Why I Like Investing in Forest Land. Bare Land and Timber

Here are some reasons why I invest in forest land. I prefer investing in forest and timber land over residential or commercial real estate. I will give some of the advantages and disadvantages.
Investing in raw land can be very different from investing in developed land with a house or commercial building.
I discuss not only investing but also how I can make a living off my forest land. Forest land can provide income from selling timber. I also mill lumber with my wood Mizer LT 15 sawmill. I have been in the firewood business, bundled firewood, decorative branch business, I have exported forest products.
Nothing in this video or anything I say should ever be construed as financial, investment or legal advice. I am not qualified to give advice about anything. For advice, you should seek the advice of a professional. Of which I am not in any way shape or form.

[@anikozoe5028]

*Here is a big yes to videos about ways to make money from forest land.* I would like to buy a forest one day and it would help to better understand forestry. Forest management, planning, tree health are all topics newbies like me would be very interested to learn about.

[@WilsonForestLands]

It’s good to know there is some interest. I will register your yes vote.

[@anikozoe5028]

@@WilsonForestLands Thank you. (⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

[@sapphiresapphic]

an astounding YES i agree! i’m going to suny ESF to major in natural resource management but i’m so intrigued by trees, land, environment, and our relationship with it

[@robwells354]

I like it Mr wilson

[@robwells354]

You didn’t even mention we can set and build butt and pass log homes like meadowlark out of Libby mt

[@enderstodd]

Definitely interested in more of your “entertaining” ideas!

[@WilsonForestLands]

Good to know, I will put your vote in for more of them.

[@tcc187620]

@ Wilson Forest Land YES To More Instructional Videos On Purchasing And Maintaining Forest Land And Or Property. Personally, I'm interested in retirement Land/Property for semi recreational usage, MAYBE #OffGridLiving ,... etcetera. By the way, thanks for not BS-ing around and getting straight to the point. Short video's kick long video's @$$ for those of us with time constraints, kids, dogs, etcetera ! ~ 12 Block Tokie ~ Detroit, Michigan

[@WilsonForestLands]

I have been thinking about doing some off grid living type videos too. Not sure if it fits in with his channel or not but I might give it a test. I agree with you on the shorter videos. I know I am more likely to click on videos if they are shorter.

[@stephenoverdorf4917]

Always enjoy your videos. Managing wood lots and forest lands responsibly with the use of small mills, forestry winches and trail systems is a lost art. Keep up the good work!

[@WilsonForestLands]

thank you Stephen, it’s always encouraging to hear people say they enjoy the videos.

[@HardRockVermont]

Stay out of Politics Mike, you will be happier. I am always thinking about the Land I log no matter what I am doing. I'm addicted to this channel, keep the content coming! The Round Table is super cool. 30 year Logger here, and I love your Solo work, I am a Solo Cutter most of the time. I need a Kubota for the Block...lol

[@OriginalTailhunter]

More videos like this one would be fantastic.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Noted, thank you for the input.

[@Roadie45]

Through a little luck and perseverance I acquired 75 acres spread across 14 parcels of land in Pennsylvania. Then I came into contact with a forester and had it all timbered. Now I maintain the logging trails and wood lots with my sons. They will inherit one day and be able to timber it again. Everything you said is why I enjoy it. 🌳 🍃 🍁 🦌 🦊 🦝 🐻

[@WilsonForestLands]

Good for you. And in Pennsylvania it’s probably beautiful. I don’t think you can put a price on being able to share that experience with your sons. That’s probably way more valuable than the monetary returns of most investments.

[@thankyou2165]

Totally agree with everything said in this video 💪🏾‼️

[@Servant_of_Christ]

That's interesting, but it's to much work for me. When I realized that there is no wife material in the west I put my savings for the family that never happened into 2 sailboats. I moved out onboard one and used the other for charter. 13 years later I have 5 boats, 7 villages in Portugal and Spain that I rent out as vacation homes (almost 70 houses). It all manages itself, I just spend my days sailing and fishing. In three years I sell my European properties and retire in the Philippines, moving my charter business around southeast Asia.

