Buying a Desert DUMP for (Cheap Land!) $3000- Let the land cleanup begin!

A few years back, having visited Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms after hosting a workshop in Los Angeles, I fell in love with the area, the art, the vibe, and the dive bars- so my brother and I decided to buy a junk piece of land (5 acres) for a mere $3200.00 (with the market boom over the last few years its now worth almost 12 times that!). Well, the place was a total and complete mess (we knew that), but there have been some surprises (in future videos) that have made all this worthwhile. We've even already hosted TWO campout workshops for tiny house building on the property (and we are possibly doing ANOTHER in the area in 2023). In this video you see a little bit of the land, our mini hip camp rental (a sleeping pod/structure) and what has been going into this land labor wise. You'll also see some of the random things we've been finding on the property- if you're into the junk picking and American pickers sort of thing. I am a huge fan of street picking and reuse and we've found some crazy stuff on this land- as you'll see.
HANDS-ON WORKSHOP LINKS BELOW….
OUR TINY HOUSE MOVIE (SCREENINGS AND DOWNLOAD LINK)-
www.boxtruckfilm.com
Deek's NEW book "Micro Living"- amzn.to/2Rs5UwC
WANT TO HELP THE CHANNEL? Donations…. ($20 or more and we’ll give you a direct shout in an upcoming video!)
Donate here- www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
$100 and we’ll give your business a plug vocally and visually in part of the video.
My first bestseller “Micro Shelters”- amzn.to/3mzDyxj
Follow me on Instagram….. / derekdiedricksen @DerekDiedricksen
My “Humble Homes, Simple Shacks” FIRST book- Like a DIY graphic novel- amzn.to/2TPGW7C
Tiny House Hands-On Workshops
AND TREE HOUSE WORKSHOPS! : relaxshacks.myshopify.com/col...
Deek’s Metal/Rock band INVERTER (Boston, MA)- / inverterboston
Deek's OTHER channel- “Streets Shall Provide- Subscribe HERE: • 18' Tall Fremont Troll...
Deek's Transforming A-Frame Cabin Plans (which you can build for UNDER $1200!)- HERE: relaxshacks.myshopify.com/col...
TINY HOUSE MAGAZINE- its AWESOME!!!!! transactions.sendowl.com/stor...
Tuftex (and ONDURA roofing)- the clear roofing and wall material I use in a TON of my builds- www.onduline.us
OUR EVEN NEWER (sketch by Deek) Tiny House Village T-shirts! stay-vocal.myshopify.com/prod...
IF you want to sponsor us (for product, tiny house company) appearances/shouts in our videos, while helping to keep this channel running- [e-mail]

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

The DIY and Art workshop I mentioned in the video....(happening in March)- relaxshacks.myshopify.com/collections/all

[@ericnelson6982]

The emblem is from a Chevrolet Caprice AKA, Impala. 1977-79 era.

[@pacjam418]

I know ur comment was a while ago, but I knew I recognized that hood ornament. I had that Chevy. The thing was a tank.

[@Lotuslaful]

It feels like a sad snapshot of Americas mentality but also filled with treasures and good you are honoring it again❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Its 200 times cleaner than when we first got it- at some point I'll show some video and photos of what it first looked like- it was awful.....

[@kathleenduval1309]

That purple eggplant thingamagig...belonged to a group of fruits made into a wreath...some had a light...kind of a coffee table centerpiece.

[@scottherrmann4644]

Car parts for handles for drawers, build smelters for copper, aluminum, glass- use slag for unique windows, etc...

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Already used a 1960s fridge handle for a cabin door, reused some hinges we found. and more....

[@josephyoung6815]

If the land experiences water runoff, consider digging swales to capture and slow the water.

[@adrianwallace1145]

I got one acre in Arkansas I would like you to see once I get through with it. It was a homestead with two houses on it that burned and I have to remove move a lot of debris. I got inspiration from you and out of scrap wood I've made a miniature shotgun house so far. Keep up the good work and keep inspiring people.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

No way- thats awesome- PLEASE do reach out, share, and send photos when you're done! Best with all!

