Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-17-2012, 11:11 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Russellville , Arkansas
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 55
Feeling the pull of full timing...

So I've had my inherited 28 ft airstream for about 2.5 months now... And I've lived in it for about 6 weeks. (10 days traveling and in the ozarks where I have 80 acres, and the rest up here in NJ where I'm working as a flood adjuster.

I'm saving money for a small cabin on my land, and a 4-plex on the gulf coast (I'm not a full time flood adjuster, I do safety and emergency management, have an oil contract pending)
I plan to rent out 3 and live in one of the apartments.
(if I keep working up here I will reach my goal sooner rather than later.)

Now I've been fairly nomadic for the last 10 years. College, military etc...
(now medically retired)

And I'm kinda enjoying the footloose and fancy freeness of this... If the rain right now wasn't so loud and if I had a bathtub...
I don't need much.

I'm wondering if I shouldn't find a better investment than rental property, and just throw a pad on my land... (GF doesn't like it, likes a tub and real bed... But she's not going to be around forever and we trade visits.)

Must...resist...the...silver-pull...


Anyone else feel my pain?
Nomad, 2nd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2012, 02:40 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
wxbuoy's Avatar
 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Wildwood , Florida
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,236
Send a message via Skype™ to wxbuoy
Every day!

Put a couple of pads on your land and open an RV park. Or just use it as a home base for your work. If you do the real estate on the coast you will be stuck there. Right now your living the dream, why wake up....
__________________
Dave and Felicia
wxbuoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2012, 04:01 AM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Tucson , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 38
Nomadic1,

I am in the rental property business here in Tucson. I do all the repairs and maintenance and my wife handles all the leases, showing the properties etc. on twelve units. If you truly want to full-time in your Airstream, I would not advise you getting into the rental business unless you wish to turn everything over to a management company. Of course, they will take some of your profits as a management fee. Dave and Felicia suggested maybe opening an Rv park on your land, but that would still be like being in the rental business and would restrict you from traveling.

In summation, the rental business can be more than a full-time job depending on how many units you have to manage. That being said, it is also a fantastic way to make a VERY good living/income. I just don't think it would be a great thing for someone who wishes to full-time. It is hard for us to even get away for a short trip with our trailer. You asked for advice and I have given you my two-cents worth. Hope this is of some use to you.

Tim
__________________
1999 Nash
2004 Ford Super Duty
DryHeat56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2012, 05:45 AM   #4
Overland Adventurer
 
AtomicNo13's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride , Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
My wife says, find a different girl!

No seriously, in this new world, you have to do what keeps you happy! Trust me, rental property is an anchor, something always needs to be fixed, and the second you turn your back, someone is taking advantage of you!!

Best luck in your quest, and by the way, once you leave a normal world behind, you'll never go back! Nomadism is awesome!
AtomicNo13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2012, 06:26 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Other than be tied down to rental apartments and the disagreeable girl friend the plan sounds good.
Curious, where is Mobile, Mississippi?
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2012, 09:19 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Foiled Again's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach , Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
Ideas

Buy a better mattress. You spend 1/3 of your life sleeping - make it comfortable. Then you'll have that "real bed".

As for a bathtub, there are inflatable hot tubs around.

Personally I find the noise from the jetted tubs distracting rather than soothing, so I'd just make do with just the tub (big deep kiddie pool). A screen room for the awning - or a separate screen room with solid sides and you have a bath pavilion. If you're on your own land, no problem. In a campground, might want to wear a swim suit while soaking.

Do it the Japanese way, soap down and SHOWER first, then just take a nice hot soak in the tub. Keep the same water for a week or two as long as you can keep the tub heated and covered and clean.

Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
Foiled Again is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2012, 07:01 PM   #7
Avid Wanna Beeeeeee
 
Jay Hawk's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 12
Hell i am just envious you inherited your AS. I am trying to figure out how I can experience the lifestyle long enough to know that sinking a several grand into the idea is worthwhile.

That said I have lived on ships most of my life and somehow life is less complicated when you don't have a ton of crap. So I am pretty sure I would love the life.