[@howardkettner]

Love it. I’m learning a ton. And I agree - much more rewarding enjoying the land than stocks.

[@Jackthomas701]

I found your channel in the past week and have been enjoying it thoroughly and learning lots. I’m new to understanding forestlands and timber, and your approach is both intriguing and encouraging for me to learn and do more to attain my own. Please keep it up.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for that nice comment Jack. i’m happy to hear you are enjoying the channel and getting something out of it. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@navacellecanrobert4846]

This is true wisdom.

[@jdjeep46]

I love my 35 mostly wooded acres and log cabin in south central Virginia. I bought a woodland mills hm126 sawmill for making personal lumber. My forest is very crowded so I am working on thinning some.

[@edrose8358]

I agree with you completely!!! Invest in something that you enjoy today, even if the returns are monetarily less tomorrow. Contentment can't be bought for any price, it comes from within. 🙂

[@johnwaynerussell1040]

Boy you hit the nail right on the head when I go to the woods it takes the stress out of every day life it kindof settles me down ifarm too but there can be stress in that so I load up my saws and head to the woods and cut trees just me and my huskys dosent matter what kind of saws people use they all do the same thing anyway I got my first when I was 16 a pioneer 620 I will be 79 soon but I love the peace of the forest keep up the the good videos you do an excellent job. Jr from Ontario canada

[@jasonringo7017]

Yes more of this type of content loved it i have timber also in washington always wanting to learn different ways to make income love the humor

[@Arrtists]

Fantastic. I live in the woods in northern Wisconsin for much of your very same reasons. I invested in this property. I don’t harvest the land like you do though however do work on my land with much pruning and cutting and trimming for overall tree health and land improvement

[@user-ik4fd9ny4b]

I started cabin life in 1992 with our first off the grid cabin on property that we purchased in 1987. Not full or even part time; just a wonderful place that we built and visited often. I cannot put a price on it... If I had to I couldn't afford it! There's nothing like the woods! Today, at 69, we're selling this property and everything else. We purchased 106 acres and we'll be building a small (1000 sq) cool home on it to die in. Get out there everyone and experience the beauty of God's magnificient forests.

[@CampBrook_FarmForest]

This is a great video, thanks for posting! I make a good honest living working on my own timber property! It’s not for everyone and you probably won’t be buying a yacht but the lifestyle is priceless!

[@kurtlanford1448]

Carry on Mr. Wilson ! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@manimejkerbg28]

Keep posting this kind of videos and thank you!

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the comment and request.

[@jackfromphoenix9065]

Thanks!

[@AstonJay]

I would absolutely LOVE to live in a place like this. I think that a lot of people want to get away from all of the craziness that exist in the world today.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I think you are right. Hopefully the ones who do don’t bring the craziness with them.

[@robertpowell2735]

I am interested in hearing more about how to make money by owning forest land. I enjoy your videos keep up the great work 👍🙂😎

[@robertreynolds2421]

Very nice. I concur about the values.

[@Agnesfasula]

Brilliant idea good on you

[@MrHern2430]

Good, sound advise. I'm just glad you didn't say you were certifiable. Looking forward to the next video!

[@bluesfool1]

Totally interested in more videos! Going to purchase some land in Pennsylvania in the next year or so and want to learn as much as I can

[@thebeautifulones5436]

Same logic why I bought a farm

[@zachucker7390]

Definitely interested in your perspective on income streams. Please do the video. Cheers

[@davemcdonald5004]

you are blessed respect

[@robertgarner2532]

Where I live the mills only want chipnsaw so growing saw timber isn’t an option. This limits timber stand improvement to favor larger hardwoods. That being said there is still great pleasure derived from timber land however current land prices and low timber harvesting income makes it economically difficult to enter the business now.

[@paulblankenship5025]

Yes to more land info

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for your input.

[@charliefryer5184]

Yes Wilson, I'd like to learn more about how to find my forest land. Man your delivery and tempo is just outstanding makes your vids fly by and sorry their over I am!

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for the comment. I don’t really have a duplicatable technique for finding land. Other than being in the right place at the right time. I have had most of it for a long time and haven’t had to look for more since I have more than I can manage as it is. The last one I bought from someone I know who was selling. My experience is more about what to do with it once I have it.