[@quadierreslimey6510]

Make a channel

[@lelandeggleston1041]

If you have a wash you can put in a swale and get to planting a natural wind break and food.

[@chrisstrathy2366]

I am PROUD to have slept in that van. Places looks great

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I looked it up and the fleur de lis seems to be from a Chevy Caprice (1960/70/75) --- appears to be part of the hood ornament --- probably around 1975.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Buicks also used a Fleur De Lis hood emblem.... will def look up those Chevys! Thanks!

[@doughallberg]

@@relaxshacksDOTcom Looked hollow on the back, so probably the flip up cover for the trunk lock. Definitely mid seventies Caprice. Second emblem with wreaths underneath (you're holding upside down) is mid seventies (possibly late sixties) Ford LTD. Cadillac had wreaths in more of a circle shape, and center emblem is a different shape.

[@sail4free1]

Nice place! I've been following your stuff for a while now. Last winter here at The Slabs (4 miles east of Niland, CA), we built a 100% solar-powered "cool room" which has enabled our caretaker dude to BE here year 'round and keep an eye on everything. This winter we added a 4'x 14' balcony with stair and railings to shade the A/C *and* shade the east wall of the cool room which always heats up first on those HOT summer days. :)

[@ben8405]

Time for a deep basement. A large UNDERGROUND CHAMBER, will cause your property to zoom in value. If I was young again, I would do a CHAMBER, for sure.

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

Harbor Freight sells rolling magnet sweepers, that would keep people busy for a long time! Otherwise, a drag behind a quad or RZR could help clean up some of that small stuff quickly. Nice job doing what you can to clean it up, the desert has so many places like that...sad to see.

[@ben8405]

Treasure have been found. Get a metal dedecter. Considea taking small amounts of stuff to people that collet junk. free dump.

[@AhJodie]

This is interesting! I have looked at land out there for a while, and never thought it might look like what you found, but now I know! I would be putting stuff in separate piles so I could use it easier, or sell it, or do something with it, like the sled you made with roofing and cord! Be safe so your hands don't get cut! Thanks for sharing, the robot thing is cool too!

[@juliannaking4473]

THANK YOU..........I MISS 29 PALMS. .so much.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Was also thinking of doing a "Ten things you want to look for when buy CRAP LAND with potential"- as I've done it quite a few times now..... not sure if people would be interested though?

[@JennieMaeJune]

Yes!!! Pleaseeeee!

[@nobodysfool4444]

That is the kind of land I have been looking for, so it would be awesome to see your experience.

[@paulnorberg3869]

Was thinking the same thing. Distressed property in the right location can be a great value.

[@optimus163]

Many people dream of buying land in some 'special place' The Desert and Mountains is a tough hard environment to relocate to if one hasnt visited and previously spent ALOT of time in. A video about what to expect vs. 'their dream' is always a good thing. Just dont sugar coat any part of it cause people latch on to those comments and beautiful pics etc and then get in too deep - too late. Include real world costs per water, electric -grid or wind / solar , How far Fuel station, Grocery, LE, FD, Medical infrastructue can be. Yes at some point you will need at least one of those. Soo many have bought their 'dream' only to leave it without doing anything ( some never even step foot on it ) and now the land sits vacant as they try to recoup any $ they spent. A sad and all too common tale out west.

[@dougtodd305]

A friend gave me a place in the valley, probably your neighbor, but passed away during our transaction,please contact me if any good jackrabbit pieces come up,been looking for years.

[@JuniperJupiter]

Definitely invest in a metal detector and a sock-covered magnet...and maybe make a large sifter to pan through the debris.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Thought about it, but I think there is far too much metal debris for a detector to work for us- it'd be going off every two seconds.....

