Tired of dealing with tenants, property damage, or expensive house flips? There’s a smarter way to profit in real estate—land investing. Many people overlook vacant land, but did you know it’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to build wealth? Whether you’re new to investing or looking for passive income, learning how to buy and sell land for profit can be life-changing.
Unlike traditional home buying, it requires a unique skill set, patience, and the right strategies to succeed. Jaren Barnes, a seasoned land investor and mentor, has unlocked the secrets to making smart land investments.
Through years of experience, he has developed three key skills that have helped him and many others build successful real estate businesses. If you’ve ever wondered how to buy and sell land for profit or how to create passive income through land investing, this blog will break it down step by step.
Who is Jaren Barnes?
Jaren Barnes is a land investor, mentor, deal funder, podcaster, and the founder of the Land Maverick Society. He has helped his community members secure over $1.5 million in deal acquisitions by sharing his expertise. His real estate career began in Indianapolis, where he learned valuable lessons that shaped his approach to investing.
How Jaren Got Started in Real Estate
Jaren's journey into real estate wasn’t traditional. He started in insurance sales but soon realized he wanted something more. To support himself and his new wife, he took a leap of faith into real estate. Through persistence and a willingness to learn, he found his way into land investing, a sector he would later transform with his innovative methods.
The Three Core Skill Sets of a Land Investor
Jaren emphasizes three critical skills that every land investor must master to succeed:
1. Understanding Land Valuation and Due Diligence
Valuing land is not as simple as pricing a house. Unlike residential or rental properties, land lacks comparable sales data, making it difficult to assess an accurate market value. Jaren stresses the importance of running thorough comps and conducting due diligence to ensure a profitable investment.
“Conventional banks do not lend on vacant land investing because it's really hard for them to wrap their head around valuation. It's more art than science,” Barnes explains.
2. Communicating Effectively with Sellers
Successful land investors know how to communicate with sellers in a way that builds trust. Jaren advises being honest and transparent. Sellers should understand that while they might not get the highest market price, selling to an investor means a fast and hassle-free transaction.
3. Partnering with Land-Specialized Agents
Not all real estate agents understand the land market. Jaren recommends working with agents who specialize in land sales. These professionals have the expertise to market land effectively and navigate the unique challenges of land transactions.
Mastering Follow-Ups: The "Politely Annoying" Method
One of Jaren's top strategies is persistence in following up with leads. He believes in being "politely annoying" to stay on a seller’s radar without being intrusive. His follow-up process includes:
- Calling three times in a row to bypass spam filters.
- Using multiple communication channels like cold calling, text blasts, and voicemails.
- Keeping interactions friendly and professional.
Building a Community: The Land Maverick Society
Jaren understands that real estate success isn’t just about deals—it's about connections. That’s why he founded the Land Maverick Society, an online community where land investors can share experiences, challenges, and strategies. This group provides mentorship and support to those looking to grow in the field.
The Role of Technology in Land Investing
Technology has transformed the real estate industry, and land investing is no exception. Jaren highlights tools like DealMachine, which help investors find and track deals efficiently. Leveraging technology allows investors to scale their businesses and make smarter decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is land investing good for beginners?
A: Yes! Land investing is one of the easiest real estate strategies since there are no repairs, tenants, or complicated financing.
Q: How much money do I need to start land investing?
A: You can start small and scale up as you gain experience.
Q: What’s the best way to find undervalued land?
A: The best ways include direct mail campaigns, tax lien auctions, and using tools like DealMachine to find motivated sellers.
Conclusion
Jaren Barnes' journey proves that anyone with dedication, knowledge, and the right strategies can succeed in land investing. By learning how to value land, communicate effectively with sellers, and build strong industry connections, investors can create profitable opportunities.
His approach emphasizes persistence, the power of community, and the smart use of technology. Whether you're new to land investing or looking to refine your skills, following Jaren’s principles can set you on the path to success.
