Why Smart Investors LOVE “Bad Land”

In this episode of The Real Estate Investing Podcast, Ron Apke sits down with Alex Boyd of Brushworks Services to explore a side of land investing that many investors overlook, land improvements.

Alex shares how his land clearing business helps homeowners, developers, realtors, and land investors unlock hidden value by transforming overgrown, unusable properties into attractive, functional land.

From clearing brush around homes to opening up recreational and hunting properties, Alex explains how relatively small investments in forestry mulching can dramatically improve a property's marketability and help buyers visualize its potential. The conversation highlights how land clearing often acts like staging a house, making it easier for buyers to picture their future home, hunting retreat, or recreational property.

The episode also dives into the realities of buying and evaluating land, including hidden challenges that many investors never consider. Alex shares stories of discovering abandoned vehicles, illegal dump sites, old foundations, forgotten graveyards, homeless camps, drainage problems, and even dry creek beds that look far more appealing on satellite imagery than they do in person.

One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of boots on the ground due diligence, as satellite images can never tell the full story of a property. Whether you're flipping land, developing rural lots, or simply trying to better understand what makes a parcel valuable, this episode delivers practical insights into land usability, buyer psychology, and the small improvements that can create significant returns.

Watch the full episode here.