[@steves7896]

The summer heat in that area is one of the most intense in the country. But the ground can be dug out quite deep and used for natural, cooling shelter.

[@DebbieGring]

Deek, congrats to you and Dustin on property! However dude, you need to keep the owl figurine for the kitty! Seriously, love Joshua trees! Glad you are getting tiny house workshop going again this year. Hoping I can come but not counting on it. Take care guys! Stay safe in the wilds.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Thanks Debbie- yeah, we did summer camp last year too, and a few others- this year its our 10th one in Vermont so we're definitely going to have to do something special.

[@potatothorn]

doing similar not too far away/// looks like a great spot and project. glad we all got in a few years ago, prices are way up now. hint for anyone looking to do this kind of thing: Tax Sale.

[@LoraA81]

I understand paying for ramen noodles. Thank you. I needed a good laugh.

[@dancooper6447]

Good ol’ 29 Palms! I did a tour there as a Marine from 2001 to 2004. Interesting place…

[@chuckblaikie]

I am also rebuilding a cabin our there. My guess I'm a little SE of you. You may qualify for a punch card from the transfer center that gives you a few free trips to the dump. You'll have fun. It's an awesome process. Rocky's has good pizza!

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

I love the cat!

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

It it pretty cool- just wish it wasn't missing a chunk in the back. Would be interesting to see who made it, how old., etc.....

[@grannyanniesfarm4972]

I took in a cat once that was missing a chunk out of his back where something got him. He healed but always had a chunk out. So it sounds realistic that way. Would be interesting to know. Looks like late 60s to early 70s.

[@rexb333]

@3:15 Car emblem is from a Chevy Caprice. My parents had a yellow 1986 Chevy Caprice 2 door with wire wheels and a half white landau top. Plenty of room in the trunk for activities. Same emblem.

[@osnat057]

beautiful result

[@downhlracr]

Keep the creepy cat! It's good creepy. Purple eggplant maybe Xmas ornament? Also all-in on that desert trail mailbox. Good luck and have fun!

[@NWforager]

maybe a old Rave site . that land might Love some swales and berms . that price for 5 acres is inSANE .

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

No, def think it was an RV park- Central cement pad was for a toilet/shower building, it has an old exit sign near a second opening to the road- and we literally cleared out pieces of old RVs at one point. But after that- who knows what it was used for.... lol

[@chitza3270]

The purple thing looks like it could be a bobble from a light fixture.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Thats what I was thinking too.... thanks!

[@TraceyRolandelli]

That did look like Vaseline glass, holy cow. I love that stuff.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Wish the stuff was still intact! $$

[@karachaffee3343]

The electrical coil was the deflection yoke from a cathode ray picture (TV) tube.

[@AlexAlcyone]

Ahhh, Joshua tree. :) You timed it good if you got in before the boom! Watch out for rattlesnakes under them junkpiles, they are the same color as the sand and way too easy to step on.

[@optimus163]

The Hi Desert 'Boom" has been ongoing for over 20 years now. Cheapest being 20k to 30k an acre and that aint cheap. Low price parcels i.e. full of debris, Contingent upon zoning, various work / clean up that is required by town, county, state, literally out in the middle of nowhere with questionable water source (deep well depths cost prohibitive) far from any LE, FD and Medical services.Try to find a similar size parcel within 2-5 miles of Yucca, J Tree or 29 Palms for cheap ?- you'll be paying top dollar.

[@lucymorgan8859]

Depending on how far it is to the closest town/water supply, I might be interested in putting a tiny house out there! I have cousins that live in Joshua Tree!

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

REAL close to shopping, restaurants, bars, hotels, and more- 8-10 minutes to most. Water has to be carried in- Most just get a huge tank delivered.

[@bennym1956]

Looks like a good, make a big pile and lit a match to everything would be fastest way to clean-up !

