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MT Shark Tank - Undeveloping Commercial/Residential Properties

Posted on 4/28/24 at 8:57 pm
Posted by RickAstley
Reno, Nevada
Member since May 2011
2004 posts
Posted on 4/28/24 at 8:57 pm
This thread is somewhat the opposite of Mariner's Developing commercial properties thread from earlier.

I’m looking for some business advice around the idea of taking blight and rehabbing it back to a natural state. I have two businesses that can be involved. One business is for removing old decrepit buildings or cleaning vacant land that is littered with junk. The second business is for performing the land rehab. I'd strongly consider trying to return the land to its natural state with native plants. Ultimately the land clean-up would be focused on making it marketable for sale.

I’d want to start with small properties to minimize costs and serve as learning opportunities. Mainly learn the ins and outs of property removal and clean-up. I'm thinking initially I would seek ownership of the property and then over time maybe offer clean-up/rehab work as a service other landowners could contract. This part of the process I am really unclear on how it might unfold.

Is this an idea that is next to impossible to make money from? I sit in front of a computer all day with no experience in what I am thinking. I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon to do this, but I'd be in favor of putting the idea to the test initially as a side gig.
Posted by GREENHEAD22
Member since Nov 2009
19612 posts
Posted on 4/28/24 at 9:06 pm to
Cant help you out much besides I like it. Development should be brownfield, reclaiming run-down areas instead of pillaging what little green space and woods/farmland we have left.

If you can't redevelop it the next best thing is putting it back to nature.
This post was edited on 4/28/24 at 9:40 pm
Posted by SloaneRanger
Upper Hurstville
Member since Jan 2014
7773 posts
Posted on 4/28/24 at 9:14 pm to
Admirable goal, but who is going to pay to do this? Maybe I'm missing something, but that was my first thought.
Posted by dkreller
Laffy
Member since Jan 2009
30337 posts
Posted on 4/28/24 at 9:54 pm to
How does this generate income at all?
Posted by Upperdecker
St. George, LA
Member since Nov 2014
30593 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 5:56 am to
You could do it as a charity and fundraise, then draw a high salary
Posted by RickAstley
Reno, Nevada
Member since May 2011
2004 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 6:58 am to
quote:

Admirable goal, but who is going to pay to do this? Maybe I'm missing something, but that was my first thought.


I really don't have a clue. I'm looking for some thoughts here. I know blight removal has been funded by some local governments, but I don't know the landscape well at all.
Posted by dewster
Chicago
Member since Aug 2006
25378 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 7:44 am to
There are nonprofits that raise money to plant trees.

Maybe they can add removal of decrepit old buildings to their scope.
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
650 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:37 am to
I’ve always thought that developer should be required to put up a bond for land remediation (similar to what an oil company is required to do for plug and abandonment) before a project is approved.
Posted by AllDayEveryDay
Nawf Tejas
Member since Jun 2015
7033 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 12:37 pm to
There's the charity route which could work depending on your networking skill, or the government contract route which could take years and require greasing lots of political palms. If you're in an area that's actively gentrifying then you could lobby some of the construction companies to see if they need a similar service. There's also superfund site clean up, but that's haz waste, not so much derelict buildings.
Posted by Lightning
Texas
Member since May 2014
2300 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 1:54 pm to
KSU Brownfields Program

If you're actually in Nevada as your profile says, your local contact will be different as you're in a different EPA region. I'm familiar with KSU's Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program because it covers my area.

These aren't really money-making projects though. This program is designed to work with municipalities, tribes and non-profits to revitalize brownfields. Lots of good information on how it all works, steps needed, etc but it's not going to talk about how to turn a profit because that isn't the goal.
Posted by turkish
Member since Aug 2016
1771 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 2:13 pm to
You said restore to a natural state. What do you mean? If the highest and best use of this real estate is commercial property, why go to the trouble to plant native plants? Who buys a block of young forest among buildings? What could they do with it? What value does it have?

Industrial reclamation likely has pollution, contamination issues that you’d never want to touch, literally or figuratively.
Posted by RickAstley
Reno, Nevada
Member since May 2011
2004 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:29 pm to
quote:

These aren't really money-making projects though. This program is designed to work with municipalities, tribes and non-profits to revitalize brownfields. Lots of good information on how it all works, steps needed, etc but it's not going to talk about how to turn a profit because that isn't the goal.


Thanks for sharing. I think reading up on KSU's program is a good starting point. This idea isn't one I am trying to making a lot of money from, but I don't want to be simply draining money on it either without some way to recuperate costs.
Posted by RickAstley
Reno, Nevada
Member since May 2011
2004 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:51 pm to
quote:

You said restore to a natural state. What do you mean?


The location to me would drive the type of restoration work. If the location was in an area where redevelopment was likely, the main effort would be property cleanup and property turn over. If redevelopment is not likely in the near-term, I'd look at replanting it with native plants and leaving it alone. I know this is pretty simplistic when there are a lot more factors involved.

quote:

Industrial reclamation likely has pollution, contamination issues that you’d never want to touch, literally or figuratively.


This is one of the reasons I posted this thread. I wasn't even thinking about contaminated sites and you're right, probably not anything I want to ever be involved with.
Posted by RickAstley
Reno, Nevada
Member since May 2011
2004 posts
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:59 pm to
I pasted my original post into Copilot:

<Copilot has entered the chat>
Your business idea of rehabilitating blighted land back to its natural state is not only environmentally beneficial but can also be financially viable. The concept aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices and environmental restoration. Here are some insights based on the information gathered:

Profitability: The forest rehabilitation and reforestation industry, which shares similarities with land rehabilitation, had an estimated market size of $1.7 billion in 2020, with a projected annual growth rate of 12%. Business owners in this sector can expect to earn a competitive salary or profit, with return on investment for reforestation projects estimated to range between 8% and 20%. This suggests that there is a market for businesses focused on environmental restoration.

Starting Small: Beginning with small properties is a strategic approach. It allows you to manage costs, gain experience, and refine your processes. As you learn, you can scale up and potentially offer your services to other landowners.

Ownership vs. Service: Initially seeking ownership of the property gives you control over the rehabilitation process and the end use of the land. As you establish your business, offering clean-up/rehab work as a service could expand your market reach and revenue streams.

Market Demand: The demand for land rehabilitation has increased as companies become more environmentally conscious and new environmental protection laws are introduced. This trend suggests a growing market for your services.

Operational Considerations: Efficiency in operations, access to funding, and adapting to environmental regulations are key factors influencing financial success. Additionally, exploring additional revenue streams such as ecotourism or carbon credit markets could further enhance profitability.

Challenges: It’s important to note that land rehabilitation can be costly, especially if toxic cleanup is involved. Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses for each project.

Next Steps:

1. Market Analysis: Research the local demand for natural land rehabilitation and the competition in your area.
2. Business Planning: Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your services, pricing strategy, and operational model.
3. Funding: Identify potential funding sources, such as government grants or private investments.
4. Licensing and Permits: Ensure you have the necessary licenses and permits for property clean-up and land rehabilitation.
5. Partnerships: Consider partnerships with environmental organizations, government agencies, or other businesses to gain credibility and access to contracts.

In summary, while there are challenges to consider, your business idea has the potential to be profitable and sustainable. With careful planning and a focus on operational efficiency, you can create a successful venture that contributes positively to the environment and the community.
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