(10 Mistakes) When Building Off-Grid...

We learned so much the hard way, including what we should have done with our 💩 from day one! // Thanks to ENGWE for sponsoring this video. Shop the L20 with early bird pricing: shrsl.com/4fvil
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We're a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in North Idaho. Follow along as we turn a pole barn into our dream shop with an upstairs apartment!
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00:53 Dealing with Toilets
02:29 Buy a MASSIVE D8 Dozer
04:31 Facing Riley's biggest fear
05:17 Our concrete FAIL
06:09 Heating with Waste Oil
08:06 Popping an Army Truck Tire
09:01 It was ruining everything we owned...
10:54 We got stuck... A LOT
12:20 Buying the Wrong Generator
13:52 D8 Dozer Completely Stuck

[@AmbitionStrikes]

🚨What do you think our biggest mistake was?! // Shop the L20 with early bird pricing: shrsl.com/4fvil

[@ToddDesiato]

Admitting to them. ;-)

[@p20071]

Not thinking about consequences of "actions". Perhaps leaving holes which rodents can use to climb under tin can still have big consequences. IMHO when under tin there is no way to block them entering attic and everywhere.

[@lionelvega-salas1126]

Good morning,in my book you both are champions in tackling such a big project,and not giving up. The limit is where you set it. Been following your youtube seen day one,thank you for sharing,stay strong family👨‍👩‍👦

[@akdisney]

You forgot bugs too that Rodents @@p20071

[@kevinmills5293]

The condensing water maker?

[@EnGammalAmazon]

This is a great video. They say, "....it took a lot of mistakes...." What's great here is that they are incredibly candid about their mistakes and that takes guts when you know it does not often make you look good. I am a fan of authenticity and that is why I enjoy their videos so much.

[@markmitchell457]

As a 1970s off grid hippie, I think you nailed it twice in your video. Don't get in a hurry. Our first summer we were too ambitious, and tried to get too much done, in too little time. The next year we slowed down, checked out plans, tools, and equipment availability (rented backhoe), and the weather before doing anything. In the 70s there was no internet, no sat com emergency radio. Our comms were a CB radio network. In 3 hops we could get to someone with a phone (or could drive to a phone) and call for help. In the evening the CB was our entertainment, news source, and gossip line. 54 years ago there was very little off grid equipment available. Most was imported from Australia. Batteries, controllers and solar panels were very expensive to ship to Oregon, so we Mickey Moused a 12v Cadillac ambulance alternator to an existing windmill. We used an ever growing bank of deep cycle batteries made for boating. We snagged a auto cassette player / speakers cheap at a junk yard and had music for the first time in a year, making our place very popular on Saturdays 😎. Peace and Love. Have fun!

[@scottcochran384]

the Dozer has a winch on the back, it's not stuck! it's just Delayed.. having run Dozer in the coal mines I have had a D8 hanging on the winch line before.. it can pull that dozer out if you can find a secure Anchor point to pull from

[@matthodel946]

Esp. if they fashion up a pulley or two from a couple fat trees

[@prant8998]

Or, dig in a deadman anchor with the backhoe and attach to that with the winch. That bulldozer will fly out of that hole like it has wings.

[@suzannekrause9601]

Both of you graduated from Cal Poly. Their slogan is “Learn By Doing.” You two are the poster child for your alma mater. Every university in America needs to adopt this slogan, whereby students work inside and outside of the classroom making “mistakes” and fixing them. Those words are also your family’s legacy. Go team Casey!

[@genedegiorgio1617]

Hind site is always 20/20. Never sell yourselves short. Loved the video.

[@jordanabendroth6458]

We inherited some family land in latah county Idaho from a dead relative and we're trying to get it so we could use the cabin on the weekends, we had a resource management company have loggers come in and log out like a quarter of the trees (just to thin out the ones that were dying and keep the forest healthy) and they also burned a bunch of slash pile waste once it was safe to burn last fall. we basically got a free road from the county road to the cabin so overall, having the trees logged was WELL worth it.

[@Jimbo65203]

Thank you for sharing your mistakes, and that takes courage to admit. You've done your share of learning from your mistakes, and believe me, as a 70-year-old man, you never stop learning. The main thing is not to fall off the roof; always use a safety harness. We think we are steady and secure until we fall, and as we fall, we say to ourselves, "What have you done now? Jim."

[@derkjalink3788]

Spot on!

