I was a carpenter/contractor most of my life. I rebuilt the house I live in after a catastrophic flood. The house next door was a deal I couldn't pass up. And bonus, I don't have to worry about what kind of people move in there. I got some land, it's not attached to this property. I have a couple acres here, but a lot more in southern Mo. I enjoy working. Isn't there something in the bible about that ? Pretty sure there is.
I also own a house down the other end of the road. My daughter lives in it and is buying it from me. My street is one of those places that is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by corn fields and shit, but there are about 30 houses on the street. Well spaced and no one here is a pretentious asshole. I have river access and can do whatever I want out here without worrying about cops or neighbors.
If the shit hits the fan I can be lost in the woods, woods that I own, in less than 2 hours.
Not perfect, but it's the best I could do with the cards I was dealt.