I went out on a limb back in 1983 @ 22 yrs old to buy 100 acres 10 miles from the downtown area. Paid $32500.00 Houses were going for $40k at the time. Was told I was crazy for spending what I did. Fast forward to currently selling 2 acre lots that border me for $30k. Who was not crazy back then ? Yes I got laid off shortly after buying the land and had to put off building a house for 2 yrs but I worked 2 jobs until I got back on my feet.

Heh, maybe... How olds your daughter again . I will move west not east, I want to live somewhere with that western culture.

Like Denver? Lol lots of places turning blue. Before we got the farm I was leaning Idaho or southern Missouri. Logistics to shop in Idaho made it impossible. Made several trips Shopping in MO. Loved it and the people. Some day I may sell out and end up there once land prices get high enough and I get crowded out. Probably will never happen but it always on the back of my mind.

I told my wife she better not plan a western vacation because I may not come back.

I don't care if its a blue state as long as the local culture is conservative. I want to live somewhere you wave to every car that passes you. Montana, Idaho, Wyoming are the only real options.

If you do not get this land I would not let it bother you to much. My parents bought 80 acres when we were kids and I love the land and it is worth way more than when they bought it but the stress it put on their marriage and our family made it not worth it, even as a kid I remember how tight things were and the stress it caused.

PF,
It seems there are many moving parts and who can know the future, true?
It's evident from your input you would like this property REAL REAL bad.
The market is ripe for low-interest loans, yep.
Right next to you, check.

Risk is the neighbor I guess. Not sure from your OP how exactly another layer fits in. I don't care to enter land deals with others. Never have. Never will.
I'm sure you'll swing the cash some how. Don't we always.

Perhaps your only real question is what you might already know; "What does my future personal life appear to have to be in the future (how many years?) with me scratching and fetching to own this ground I want REALLY bad?"

How's the family figure into this?
How's your health for the next 2 decades look to hold up?
Stuff like that.
I have no idea how old you are, but are your earning years (as in all day every day) in front or behind you?

So does more ground and less cash/time sound good compared to less ground and more cash/time at your age?
You building a legacy or a life?

Good luck sir.
Blessings,
Mark