[@FFLFFS]

I’m 70 and I endorse this message !

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I have a healthy fear of heights. I don''t take friends to overlooks anymore- they always want to walk out on the edge and I want to pull them back. You have four seconds to say: damn, I wish I hadn't done that. @@derkjalink3788

[@cayankeelord3730]

@Jimbo65203 My name's Jim too, I can relate, but I fell out of a tree. I hope it's not a Jim thing.

[@Jimbo65203]

@@cayankeelord3730 me too. I fell from a tree at about the age of 6 and from 15 feet up it. I swear I hit every limb head-first, then the root. I was unconscious, and when I woke up, I was lying in the flower bed.

[@pdzh]

As a propane delivery driver, I can say it help me a lot if my costumers have their roads marked with snow markers. Even if there is few inches of snow on the ground and your driveway marked, I will drive in and make that delivery to keep my customers warm.

[@citizentex5720]

I’m sure I’m not your target demographic since my kids are older than you but I have been binge watching your videos after a chance watch and have enjoyed them immensely. From tackling any project fearlessly to doing the hard things to showing your mistakes, this channel has been like a walk down memory lane and more. Even though I haven’t done half what you have, trust me when I tell you that forty years from now you will remember everything fondly and your children and grandchildren will be in awe of their ancestors. That there is video for them to watch is bliss. You are enriching the lives of generations of your family. I hope others will follow your example. Bravo!

[@John-qc8yy]

We use an Ultra low flush RV style toilet at our off-grid cottage. Just the black-water feeds into our 1000 gal plastic holding tank which we have pumped out. Since our cottage is seasonal the tank lasts for 2 years between pumpouts. We're on a big rock so a gravity fed septic wasn't an option but with all your equipment installing your own septic would make a lot of sense to me!

[@cayankeelord3730]

I really wouldn't say it's a mistake, but I would have expanded your second floor living space over the entire area while you were at it. I'm sure it'll happen in the future, your going to need the space with probably more kids in the future. As a side note, I would definitely look into sheet rocking the ceiling of the shop with double layers of 5/8. Most areas require this per code with a living space over a garage in case of fire to save lives. It gives you time. CO/smoke detectors might be problematic on the ceiling of the shop due to welding fumes and other smoke sources, but I would at least install a simple ceiling mounted heat detector fire alarm system in case ( God forbid ) a fire breaks out in the shop somehow. Maybe expand the fire alarm system to incorporate CO/smoke detectors for inside the "apartment". I did a system like this that is 120 VAC powered those have a "messenger" wire that connects all the detectors together so that if one trips, they all sound off. I connected all the out buildings and separate shop to my house like this. Protect you and your family, because we love you guys ! Be safe and not too reckless Riley!

[@spencerjhog4429]

I believe I speak for many of your watchers when I say some of what you call "mistakes" have saved a lot of folks a lot of time and frustration. I was super intrigued with the water generator as it seemed like an ideal solution to my remote water issue. Your real world experience saved us from going down that path! Thank you. And now for the waste oil furnace. Cars are a hobby and waste oil is an endless resource but thank goodness for the cost analysis. Saved me more money. While Ryobi is not exactly no-name I was disappointed it delivered such poor service. The Honda was a good choice so kudos on that. Well done!

[@markmitchell457]

Honda is always a good choice for equipment.

[@donalddodson7365]

I imagine this episide will be very helpful to those considering and starting out on totally "off grid" living. Good job.

[@22kmclaren]

You were NOT idiots, because you learned from your mistakes. Keep on being amazing and allowing us to learn with you so we can start from a better place if we dare to start our own off grid journeys.

[@peterjd]

What about a colab video with Diesel Creek, see if Matt can work his magic. Seen Riley in on of his jumpers a while back? That would be a fab video. Maybe a spring video though ad Matt is a busy man 😁 What ever you choose to do you'll do it welly, love watching and looking forward to the next.

[@njh4473]

Everyone make mistakes it’s one of the ways we learn, you guys did an amazing job, keep safe and keep the videos coming.

[@CaptainKseadog1]

Large learning curve for city folk and you were better prepared than most. You have come far Pilgrams.😁❤❤

[@Truthvector]

Riley mentioned Green Acres. That show was designed to mock early forms of preppers. This show "Ambition Strikes, is an unabashed "slice of life" akin to America's early settler.