[@Gamewrecthenewgeneration]

that first emblem was from a Chrysler or a luxury model ford and the second one with the middle missing was a monte Carlo emblem early to mid 70s

[@scottfoster2487]

You need to get some hardware cloth and make a sieve to sort smaller materials. I woul catergorize waste into metal and burnable and hard wastelike pottery and glass. It may be a wise move to find one corner you can dig a nice deep pit and any glass and wood waste can be dump and used as a burn pit and the clean dirt can be used to cover areas that need a layer of clean soil on them .

[@andrewsallans589]

Found object dream!

[@richfiryn]

Looks like it may have been a location for a Meth Lab at some point. They're well known for their decorating skills.

[@timklassen421]

Get a strong magnetic bar and drag it over the land to catch nails and screws

[@lucymorgan8859]

That looks almost like a purple eggplant ornament, or nic nak you would hang in a window to catch the sun... Cool! But, I cant understand why you have that cool art deco desk in your junk pile!!!

[@rongarrett1366]

I've been shopping for land out West.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Prices keep going way, way up! This parcel is already worth almost 10x what we paid for it

[@billwilson7823]

The eggplant thing looks like a bell clapper. The thing that hangs inside a bell and hits the side.

[@johncorlett3699]

detritus, a beautiful word

[@D_Cali_Life]

Most hip camps are illegal and not zoned for short term rentals that entire yucca gallery, Joshua tree has 90% illegal hipcamps

[@embededfabrication4482]

Yup, people are deluded, you can't build in Cal without water source and permits. If someone complains they'll kick you off your own land.

[@caaront]

My wife and I might be interested in living out there in a tiny home. I am a disabled veteran but get around good and my wife is disabled but gets around good. My main requirement would be a good internet connection for the PC, but that is about it.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Prob have to get satellite internet- not sure....

[@DougPalumbo]

Good luck!

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Thanks- we'll need it! Its been a TON of work, but fun....

[@stephenhart4096]

Very cool. When is the art installation workshop, Deek?

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

In later March right outside Boston---- If you hit the workshop links in the description it'll take you to it....

[@largelarry2126]

You need a dump trailer and a Bobcat for a day. I would hall 100% of everything away and start over.

[@randbasic]

I’m constantly finding roofing nails out where I’m at. Either by sight or by them going through the bottom of my shoes. LoL

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Yeah, those are a continual (and literal) pain

[@randbasic]

Either the people were a bad aim or they had holes in their nail bags. It’s nice out here now that the temps have gone down. I had ice in the morning in some water I leave out for the critters.

[@chezmoi42]

@@randbasic Back in the fifties, they tore down the old cafeteria and built a new one in our playground. We found nails in the dirt at recess for years afterwards.

[@randbasic]

@@chezmoi42 yeah I’ve found 1950 plastic bowls buried under the sand. They surprisingly aren’t brittle and are in good shape. Lots of matchbox cars too.

[@chezmoi42]

@@randbasic Haha, that sounds like a demolition happened there, all right - a modern archeological site?

[@rongarrett1366]

You should build an adoble cabin.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Have a mini pod there, but haven't had a chance to do much else yet- I'd LOVE to get a shipping container out there at some point too

[@cindyboard7816]

I'm going to say you got an awesome deal!!! Yes a bit of work but once all that is removed those views are gorgeous!!! Be sure that you all all your assistants are current on those Tetanus vaccines!!!! Stay safe!!! Keep us posted on your Desert Oasis!!!

[@cindyboard7816]

^and

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

ALSO- the crap-land-flip-realtor didn't know there was a well already driven on the property- which would cost a small fortune to have done!

[@LambieSamba]

FYI: we have been taught that you get tetanus boosters; however The paper follows research Slifka and colleagues published in 2016, which concluded the vaccine produced at least 30 years of immunity for the 546 adults in that study. As a result, the researchers recommended, at that time, to vaccinate adults against these diseases only every 30 years.

