Knobby,
I think Dan O. has some good points and It worked for me. When I went to get my land I bought a creek bottom full of big trees. I gave considerably less than what the land around it was going for because Cattlemen can't use it or don't want it. They prefer open pasture with as much available grazing as possible. Point this out during negotiations or better yet use a Buyer's agent like I did. Real estate agents will try to give you some load of BS about being able to fairly represent the interests of both parties but thats impossible because your best interests are exactly opposite. Another thing I looked for was mineral rights, the last thing you want is to have to allow somebody else on your land because he has the right to be there to check the oil or gas wells (he's not supposed to, but what if he keeps a rifle behind the seat ? This is more common than you might imagine). Overall I'm very pleased with the land I bought except for the neighbors and I guess I should have checked or something. Ideally they and all the other neighbors wouldnt hunt. Oh well just my 2 cents worth good luck. Now that I think about it if you read my post from the other day You'll know how bad the neighbors bug me. I think I would advise meeting the neighbors before making any offer since its such a major purchase and you'll be beside them until one of the two of you sells. Somebody once told me in real estate the deal of a lifetime comes along about once a week take your time try to think rationally and controll your emotions. Of coarse having said that there is a lot of emotion involved in a purchase like this. Good Luck Again.