[@dgoodman1484]

Amen Brother! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@hosocat1410]

More, please.

[@KairaisnotaLiopleurodon]

Loved loved loved this video and the idea of actually getting to enjoy your investments while we're alive. First video ive seen on your channel so i dont know if youve made this video yet or not (ill definitely be looking), but I would love tips on how to go about choosing forest land and knowing what is a good buy, what is overpriced, when is best to buy, etc. Thank you sir for your time, and good luck to all of those fighting to enjoy their lives and not become more cogs in the machine. Here's to enjoying this life!

[@KairaisnotaLiopleurodon]

Oh and you definitely succeeded in making the video entertaining haha. Very great vid

[@tedmartin5402]

Right with ya, mate

[@ilovemornings5706]

I would love to learn more please!!!!!

[@sstritmatter2158]

Yes

[@nearlynormal2293]

Make more videos like this

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the input.

[@southernadirondackoutdoors]

Yes on your question on making money with forest lands. On the topic of the news, recently we removed the TV for a month due to painting and installing new flooring and it was great not to see the news 24/7. A month later and the TV is back up and the pundits are still talking about the same sh*t so click off.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I think the news is toxic and it’s fueling a lot of the division in the world. Nice that you got a little forced break from it there.

[@MicahBullis]

Yes I love this I'm doing this. Do more videos

[@WilsonForestLands]

I will put your vote in for more.

[@waltdelbo6445]

New today. Like your content and humor

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you Walt, welcome to the channel.

[@jimdandy9671]

Brillant!

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you.

[@humblepie1017]

Damn you, I wish I would’ve seen this video a few months ago. I did get a good piece of property it’s one and 1/3 acres. It has a nice little cabin kind of off grid it has city water, but no power to it yet in the middle of the woods. The property on the backside of mine belongs to this “energy, log producer“ it looks like it’s about 500 acres and it will never be developed. I would love to invest in some forest land after listening to you because you’re so damn right. I love being out in the woods I used to trim trees for a living. I love getting up into the trees, taking out the sick limbs branches, thinning out the weak, and just making it look beautiful. Oh and by the way, it doesn’t have to be so hard to buy land like that. I couldn’t get a conventional mortgage on mine because the house wasn’t completely on grid. I got a land loan through Gesa credit union. Crazy thing is the rates and the conditions were unbelievably good considering. The only thing that’s different about this loan is that it’s 15 years instead of 30 which suits me fine I want to pay it off before I retire in five years,and the interest that I pay into is not tax deductible. So once I get the electrical in there and the interest rates come down, I will definitely refinance so I can get that tax break.

[@WilsonForestLands]

If you would have asked me sooner, I would have told you. 😁 It’s good that you at least have a place in the woods and next to some big forest land. That might be the next best thing. What you described about taking care of the trees and the forest is so true. It’s a very enjoyable and rewarding thing to do. Thank you for the comment.

[@wiwheelw]

My husband and I binge-watch you for hours. Thanks for your authenticity and wisdom. Husband (48) . It is his dream life, you’re living. Would you please tell us how much we need to have to do? Thanks

[@davefran01]

Pretty grounded video for you ! Keep up the good work !

[@WilsonForestLands]

Well, I am talking about investing in ground. So much for being grounded. 😁

[@hieppham7435]

I got barred owl calls at my place, it beats the city noise.

[@m8s4lif]

Being a tree farmer {Yes, there is more than trees in a forest.} can be a fantastic way to live. My life went different ways many years ago, but I still love the woods. I basically grew up in and around the woods. Most people leave the woods to go home. My heart tells me that to go into the woods, I'm going home.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Very well said. That last line gave me goosebumps. There is something about being in the woods that I think a lot of society is missing.

[@TomBTerrific]

No doubt that pleasure has its own value. Im now looking to buy some timber properties as an investment and diversification. I would say other benefits would be tax deductible expenses. On the downside is it may be difficult to sell the property to get money.

[@robertbrackett6569]

I'm sold

[@joeyrector1015]

I agree with you on forest land. It's just something about being in the woods. Plus there is a lot of money to be made cutting trees.