If I had any advice for you then the girlfriend who doesn't get it ought to be replaced with a model that likes the nomad life. But I don't know what kind of thing ya'll got so that is up to you.
Jay Hawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2012, 07:49 PM   #8
"Tinbad ... the Trailer"
 
Del Gurney's Avatar
 
1971 25' Tradewind
1965 26' Overlander
Ferndale , Washington
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 356
I full time. My Gal loves my place and I love her city apartment. When I'd like a little more room or she'd like to get "out in the country" we make it work.
We're not attached at the hip and enjoy our own "space" some times.
The traditional relationship does not allow for "the best of both worlds".
I can cook (to my satisfaction) and she's no slouch either when it comes to repairing "stuff".

Jay Hawk: My gal and I worked on boats for a couple decades and I agree: No one needs a whole lotta :stuff. I rent tools and hire the odd kid to do the lawn to keep the economy going (in my small way).

There's no need to run a rental, it may be profitable (depending on lots of factors), it may be fun if you like the business, but it'll drain ya in one form or another and sap ya of your "freedom to roam" (unless you get a mgmt. co. as Dryheat is an expert in)
"Paula"'s experience and advice (I've learned from reading these forums) is pretty primo stuff.....I'd listen to her....and have.
Good luck
Del Gurney is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2013, 08:02 AM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
frankfarmer's Avatar
 
1992 34' Limited
Snead , Alabama
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 88
Images: 6
My 3rd winter in a 34 footer. These AS's are way cool, just fix the little things & keep on rocking/hold/invest your $.

Good luck & happy new year.
__________________
Frank Burgett, Owner
Burgit Hill Herefords
Registered White Face Hereford Cattle
1099 Dailey Road, Snead, Al 35952
frankfarmer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2013, 10:30 PM   #10
2 Rivet Member
 
Russellville , Arkansas
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
Other than be tied down to rental apartments and the disagreeable girl friend the plan sounds good.
Curious, where is Mobile, Mississippi?
Sorry I've been remis at answering, Work, Christmas, and my Grandfather passed... I've been busy.

I don't have any set address, I was endevering to list a couple of the places I pass through, and failed...


As to the GF... we will see, she's dealing.

And rentals... given the lack of interest regular investments get... I don't see many other options if I want "Mailbox money"

We will see, I Think I'll be upgrading the Solar panels on the airstream, and replacing the lights with LED's, and probably putting a metal building on my land first.
Nomad, 2nd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2013, 07:17 AM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
Columbus , Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 77
I put a pad on my 42 acres with electric and cable. Spent all last summer there. Now look looking for 1 or 2 more pieces of land in other parts of the country. The Ozarks are a great place to be. Put in a pad and enjoy !!!
tuffr2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2013, 07:39 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Lily&Me's Avatar

 
2007 Interstate
Normal , Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,051
Quote:
Originally Posted by tuffr2 View Post
I put a pad on my 42 acres with electric and cable. Spent all last summer there. Now look looking for 1 or 2 more pieces of land in other parts of the country. The Ozarks are a great place to be. Put in a pad and enjoy !!!

I am sooooo green with envy!

If I ever win the lottery, I'm gonna have me a bit of land.


Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
Lily&Me is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2013, 09:19 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Steelegood's Avatar
 
2005 31' Classic
Cleveland , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,499
Images: 19
Belated welcome to the forums. I would put a small space in the Ozarks, scrap the rental idea (too many problems arise with renters), & find a source of necessary income if needed! If you don't plan on traveling too much, I'd consider a private small camp ground there. Just my opinion!
Terry
__________________
I know you think you understand what you though I said, but I'm not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant!

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there." Lewis Carroll

AIR #38011
TAC TN-4
NOVA
Steelegood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2013, 10:07 AM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
pullswitha40's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
ogden , Utah
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 63
Just wondering......what does a few acres like that cost?

Private spot, some nice trees, water some where close would be nice.

I have 8.5 acres in Utah, but the winters are getting old, global warming has not helped at all
pullswitha40 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2013, 10:15 AM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
Russellville , Arkansas
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by doug&maggie View Post
I am sooooo green with envy!

If I ever win the lottery, I'm gonna have me a bit of land.


