And I've seen $10M deals executed on a handshake.

Don't pretend to know MY circumstances. My landowner despises hunting. he's never killed an animal in his life....and he's a retired electrical engineer.He has a relationship with me. I'm a good steward of his land.....and he recognizes the fact that we're friends. If he needed the money....he'd have taken the money I offer to pay him for the priviledge of hunting his property. I tell everyone....he don't have a CLUE what I'd be willing to pay . If the time arises when he thinks about selling it.....we've already talked about that possibility.

Your scenario may play out in others' circumstances, but I'm betting there are PLENTY of people who have circumstances just like me. Rob/PA is one of them.