[@Sojourning_]

heads up to you: always separate the metal from the scrap wood, plastics in its own pile; metal anymore today is checked with a device for exotic compounds, people are unaware of that, it can be worth a lot of money, maybe cover some of your expenses. if need be get a burn license and burn everything that will burn

[@embededfabrication4482]

Do you have water? Cant build in Cal most places without water

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Looks great. Let someone stay there free and just keep dumpers off. Howa would probably do good there?

[@Offthechartsoffroad]

It's off of a late 70's or early 80's Chevy Caprice Classic.

[@willarddevoe5893]

If you bought inexpensive vacant land, how did you find it? Realtors sell on commission.

[@randyfarr844]

Thanks for helping clean up and restore our land.

[@BobSmith-kd4oc]

What native American tribe are you from?

[@randyfarr844]

@@BobSmith-kd4oc Navajo Nation

[@jeffreyshears214]

1980’s Chevrolet capris classic trunk badge

[@DanyRivard]

At 3:22 it’s a RARE Fleur De Lis Car Hood Emblem Ornament for Chevrolet Chevy Caprice around 1977

[@sgtnunton]

How did you find availability on the land

[@Roger-hq1yt]

I think the fleur de leaf badge may be from an international scout.

[@ttnyny]

Looks like "ordinary" non-toxic, surface-level debris but I would consider commissioning a Phase 1 environmental assessment before buying land used in this way. Having a clean Phase 1 report is rock-solid legal protection from potentially costly liability for the price of two or three thousand dollars out of pocket. I can't say for certain that it would make sense for this particular site but vetting the need is a pre-purchase inquiry worth making.

[@GUE5TPA55]

@7:05 1970 Ford LTD hood emblem

[@swampdonkey6549]

I find it is just what you bought, what did you expect from a dump?

[@GoodDiggitY]

Yeah that just might be a jewel from a Pirates Booty

[@gedreillyhomestead6926]

KZbinr - ijessup is probably a neighbour of yours, she's doing a similar thing there. 👍

[@contrafax]

@4:20 looks like part of a model train transformer.

[@GafferTapeIsSticky]

or maybe the back of a TV tube. it reminds me of the beam control electro magnets.

[@contrafax]

@@GafferTapeIsSticky oh it does!!! I bet that is what it is. I just knew I had seen it some where.

[@driverguy7]

You should rent a dumpster to fill with trash, then they take it away !! As many times as you need to.....

[@manfredvonrichthofen4738]

chevy caprice emblem.caprice?

[@jollyroger4494]

Look for Robodonien in Köln Germany

[@dinosanchez8528]

How much would you charge a respectful non-drug/alcohol guy for a small space for two tents and an RV? I'm getting solar soon with a big battery bank, AC, heating, fridge, etc. I plan to stay at the Desert Hot Springs LTVA September 2024

[@minime8048]

I think you got the title wrong .. it should read what the NASA Mars rover found..Elon Muskrat ,would be Jealous 😛

[@sharoncherry]

Take the metal to a scrap place to sell. I am sure other things that could be sell from your property.

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

I've been setting some of the metal aside for future use. I have a few projects in mind. We already reused a ton of old metal roofing for the one little build you briefly saw too.

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

Lord, I hope you don't find any bodies...😳

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Not yet..... but you never know! lol

[@norrit4ever]

Looks like a table cloth weight

[@patmayer7222]

,,,,,,cool.......separate all metal\tin...load it up,,,to a scrap yard,,,,,,get paid,cash!!!!.......all pieces,make weight!.....tnx,,beautiful,warm,property...great cleanup.....,,,,,,,,,,,,tnx,pat..land o' lakes,wi...( I recycle metal).

[@hereiamfornow]

I would maybe live there for free in the winter ! I plan to trailer my conversion project and live in it on someone's land somewhere, part of each year anyway. :) I have long thought of starting a tiny house community. That looks like a good place for it. I'm all for airbnb's also, have had a side plan for that as well. The property I live on now is only somewhere I can comfortably live during spring and fall. So I can only offer to be there in the winters and I would still need to find the place to spend the summers that isn't too hot !

