![[Episode 19] Landmine or Goldmine](https://dmre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Featured-Image-EP19-Texas-Land-Guys-OP-2-scaled.jpg)
Landmine or Goldmine
With decades of experience brokering land across Texas, they’ve seen it all, from buried railcars to zoning issues that stall projects for years. They share real-world lessons on spotting hidden risks and finding untapped opportunities.
The episode also looks at how major events, like Hurricane Harvey and Exxon’s HQ relocation, have reshaped land values and created new chances for smart investors.
Whether you’re just curious about land investing or deep in the game, there’s something in here for you. Let’s jump in.
Key Takeaways:
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When land is a gold mine—and when it’s a trap
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How to turn potential landmines into Goldmines
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Why “just because it’s land” doesn’t mean it’s a good investment
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Critical utility and infrastructure considerations before buying
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Environmental hazards and what due diligence really means
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Zoning risk: why approval isn’t always approval
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Lessons from Houston, Dallas, and beyond on location and market timing
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How investor assumptions often don’t match reality
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Planning for plan B: why alternate uses are essential
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The truth behind major announcements (Exxon, Universal Studios) and land value
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Best practices to set yourself up for land investing success
In This Episode:
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[00:00:35] Introduction to landmines vs Goldmines when it comes to buying sites
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[00:03:16] Why land value is all about use, and what happens when that use changes.
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[00:04:39] Site-level landmines: utilities, zoning, environmental, drainage, and access.
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[00:14:28] When zoning turns political, and how a good plan can still get killed.
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[00:25:08] The hidden cost of detention ponds and Houston’s drainage rules post-Harvey.
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[00:28:01] Easement nightmares: Why your neighbor could cost you millions.
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[00:32:18] False assumptions: why land value doesn’t always rise, and how to know your submarket.
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[00:36:53] When to sell: holding too long vs. exiting too early.
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[00:40:46] The problem with hype: Universal Studios, Exxon, and the post-announcement letdown.
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[00:47:23] Best practices from decades of deals: due diligence, timing, pricing, and carry strategy.
Show Links:
Tom Dosch
Tim Dosch