[@WilsonForestLands]

You are right, there is something about being in the woods.

[@joeyrector1015]

@@WilsonForestLands it is. To me it is really relaxing and a good peace of mind

[@WilsonForestLands]

It really is. I think it would be good for a lot of people if they spent more time in the woods. Although it’s probably better for us if they don’t because then the woods would be too crowded with people.

[@joeyrector1015]

@@WilsonForestLands right

[@refinedhayseedappalachian9777]

Please make more videos. My interest is strictly to put large sums of money away into something that has rare of the beaten path ideas.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the encouragement. Rare and off the beaten path, I like the sound of it.

[@jnanadeepnayak8353]

Hello Sir, I loved your passion and I learnt a lot from this video. I would love to know the size(in acres) of your forest property.

[@ElectricDanielBoone]

I've been looking at forest land in oregon for years, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Lots of public land out there to enjoy though.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I keep my eyes open for deals on forest land. It’s getting harder to find it for a reasonable price.

[@Dannyphantom469]

Make sense

[@asphaltandtacos]

I recently came across your channel when looking for a great alternative investment. Rental units appear to have additional headaches. Clogged toilets and tenants behaving in a suspicious behavior are two major drawbacks. Timberland is of interest to me depending on the cash flow.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Cash flow may be more of an advantage of rental houses. Traditionally forest land is a long term investment. To get regular short term cash flow from forest land usually means someone has to be doing continual labor. Or to be creative.

[@namron1106]

It's amazing how goverment has arranged ways to keep the people from making a nickle... by law.

[@mikehughes2026]

As you old buddy Mark Twain said “ buy land, they ain’t making any more of it”.🇺🇸

[@WilsonForestLands]

I used to think it was my grandpa who said that. I used to think he was really smart for all the sayings he came up with. Later on in life I learned, he got them from someone else.

[@mikehughes2026]

Well maybe ol’ Samuel Clemons heard that from your great-great Grandfather and he claimed it as his own!! Fellow had the gift of gab- much like you!🇺🇸

[@Ganondalf33]

Where is this first land? I love this type of forest

[@stephendickinson9929]

yeah, more videos of forestry stuff.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Noted

[@nsh399]

💯

[@TheDrewCharles]

You didn't mention your four-legged neighbors

[@thekiltedsawyer]

This is great, I would love to do the same, land with timber would be great 👍 Next best thing is having buddies that own land & help them managing it, you make several good points to pay attention to, yes I do have some change to pay 😂😂😂 lol

[@WilsonForestLands]

For me, it’s all about the forest land. The mill and everything else is mostly ancillary to managing the land. If you have any use for small diameter poles, I have plenty of that to thin out.

[@thekiltedsawyer]

Copy that, I am on 20 acers in Wasatch county, just 15 min. South of Park City. Always looking for fence poles👌👍🧡🧡💪 your videos are awesome, keep them coming buddy 👍

[@perrinpartee557]

Love being a timberland owner and manager we just need timber prices to pick up in the US South. Moving wood is getting hard down here especially pulpwood on first thinnings.

[@WilsonForestLands]

It’s become harder to move wood in the west in the last year too since lumber demand has tanked. But historically it goes up and down here. The nice thing about timber is I can let it keep growing until prices come around. I know in the south there is a longer term problem. I have heard investors are looking into investing in more mills in the south because you have so much wood there. Not sure what the current downturn in lumber demand will do to that but maybe they can eventually get more wood processing in the South.

[@perrinpartee557]

@@WilsonForestLands yes indeed! Biological growth keeps on going. Gaining tonnage every year without harvest. But yes they are starting to build mills down here. We have such an oversupply standing timber hopefully they continue to build mills to utilize some of this wood and bring the supply and demand picture into balance a bit more.

[@anthonywessel8932]

Yeah I need some more of that Financial show you done on their about Timberland that's a good idea then good idea I follow you all over I've watched all your shows

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for the input. That video didn’t get many views in the beginning so I kind of forgot about the subject as far as making videos about it. But I’ve had a few people mention it so it is in the back of my mind to get back to that subject.