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Yeah, summers ARE warm there!

[@ben8405]

A large neighborhood that all put CHAMBERS UNDERGROUND, would be neat! Think of THE DESERT IN The MITTLE EAST!

[@ben8405]

THINK CHAMBERS! HOT SUN RELIEF!

[@rescuedrestorations]

chev caprice

[@cherylmartin4050]

Recycle the copper

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Been setting some aside. I'm not sure there is enough copper to amount to much, but you never know.......

[@waterboxer87]

There are too many low life people who dump their garbage and waste in the desert. I routinely load my truck with large plastic bags filled with trash. Used diapers, kitchen waste, busted furniture, auto tires, prescription drugs, bottles and cans are what I haul to the landfill.

[@lockedin60]

Deke's I know you take things in stride but the wanton misuse of land does bother me. Heck some people don't care much about themselves why are they going to care about others properties.

[@luckybearsoap]

Do you have a link to your hipcamp?

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

Sure thing. www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-apocalypse-wow-tent-site-kk9h81pv/photos?adults=1&children=0

[@johndoe-pe9dy]

Just go get a bobcat rental for 159 a day

[@michaelsasylum]

Some interesting finds there, but it looks like it could have been a drug transit location, the Joshua Tree and 29 palms area is a route that the illegal grow operations in Adelanto use to transit their products out, then a dumping area. Great deal, keep up the good work.

[@FJ80Coop]

And they saved themselves a whopping 10bux landfill costs by dumping a trailer load at a time way out in the desert... Less gas costs and time: a whole dollar 2 ninety five saved... People really make me sick dumping sh*t like that all over America...

[@tooge47]

NO trees NO grass NO thank you

[@bosse641]

Horrible trash eveywhere. People just don't care.

[@johnlange4646]

MAYBE THE EGGPLANT IS A CHRISTMAS ORNIMENT

[@pacjam418]

Agree…that was a Xmas ornament

[@leonardtaylor879]

monte carlo By chevrolet

[@michaelosmon]

You should change the title from buying to bought years ago

[@Chris-us6pk]

@Michael Osman ... You should change from being a jerk to not being a jerk

[@michaelosmon]

@@Chris-us6pk did someone's feelings get hurt? Awe poor little baby 👶

[@Chris-us6pk]

@@michaelosmon No. I'm a man and men don't have "feelings". Maybe that got lost for you. Poor little thing.

[@michaelosmon]

@Chris you edited that and it still doesn't make sense 🤣 good job christy

[@semperfidelis1550]

That square glass ashtray is a old classic, exact same ashtray my mom hit my dad with and knocked him out during one of his drunken stupor’s back in the early 60’s…😭😭😭

[@edwardfletcher7790]

It's spelt "Apocalypse"... lol

[@rafaeltoledo8315]

So u want someone out there as a caretaker of the property,

[@grdelawter4266]

Good luck. I wouldn’t pay $3 for it. Why would anyone want to stay there in the desert and look at trash all around?

[@relaxshacksDOTcom]

We're cleaning it up- thats the point of the video. Its way cleaner now than what you see in the video and having bought it in 2019, the land prices have skyrocketed so that its worth over 10x what we paid for it- that region is VERY, VERY popular for camping, rock climbing, biking etc

[@ben8405]

My grandfather, bought and sold properties for fifty cents an acre, in the 1860''s That same land today, sells for morent than 10,000.00 bucks per acre!

[@grdelawter4266]

Liar liar pants on fire! No desert land sells for $10,000 per acre!

[@larrysorenson4789]

Bag up, burn or bury all this crap and get on with making something wonderful.

[@mikes-wv3em]

used to ride dirt bikes around bell mtn. the amount of creepy shit out there is crazy. shot up porta potties!

[@keithselletv]

Know of another dump site around there for cheap that I can buy?