is one of the most common ways to make money from land.

However, if you want to make a business out of farming, you will need to know what you are doing.

To start with, you must make sure you are buying land with the right soil.

You will also need to have the necessary knowledge and skills to grow crops or raise animals.

10. Create An Event Space

A rustic lot is the perfect place to host a wedding or other major event.

If you compliment a beautiful setting with a gorgeous event space, you can make a business hosting major life events on your land.

Just make sure your land is close enough to town that you can find caterers and other necessary services.

11. Offer Owner Financing

If you are looking for a monthly income stream, you can sell your property with owner financing.

This also has the advantage of making your properties more affordable for your buyers.

Just make sure you are buying land at a great price in order to make sure you can profit when you sell.

This Isn’t All

This is just a start.

There are so many options out there.

Just make sure you check all local regulations before moving forward with any modifications to your property.

Author: Erika Benson, Co-founder at Gokce Capital

I am an architect by training and a former Affordable Housing Director for the City of New York turned full-time Land Investor. I used to help New Yorkers find affordable housing, now I help people around the US find affordable land!

I keep an active blog on my company website where I give advice on buying and selling land. I also have a YouTube channel with over 250 videos that provide tips for land buyers and information on our properties. Please check out my website to see more information on how you can sell your land.