[@markmitchell457]

Yes indeed. No one brought a plasma table and machine shop to the woods in the 70s. The best we could do was a quality chainsaw and a 1 man Alaskan mill. It was a very good start.

[@wjhann4836]

We say in Germany: The one who works makes mistakes. The one who works much makes more mistakes - there are some individuals that claim making no mistakes.

[@mt-qc2qh]

I never considered living off grid, but I love watching your adventures. You're a great couple/family. All the best....

[@molyoxide164]

its not really off grid when you funded by youtube to do everything.... lets get this correct they are living isolated not off grid

[@MrKevins1111]

I have been watching forever what you guys are calling mistakes I call opportunities to learn yu guys have done fantastic, Congratulations.

[@mattgirgenti3595]

Key life lesson (that I am really bad about!!) ... "Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it."

[@Bondodon1849]

Mistakes? None! A few important learning experiences? Sure. But that happens to all of us. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm sure many (including me) have learned a great deal from them. Always enjoy your vids!

[@danielharsh7698]

I have watched you since you bought the Idaho property. You have done great things, sure you have made some mistakes. We all do. You have learned and learned well. You are willing to take chances, and I have loved watching you grow.

[@ralphswartz7961]

I too graduated from Cal Poly, and I agree with the motto Learn by doing.

[@Pattipileloader]

Long time viewer i started following just before you bought that proberty up there and started that epic journey to make it your home. I Love your videos and your ambition. Something that strikes me a little sideways is that you tend to beat yourself to much when something doesnt work out or you make a mistake. You just have to remember that shit happens, mistakes were made and you live and you learn. No body goes through life without doing mistakes and it can weigh you down and discourage you to keep pushing, keep working on that dream. So keep it up! Im here for it and you guys!

[@samanthaammann6238]

Thanks for making this video. It's always such a huge help when you can share your experience with others, especially the parts that you would change if you did it again. My husband and I have watched your channel for quite a while now, before the shop build, and my biggest question has always been " what do they do with their grey water?" I have never really heard you talk about that before and you have never mentioned a septic system so...? Thanks!

[@craigs5212]

Hind site is 20-20 and you don't know until you don't know. Planning is great and I see a lot of YT folks not planning very well but on the other side you can plan to death and never get anything done. The real key is to work with what you got and move forward planning is a developed skill. Unfortunately buy the time you get really good at it you are too old to build anymore. I am just so glad I don't have to shovel any snow. Also graduated from Cal Poly many years ago.

[@sonnybaker8928]

There are no mistakes, just learning experiences… and when to pull out.. of the ditch. Love yall!

[@carlcarpenter507]

Love watching you two figure out how to accomplish your golds. You need to fix your KZbin sight so when someone clicks on your logo it will show your latest to oldest videos like most sights. I have a hard time finding your latest videos. Keep up the great works.

[@davida.proctorjr6441]

I don't think you made any mistakes. You just tried different things and learned what worked. Love this channel because you are both so creative and talented. I'm amazed at all the skills y'all possess and can't wait for the next thing you build. Loved the Video though

[@Silent_runner]

We all make mistakes when doing a new project nobody thinks there will be any kind of problem, but if you did not make a problem for yourself your life would be perfect and you would wonder what else could have gone wrong. As far as l am concerned l think both of you have sailed through on all of your projects and you only human. Courtney always rescues you and is the perfect example of thinking ways to do it better. And not get herself into a problem. Hats off for Courtney and with that beautiful smile she has she always makes your day better. Well done both of you on your achievements go forward and make as many mistakes as you want, you can always fix it . Thanks for sharing your video with us!!

[@JakeSoulFreeTravels]

I like seeing the softer more upbeat side of him, I think in about 1/2 videos which I've seen since my car crash (I'm healed now) I think he was focused in work mode with fun, but this was just all upbeat fun.

[@brendariley8982]

I look at mistakes differently. I use all these events as learning. I learn what to do better next time or sometimes, not to do something at all. Most of the events these last few years, you both call mistakes, I call fun and educational. We got to learn with you, what works and what doesn't work. How fun is that. So with that being said, thank you both for sharing and teaching us along the way.

[@irishmike519]

Old saying I’ve heard all my life, you live and learn!

[@carefreeclubhouse1714]

One of the things that has made this journey with you two(now 3) is watching all those bumps and grinds. The learning of defeat and the joy of success. With those hard times, it makes today ssssssooooooooooooooooo much sweeter!

