You don’t need expensive software to research properties like a pro. If you know how to use Google Earth right, it can save you hours on every deal. Here’s a simple 5-step system every land investor should know: 1. Open Google Earth. Type in the property’s coordinates or APN. 2. Check access. Follow the dirt roads and see if the parcel connects to a public road. 3. Switch to 3D view. Look at elevation, slopes, and nearby terrain features before you ever visit the site. 4. Drop pins. Mark property corners, nearby power poles, or landmarks. 5. Save it. Use them in your listings or to show buyers exactly where the property sits. The best part isn’t just saving time. It’s avoiding costly surprises before you ever buy. Extra tip: You can even create drone-style video tours using Google Earth. Check out how @Seth Williams did it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXrMUudcxaA

I just got back late Friday night from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where we held the REtipster Inner Circle retreat. And wow…what a week. (Note--- those of you who saw the FB post--- this is longer form and has more meat and is still worth a read) To be honest, when I came out of the Land Unconference about a month and a half ago, I was tired. Worn out. Spent. I told myself, “I just have to push through and finish the process.” But as the days got closer to Jackson Hole, my energy started to rise again. By the time I boarded the plane, I was buzzing with anticipation. And it was worth it. The Power of the Room One of the things I’ve learned time and time again in event like these is that the people in the room make the event. Of course, my buddy @Seth Williams was there as we published it under his brand. I am so grateful for his trust in allowing me to put this together and associate it with him This trip brought together an incredible mix: - Old friends like Denise, @Bob Scott , @Xing Gao, and @Brian Wied . - New faces like @Jonathan Newth (welcome to the community, brother), Neil Clements (Seth’s new podcast partner), Mitch Klein, Abi and Erika from Gokce Capital (whose YouTube channel I’ve followed for years), and Jim Kramer from South Carolina. Between all of us, there was easily 1,000–1,500 land deals a year represented, with businesses ranging from $500K to $7M in revenue. Some focus on small flips, some on subdivides, others on entitlements or messy title work. Some are even moving toward vertical development. It was a diverse room, and the expertise was incredible. The Adventures We didn’t just sit in a room. We lived together for a week. - We fished. - We went on a wildlife safari. - We took a gondola up 10,000 feet and hiked the ridge. - We stargazed under the Milky Way, seeing millions of stars and the bands of light stretching across the sky. - And we did my favorite moment of all: a sunrise hike at Jenny Lake.

I’ve been sitting with a full heart these past few days. (and finding the space and time to re-energize after being very, very exhausted emotionally) The Land Unconference meant more to me than I can really put into words. What started as an idea—a loose vision for creating something different in the land investing world—turned into something I never expected. Initially all it started out with was 6 or 7 land investors in a room holding a mastermind 1x a year that I hosted in the office for the first time in 2019. From the very beginning, people flew from literally all over the country to attend. I felt such a weight of responsibility to hold an amazing event for them. We did it again virtually in 2020 during Covid. And in person again in 2021 for 2 days rather than 1 day and again in 2022. Some people were super skeptical and asked me, "What do you want out of this?" I don't need the money for doing these (but I do like to get paid for my hard work and enjoy the reward and I want to ensure that we do have a profit). There are many other activities that pay me far far more. My truthful answer is I get paid with friendships, connections, and community --- and if I'm honest with myself, I enjoy being respected and admired and appreciated. It probably feeds my ego some. Ok, maybe a lot. But what really brings me joy--- I love seeing people connecting. I love seeing the smiles, the "ah ha" moments, people who live 10 minutes from each other and yet never met before who get together. New masterminds that pop up after the event. In the small 2022 version--- where I sat on a hot seat and asked, "What do you want Dave? How can we help you?" My answer was simple--- I love doing these small events. How can I help scale this into something bigger? Where we get 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 people --- dare I say 100 people or 200 people all set up in separate rooms holding multiple masterminds at 1x. That day in May 2022--- the Land UnConference was born. We did it for the first time in May 2023. Sold out 5 or 6 months ahead of the event. It was easy, it was fun, it was joyful. The moderators came to my house for dinner the night before we started. They met my family, hung out with my kids. I personally made them dinner and served them.

This week, I’m joined by @Austin Hendrickson, a land investor and real estate leader with a story you don’t want to miss. - He graduated college at 19 - Worked oil fields and as a CPA - Now collaborates on major development projects with the Wilf family (yes, the owners of the Vikings!) - Runs his own land biz focused on BIG deals in Minnesota Austin shares: ✅ How he scaled from $5K lots to $1M+ projects ✅ The leadership lessons that shaped his journey ✅ Why confidence, clarity, and systems are non-negotiables ✅ His favorite tools, books, and daily practices for staying sharp If you’re stuck at square one, this episode will show you exactly how to move forward! 👉 Visit Land in Leadership Podcast to access resources from this episode.

Josiah Ronco made the leap from touring as a guitar tech to running a thriving land investment business with a structured approach and data-driven decision-making. How did he do that? In this episode, Josiah shares: - How he transitioned from touring with bands to flipping land - The key hires that transformed his business operations - How tracking KPIs helped him predict and maximize profits - The role of a business coach and a fractional CFO in financial planning - The one strategy that keeps his team focused and productive Plus, he reveals the top tools and books that have shaped his success. 🎧 For full resources, visit Leadership in Land Classroom Scaling a land business is about more than just deals---it’s about leadership, strategy, and execution. Don’t miss this episode!