Currently, there is an additional thing to look for. Many markets are insanely expensive right now (like austin tx for example). I know real-estate is up, but these markets are WAY UP, and thus you may well lose money when its time to move again, and your taxes will be too high (based on your purchase price). While there are other markets (to use texas again, near but not on the boarder). Some markets for whatever reason (political in this example) have repressed markets, they are still up, but they are still reasonably priced, so if the markets go down, you wont lose nearly as much as "austin" and thus you'll be profitable again shortly. One thing that i cannot stress enough, as a POALer. Look for property where you can have livestock, this is key for many reasons, and you don't need that much property.. 1) if she gets bad, have your own chickens, etc (the obvious) 2) AG exemptions are amazing, property tax only a tiny portion of your land. Many states (lets use texas again) offer ag exemptions even for bee keeping. Not to mention that you can (again in texas) register as "ag/timber" and not have to pay sales tax on things used exclusively for that purpose. (seed, animals, UTV's, lawn/garden equipment, trailers, all sort of stuff that "farmer john" would need would fall under this. 3) getting an ag exemption also makes a number of government programs/grants available to you. There is a reason that alof of the traveling consultants, sales and other high earners buy ranches, and taxes is a massive part of it