[@10acresadream83]

I vote for mixing it in while doing some project.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Noted, that is a good suggestion.

[@gdot9046]

What’s the best book on forestry land management?

[@traviselectricalservices4532]

Can you do videos on how to make money without cutting the trees? Examples would be hunting lease, carbon credits, pollinator, selling the pine straw etc...

[@user-be7dt5eb6p]

"How do you put a price on sanity..." Wisdom

[@Blackadder75]

Did you already remember why we should also care about the stuff outside your nice forest? I'll give some clues for the the benefit, I mean entertainment of the viewer. (note to all: I am also unqualified, so don't listen to me) We care about other things because you also need a) a school for your kids b) a doctor for when you accidentally fall into a sawblade c) a petroleum refinery to make the stuff you put into your car d) some smart wizkid to design the next generation of chainsaws or electric trucks so you can scrap c) of the list. and e) a farmer who grows food for when you get tired of surviving on raspberries and elk meat. i could go on towards z) and all letters together (and the forest too) form that what we care about.

[@usabnd]

How can I buy a forest ?

[@smurface549]

A forest is definitely a thing to enjoy. However, before jumping on it and buying a forest property, one should be aware that it comes with responsibilities and causes a lot of work, too. If you have a beetle infestation, you want to remove the trees quickly. To make money, it's very advisable to take care of the forest and thin it out around the trees you want to grow for future harvesting. You might have to take care of logging roads, you need equipment and maintain it, you want to make sure that no invasive species is killing your investment. And you should be ready to pick up trash that idiots leave in the forest, so wildlife doesn't get harmed. If you're not ready to do those tasks, you better invest in stocks. But if you're willing to put in the work to maintain a forest property, it's rewarding. You probably won't get rich, but the reward beyond the financial benefits are much better anyways.

[@Fartshell]

where do you find places to purchase?

[@dimitristheodorakakis5743]

Hi Wilson, I was thinking about doing this for a year now, and it seems now is the right time to start. Could you please share the biggest difficulties you have met so far and what would you do differently if you could go back in time and start all over again while being 28. Thank you!

[@WilsonForestLands]

The biggest difficulties I have had are from bark beetles and borers killing trees. If I could go back I would learn more about what types of trees do best on certain parts of a property. For example we took out a lot of oaks in favor of Douglas fir. A couple decades later we realize oaks do better in those spots than the fir. That’s why the bugs are killing the firs. It comes to learning what the site is best for instead of trying to turn a site into what I want it to be. Not sure if that was the kind of answer you are looking for.

[@dimitristheodorakakis5743]

@@WilsonForestLands yes, that was the answer I needed, thank you for your advice.

[@luisr6377]

Is a USDA loan the way to go when looking to purchase land with Timber? If not , what would you suggest?

[@WilsonForestLands]

I’m not an expert in how to get financing or how to get the land. I am more experienced with actually managing the land after having it. I got lucky with some good owner terms.

[@christopherallen4456]

How much does forest land cost

[@joseromo4196]

How can I get in touch with you Wilson Forest land?

[@edwinlikeshistractor8521]

So... if you enjoy what you are doing is it work?

[@WilsonForestLands]

If it is, at least it may make it seem like it isn’t.

[@cabininthewoods7326]

I just want 10 acres and no neighbor in sight😂

[@WilsonForestLands]

That sounds like a very reasonable request. I am all for it. 😁

[@TheOldManAndTheSaw]

I didn't know that Elks could play a bugle; or any other musical instrument. Go figure.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Oh yeah and they are especially good with playing horns.

[@16m49x3]

I don't listen to a word government beurocrats say. Don't worry

[@N8sk8bus]

4444

[@leviquinton8402]

why does this look like a greenscreen?

[@PAULINEOKOTH]

😂 So what is it? 😂

[@WilsonForestLands]

Which it are you asking about?

[@linkymcfinkelstein6763]

Not very convincing argumentation.

[@positionvector]

Please do more video..i want to visit lots with you, how is that possible?

[@positionvector]

I want to be like you, how can i reach to you?

[@shuklamanish80]

Thanks!

[@Grizz270]

Yes

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thanks for the encouragement.