Maggie
Lottery not required. I paid $65,000 for my 80 Acres.
You can find land under $1K/Acre.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steelegood View Post
Belated welcome to the forums. I would put a small space in the Ozarks, scrap the rental idea (too many problems arise with renters), & find a source of necessary income if needed! If you don't plan on traveling too much, I'd consider a private small camp ground there. Just my opinion!
Terry

Thank you for the Welcome. I've considered a few things. I've made enough in Nov/Dec to cover my expenses for the rest of 2013, so I'm not in a rush, but interest rates aren't exactly stellar.

Hense the 4 plex in a town I have family in idea...
My ozark property has only 5 acres or so I could turn into a campground, the rest is rocks, waterfalls, rock bluffs etc... (Beautiful, and the reason I bought it, but useless.) I'd rather plant fruit trees and have it to myself.
(I don't want to be a campground manager)

I have considered buying 5 Acres or so in Southern Fl, and planting Citrus, putting in a pad, and having a place where it's warm.

But that whole income thing... interest rates are less than inflation. (Add to that that I'm relatively young, I'd like to put money back every year, not just get by.)
I was talking to a friend of mine last night... particularely with Tricare... And the fact I'm able to make money working as a contractor... there's no reason to take a 9-5... but it's irregular income. My pension is $1,293/Month. Enough to pay all my fixed expenses and then a bit. I can survive off it, but I'd like another $1K- $1,500/ Month. Anything on top of that would be savings.
I look at everything as time:income ratio. I know it would be fairly easy to earn $1500 a month, but many of the options would require time invested regularly, and I don't want that. I've 'accomplished' everything I need to in my life. I want to live it.

IF you have recommendations... I'll take em!
Nomad, 2nd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2013, 10:24 AM   #16
2 Rivet Member
 
Russellville , Arkansas
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by pullswitha40 View Post
Just wondering......what does a few acres like that cost?

Private spot, some nice trees, water some where close would be nice.

I have 8.5 acres in Utah, but the winters are getting old, global warming has not helped at all

Sorry, you were typing while I was typing.

You can find land 20-30 acres for under $1,500/Acre in the Ozarks if you are willing to look.

I've thought about the Ozarks, Northern Arizona (The part with water and trees) and Southern Fl... just kinda aimlessly rambling between the 3...
Nomad, 2nd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2013, 11:41 AM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Columbus , Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 77
Land - my 42 acres is in the woods but not too far from supplies. Water - we get it from a local park 3 miles away. Or from a spring 2 miles away or a spring 2.5 miles away. Lucky - lots of places to get.water.

The black tank gets dumped into a 35 gallon tote. Then the 2nd time black thank gets full we call a pump out company. They take 68 gallons of waste for $50. The 35 gallon tote with 33 gallons in it they charge 3 cents (yes 3 cents) a gallon. So most of the $50 is s trip charge.

I paid 3k in land improvements to keep us out of the mud. $1200 to have 50 amp service installed and $700 to have cable run.

You will need a 911 address which is easy to get. Utilities don't like sending their guys to the third oak tree past the big maple tree.
tuffr2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2013, 01:00 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
asbury park , New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 905
you know... we should start a registry with all of our empty land with just a pad and electric and water and network, so we can all experience other parts of teh country without having to actually own land there. we have 23 ares about an hour outside asheville and also considered putting up houses to rent... or pads to rent for RV's... for extra income. I am self employed and work from home (web design /internet marketing) . so i am also interested in owning a small plot in say, CA, where we could travel during the winter.

Also, in NC where we live, rutherford county and areas surrounding asheville there is a ton of land for sale with owner financing; land is also cheap, 2 - 5k/acre.
NJtoNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2013, 08:49 PM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
Columbus , Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 77
On the surface this sounds like a great idea but how would any scheduling work. Plus having strangers on my land might cause legal issues if someone got hurt. Like climbing a tree and falling or someone with a toy hauler full of 2 cycle dirt bikes.
tuffr2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2013, 06:52 AM   #20
Rivet Master
 
mandolindave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,190
Images: 4
Whatever you decide will be the right decision.

But here is my personal input.

#1) Fulltiming alone can be VERY lonely. We are pack animals.

#2) Owning multiple properties can be stressful, even if they are in close
proximity. Some renters can be a nightmare.

#3) Bathing in bathtubs can be unhealthy for women, and baths use too much
water compared to showers.

My financial input.....Between rental income, pension, and whatever you can earn, it looks like you could survive.

My advice....Think about the best of both worlds
mandolindave is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.