[@michaelkelly9404]

LIVING PROOF THE THE EXPRESSION, "LIVE AND LEARN" IS TRUE. YOU FOLKS HAVE DONE GREAT OVER ALL.

[@donnapablos8752]

We all learn from our mistakes by the time we’re retired. We should be masters and everything ha ha you guys did great thanks for the video. Don and Donna

[@MarkSnop]

always fun to see the videos and I don’t think those were mistakes, they were learning experiences. Been there done that. Not off grid properties but same idea. thanks for a great video.

[@CityDude72]

I really enjoy watching you two actualize your dreams in such a beautiful area! I think by far some of the best educational/informative entertaiment around. I like it evem more now with Oliver. He is just so cute. It is going to be fun watch him grow up and realize what awesome parents he has and he lives in an outdoor playground.

[@jonescaleb12]

I'd say the cement truck was the biggest one. But it gave you the urgency to work on the road (silver lining).

[@johngrinkevich]

Never for a moment did I think you guys looked stupid. I was and remain impressed with your ingenuity and willingness to try anything.

[@jimcoplan9502]

Thanks for sharing these - they will help otherss who are going off-grid save money and frustration.

[@michaelf8302]

Expecting not to make mistakes would be the biggest mistake. You guys are awesome. I'm super proud of you. Your a great team Riley is a genius he amazes me with his ability to tackle anything and everything. Watching is both entertaining and educational. Keep up the good work.

[@theburtseoni]

Riley, you guys did not make 'mistakes'! You only encountered 'learning opportunities'! With the huge undertaking that you and Courney took on, there was no way you could have foreseen every issue and known what to do each and every time. So you guys learned on the go, and you have done a stellar job! Now you guys can be the experienced off grid home builders who can share your experience with others! I am very proud of what you two have accomplished!! I don't see mistakes, I see great success!!

[@dellmerlin6328]

The smile on Oliver's face will be absolutely priceless when he can drive a real D8 dozer.

[@mnumzanemadoda4900]

No mistakes just just a few tests from the university of life. Things i have learnt , take time to ensure your access road is open year round requiring minimum maintenance, each summer work on clearing trees to at least two tree lengths away from all buildings and your access road {will take years} , ensure you have sufficient covered storage for all of your equipment/vehicles etc . , establish a local radio net with your neighbors in case internet/cell comms go down, clean out stove pipes before winter each year. Anything is possible if you two are fit and healthy.

[@jonwagner4759]

Love your channel Riley and Casey, it has been so much fun to be on this journey with you. Keep up the Ambition Striking !! Just one observation regarding the condensation in your building from my personal experience. Any METAL building will create condesation the first minute you put ANY heat in it. Heat on the inside surface of a cold piece of iron will attract air moisture and form condensation. I didn't have plastic sheeting down at first and the gravel seemed to dry out enough to not cause condensation...plastic sheeting is always a good idea, even under concrete floors. Also heating with propane heaters makes a residue of moisture from the propane... So, if anyone ever wants to heat the inside of a metal pole building, use "condensation blanket" insulation, 6 foot wide rolls x 100 feet long, I just used the 2" thickness between the purliins and the metal. Still using it with a wood stove that way and no condensation for 20 years. I am anxious to hear how the saga of the D8 H turns out as I am helping my neighbor keep his running. My dad had a D8 14a when I was a kid so i am very familiar with what your challenges can be... they are sure monsters and move mountains of dirt when they work right though!!!! Best of luck, Jon

[@jbarvideo12]

I don't think you had a Biggest Mistake. You were both a Creative Team to diagnose and fix your mistakes. You did Far More than was Humanly Possible. Hats off to you!

[@ahorseman4ever1]

First of all, I think they weren't necessarily mistakes, but learning experiences. It's only a mistake if you don't learn from your experience. Both Deb and I think you have overcome and prevailed over some pretty big odds in a relatively short amount of time. You showed perseverance, too! You have created a beautiful masterpiece. You two are one of the smartest couples. I think a better title would be "lessons learned while building off grid." I really appreciate the humility in sharing your lessons learned, so if someone was to be so inspired to do what you two have done, they might be further ahead. We absolutely love you guys. Another video idea would be how viewer comments affected the decisions you made. Love to watch that one!

[@Truthvector]

A life changing lesson for me, has been learning that what constitutes successful people is the ability to bounce back from setbacks quickly. This couple, the Caseys, illustrate this principle for all the world to see.

