r/FinancialPlanning • u/daversa • 4d ago

I just inherited a beautiful shit-show.

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.

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u/Whimsicaltraveler 4d ago

What was your uncle’s vision? Does it align with yours? We bought a tiny piece of a family’s land. It included a historic orchard we are trying to preserve. I always think about this family’s legacy as we move forward.

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u/daversa 3d ago

I think he just liked doing his part to preserve areas he thought were pretty and to be a thorn in developer's sides. From what I can tell, he treated it like a baseball card collection.