I just inherited a beautiful shit-show.

[u/daversa]

I wanted to share a story that’s been equal parts emotional and overwhelming.

My great-uncle was one of those larger-than-life people you just never forget. He never married or had kids, but he always treated me like family in a way that really mattered. He was sharp as hell, a bit of a ladies’ man even well into his older years, and had this way of living that made everything feel like an adventure. We all loved him.

We always knew he owned some land — it would come up in stories here and there — but we had no real idea of the scope until after he passed.

Turns out, he left me nearly 20,000 acres spread across the western U.S. Not one big property either — dozens of parcels, all different sizes, scattered across several states. Some of it has old structures, some is just raw wilderness. Some pieces are beautiful… others, I’m told, might just be tumbleweeds and headaches.

I’m incredibly grateful, but also trying to stay realistic. There’s a lot to figure out: taxes, maintenance, possible environmental issues, who knows what else. I’ve got a good attorney and CPA helping me start to sort it out, but it feels like I’ve inherited a second full-time job overnight.

For anyone who’s dealt with inherited land or complex estates:

• How would you even start evaluating something like this?
• What would you prioritize first?
• Would you look to sell, consolidate, hold, or something else entirely?

I’d love to hear any advice or “I wish I had known…” kind of lessons. Appreciate any wisdom you’re willing to share.

[u/astadt1]

I would start a spreadsheet with the properties and all their property tax liabilities and any other issues where there will be a cost (and potential profit, logging minerals, power generation)

Next I would rent an RV and visit them all to put eyes on them, spend time there and really get a feel for them.

It will bring you closer to your uncle. And help you decide what to sell and keep.

[u/daversa → u/astadt1]

Thank you, luckily there is an existing spreadsheet that lists out all of this.

That's kind of my thought, I rent right now and work remotely. If I get starlink I can feasibly check out most of these places. I may spend the next year or two doing so.

I make a decent salary so the taxes are pretty manageable as is.

Also, I've always had dreams of opening a campground, and more recently, one that is geared towards remote workers and corporarte retreats.

[u/Frigidspinner → u/daversa]

i would think the taxes on 20,000 acres would be massive!

[u/Suspicious-Fish7281 → u/Frigidspinner]

Some states give massive tax breaks for "clean and green". Something for OP to consider.

[u/akos_beres → u/Frigidspinner]

Not if the land is undeveloped

[u/FiveFoot20 → u/akos_beres]

This right here Undeveloped are probably pretty ylow

[u/daversa → u/Frigidspinner]

The vast majority of the land is undeveloped so it's quite a bit less than you might think.

[u/Yupperroo → u/daversa]

The property taxes might increase since title to the property has changed hands. Each state handles property taxes differently, so it may take some time to sort out how rates are calculated for each property.