[@mojowinckler]

There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities! When we try we learn and when we fail we then try harder and we become better. I love to make mistakes because I know I’ve tried my best and next time will do much better

[@larryoczkowski3493]

Shudda...cudda...wooda. Those famous words are a part of the learning process. Your challenges turned into the new textbook for success. As you made your way through the day to day issues, you took us along for the ride. Kkudos to your success.

[@colinbanderson7908]

I was so pleased to run into you at Schweitzer a couple weeks back. Oliver is was so adorable in his signature snow suit. My though on mistakes in making/doing anything; Mistakes are just points on the learning curve.

[@karenspeer7378]

You Guys Rock!! I Love that you admit your mistakes because it will help someone else!! God Bless and have a Wonderful Week!! 🌹❤️

[@dellmerlin6328]

The biggest mistakes/opportunity is the series of videos you can make for all of us wanna be homesteaders who want to apply your learned lessons so that we can successfully build our dream off grid home. How do we plan, prepare, what to do first. Pick a place, start with nothing, money, food, shelter, water, power, waste. What are your most useful necessary tools. What resources at your place can you take advantage of. What would you practice, aquire before you move. Keep doing what you are doing. You are an unique inspiration.

[@paulmiller591]

Sometimes it is not really the mistakes being the problem, wins are so much sweeter when you have the mistakes to help you get the value of the wins. If you had a smooth run would you have celebrated the wins as much. Great that you have shared with others who are going down the off-grid path you still want to learn from your mistakes and for others to benefit from your wisdom. It would be interesting to understand who had given you the best advice in hindsight on your journey, and what was that advice?

[@richardmattingly7000]

Mistake are just a learning curve where enthusiasm meets what's practical and knowing not to micromanage everything when its counterproductive. One mistake is to start a project to see if it gets views first and abandoning it when it does not do well without an explanation because it comes across as crass. People love the process not just a one and done promise even in failure since most KZbinrs begin to loss themselves to the camera even with someone at their side.

[@mikecapps1603]

I agree with most of the comments that have been posted, no such thing as a mistake, just a fix waiting to happen. Keep on keeping on, and as my high school alma mater song says, "onward upward be our motto, conquer and prevail"

[@w3bb0y]

The air to water dehumidifier /collector was a pretty big mistake that wasn't mentioned

[@pkboo46]

I believe that what you are calling mistakes are Life Lessons. Thanks for sharing them so someone who follows in your footsteps may learn and not encounter as much hardship as you both have done. You have created a beautiful home in the hills of Northern Idaho. Look forward to all your content. Keep it up. Thanks

[@TheWatchit45]

Thank god for mistakes or I wouldn’t have learned anything. Ya just can’t learn without mistakes. You guys have done a ton of work you should be very proud of. Great job!!!😊

[@michaelmagaruh7767]

Great video! Doing things one-by-one, as you need it. Like starting any company - you buy the correct tool, high quality, at the time you need it (even if used). Then when you need it next time, it works, functions, and does the job well. Lesson learned, cheap people somehow never learn this! haha

[@Jipper1984]

There not mistake if you learn from them. There just learning experience:) cheers

[@grantcurrin4934]

Mistakes ? really ? Compared to other off grid homesteads, you guys are champions, thanks for showing the good with the bad.Always enjoy your solutions to different problems. Keep up the great work and ideas !!!

[@DashPar]

It’s all about the tools!! The difference between success and failure. Not to mention, power equipment is fun!!

[@squatch2461]

Mice: When you didn't install the bottom piece on the exterior steel sheeting and got mice inside, everywhere. I may have missed how and when you got rid of them. Considering how much you didn't know, the fact you've not only survived, but are thriving with a child, is testament to your ability to learn, adapt, and overcome. Good on ya

[@hrm350694]

Both of you are very gifted, wants hands on all things. Nobody else can do the job because the steps are in your brain and not ALL on paper. Then there is money. You have the time. Nobody got hurt bad. You learned a lot. The big picture was changed due to time and material. You are outstanding people. Keep up the great work and be safe.

[@stephenurban9880]

I appreciate how you guys are willing to admit to mistakes and pass them on as a lesson learned to others. Instead of how most other youtubers simply gloss over them and make it seem as if everything went fine for them. Thus leaving others who try the same things to have to learn those mistakes for themselves.

[@juliestrother167]

What an awesome catch up, I saw lots of things finished off that I haven't seen a video for , the whole place looks amazing 😊. I think you should use your newfound knowledge to get a cabin up at the top built 👍🏼👍🏼

[@barbmorris6079]

Thanks for the heads up on the Ebike deal. We have been looking and this is a great deal.

[@dalemcleod542]

Hi from North Carolina. We love your channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@joek6791]

I enjoy your videos, built my own house in the woods, and would do a lot of things differently. Since you ask two possible fails. 1- The support for the loft addition to the garage seems to have been placed on the slab and unless I missed something you do not have a footing under it, wonder if you will eventually get a punch through, if you are on good load bearing soil you might get away with it but time will tell. 2-Does your garage door have a safety for the raising mechanism if it fails, could be a bad scene if this happens.

[@AL_K_]

Very nice recap, thanks. Not improving your road earlier probably led to many more problems than anything else.

[@larryhunt1853]

Never look down upon a failure. FAIL = first attempt in learning. The knowledge you now have is priceless.

[@curtismagas9343]

Watched the channel from 50k and you guys are awesome. Making mistakes is human, what really counts is how quickly you rectify the issue and by what I see you guys have that covered. Bring on the MILLION, you guys definitely deserve it!! Calling Ryobi off brand...priceless ;)...lmao! You only learn by experience, love this channel!

[@donmathias1705]

Something to remember. "You don't know what you don't know". Every error is a teaching moment. You guys have done so much.

[@loucinci3922]

Biggest mistake IMHO: buying a boat and not using it. LOL you guys rock. Always impressed with your ability to solve problems. Thank you

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi guys, as others have said, you have not made any mistakes, what you have leaned is things you would do differently next time, congratulations on whst you both have achieved, bedt regards from Australia

[@todallard8791]

There are no mistakes just lessons learned that made you better.

[@BrianKrahmer]

I’ll be heading up to start building near you guys in a few weeks. Looking forward to avoiding lots of mistakes!

[@freddien7]

You were both on a learning curve, and the best way to solve a problem is it to have a problem. And the best part you did it together , and Oliver, when hes able to understand, can have storys of When you built the home and the fun parts about it. Good times.🤣🤓 x x x

[@gardenrailroading]

There are no mistakes, just learning what not to do again. I think you guys are great and love that you are learning to be self sufficient. How about a half buried green house next?

[@danielharsh7698]

I have watched you make many of the mistakes; you have learned so much. So have I.

[@diggerdog9096]

I always tried to keep my biggest machine available to free up the other smaller machines if possible. So dozer broken and stuck without a work around was the biggest mistake. But you guys have done a great job, and I enjoy watching.

[@Truthvector]

It now qualifies as a kinetic sculpture with rust being the prime kinetic player.

[@diggerdog9096]

Everyone needs one LOL@@Truthvector

[@trajonduclos7931]

I love you guys and all that you do. IMHO the only mistake is the offensive wood finish on the shop wall. Keep doing you. Best of luck!

[@lilmsgs]

Interesting. I've watched since before Idaho and you did a really good job of not revealing your mistake consequences. Plus, they make the best videos

[@robertsweney3260]

Great video !!! What mistakes ......... just opportunities to learn more . '' A great carpenter fixes his mistakes '''

[@JesseHires]

You look like a pro sliding down the hill behind the outhouse. You should check out the outhouse races in Conconully, WA. seriously 🙂

[@BrokeOverLand]

Time to call heavy D for that dozer recovery. 😅 nice work so far on the property, can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@dianahoward6024]

I’m surprised they haven’t partnered up with Heavy D. They’d get some great deals on equipment with him.

[@68lehman]

Hands on experience is almost always better than instructions that make no sense! I have learned more in my lifetime by doing than I ever did in school! Probably not something I should be proud of, but I am.! Take Care Guys, Tom

[@Rich2tsend]

Did someone tell you about putting your property in a timber exemption? We moved up in 2020 and have a fair amount of property. No one told us the existing timber exemption expired after a year. Luckily I called the county about something else and it came up. So we were able to get a timber study done and a plan submitted in time to reinstate the timber exemption. Could have been a hit on our property taxes if we hadn’t. Our real estate agent, the escrow company, the loan company - no one mentioned it. Another issue that came up was the previous owner put a driveway in. Ours is 3/4 of a mile. It wasn’t permitted. Apparently in the past a lot of properties had unpermitted driveways for a long time ( ours was built in the late 90’s). If the driveway enters a county road it’s supposed to be permitted and inspected for adequate drainage, entry slope and visibility which is dependent on the speed limit on the county road. The county passed a law that any building permit would trigger a driveway permit review and no additional permits on the property could be pulled until the driveway was brought up to code. We were in a hurry (winter was looming) to pull a shop permit and ran into this requirement which delayed our shop permit approval. Luckily the driveway was built properly and passed inspection without any rework. This IMHO should have been flagged and resolved during escrow.

[@BrianKrahmer]

The timber exemption seems to have a lot of paperwork for a small benefit. Plus you are supposed to actually manage and harvest the trees, not just say you are going to…

[@1944chevytruck]

Thats how you learn!

[@waderue]

I don't look at mistakes you might have made I care about I just cheer you on the best I can

[@danielpullum1907]

I have admired Riley's skill and research abilities. You dodged a major disaster with the 323 trac-hoe. I am ashamed one of our CAT products had such a vulnerable system(the ROPS). I think I commented there are some fellas that have repaired CAT stuff with far worse damage. The rental co. took the "chicken way out" and fortunately "the expert" cleared you of fault. Still $2500 is what you want everyday. The bottom line, You TWO have fixed most all your mistakes, YOURSELVES!!!!!! I've saved the last lines for Courtney. Court, your editing results are at the top of the scale. I've seen a couple of the Utubers and their editing woes, ie., C&C Equipment, Mr. Klemman "sp", etc. It takes time and some imagination. Lastly, YOU produced a prodigy that both of you are JUSTLY Proud. Oliver is a keeper@@!!!! Enjoy the early days, Love him to death, and include him in the good and bad times... Ye Ole Caterpillar Cowboy I know I'm windy.

[@Truthvector]

Courtney is becoming a major cinematic contender. I think i saw a video about her schooling focusing on animals. Wouldn't it be great if they put out a bunch of trail cams and she worked in some more local fauna footage.

[@jaranatube]

Well done! There's something to be said about "failing fast" and achieving outcomes sooner rather than letting perfection get in the way of good enough, or worse, analysis paralysis. Your attitude, personalities and chemistry are great for that. Keep it up! Those lessons learned are very valuable as you both continue to take on more complex projects. Personal safety and financial risk mitigation should continue to be a top priority on whatever you do. Looking forward to seeing that front end loader moving again and out of that ditch!

[@billdavis6023]

I would say that you haven’t made mistakes you’ve just been prepared to try and learn from what you’ve done. It’s an excellent example of what we need in this world today of people willing to try.

[@jefffreestone8476]

A few years back my wife and I took over the old family ranch with big hopes and plans. We sold the property after 8 years of doing a lot of things right right, but at the same time making some critical mistakes. It's hard because at the time you think you are doing your very best. In hindsight a better master plan would have made all the difference. We did have power, but water, sewer, roads and better financial planning would have made a big difference. We were living a "very real life" where bad decisions could cost you yours and I'm not kidding. There is a lot of stress in maintaining all those things yourself. I watch your channel and wonder why we did not do some of the things you do? 1. Our biggest mistake, we should have spent less money on some things and re-purposed more of what we had. 2. Not creating better lines of income for dollar spent. 3. We could have stayed, but the financial pressure was not worth it. We are older and much smarter now, but un-willing to try again! We have the greatest respect for what Ambition Strikes takes on.

[@RobSharp-wo5qj]

Thanks for sharing your OOPPs. But there is a lot of great things you did. I guess one of the next projects is to deal with the old cabin ? I wish i was younger i would like to do what you have done. cant wait to see your next project . Bc safe from BC

[@ajbishop890]

I've been watching your channel for a quite a while now and I always look forward to Monday mornings (New Zealand time) to watch latest video release. One thing I have noticed that you often buy something you really want and trying to get it cheap..and you realise you your brought a lemon. Are you buying on emotions rather than kicking the tyres first? I understand it can be hard as since everyone else is interested in buying the same thing, we have to grab it quick or miss out on the deal. At least you turn those lemon into lemonade and make more videos about fixing them up as a result. You both have come a long way on this journey. Very impressed with your achievements.

[@jasongrinnell1986]

I think y’all have been doing a bang up job.