Thinking about Help on our 5 acres in SC

Just thinking out loud - BUT my husband and I have 5 acres and we are in our late 60's -  4 years ago bought this place and started homesteading and learning as much as I could.  I love homesteading and at my age I poop out after a few hours and want to do so much more on this land.  We recently clear cut 1/2 acre, put in utilities for the 37 ft 5th wheel for someone to live in - a Christian single or married couple who have knowledge, experience and energy.  I love this group and see all the outstanding things that are accomplished and I want that for our property. I have primarily been using the Back to Eden garden method and have tons and tons of wood chips all over.  Just found out about the Ruth Stout method and have some hay too.  We have 4 different garden areas, 30 chickens and room for other ideas.  We even converted an old playhouse into an awesome little Chapel as God and my Catholic faith are primary in my life.  I don't see this as a money making place (could be wrong) but more of a life style.  We need to get $400 for monthly rent which includes utilities. What do you guys think?  Pros and cons?  Good idea or bad idea?  We live near North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Does the person/couple have to be Christian?

Hi Timothy - interesting question.  I had to pray about answering.  Only like minded people who get together can make something magical. To my initial listing, I should have added that we are very 'conservative' too since values are critical to people getting along.  It has been my experience that Christians strive to become more virtuous, as we want to try and become better people in service to others.  If a person is not Christian, do they work on becoming more virtuous since they might not be challenged to do so other than in a bible study or church setting? Also this just reminded me that some non Christian people I know are actually more Christian in their actions than other Christians. SO a better answer to your question might be that we are looking for a 'good' person(s).  My husband and I are not 'drama' people we are quietly peaceful and want someone who comes here to fit in. I know this has become a long answer and you've helped me clarify my thoughts on inviting someone to share our oasis of peace here.  We just want someone who will add greatly to our peace, beauty and way of life.....I know a lot more discussion will have to take place for both parties to feel comfortable in making something happen. My husband and I have been incredibly happily married for 39 years and we rarely have a sour word much less argue. We are so happy and have such joy living on this particular piece of property. We want to make it better and be more sustainable and get someone(s)to help us - and for them to feel and experience the same joy and peace and sense of accomplishment.  But I do appreciate your question - thanks much.  Hopes this reply helps...

That's a great answer, Dee Dee.  I've met a lot of people from different backgrounds and with many different beliefs and I've found that there are good people everywhere.  I think that, though beliefs may differ, values are pretty consistent.

I think that one of the most important traits for both parties is mutual respect and the ability to work around issues.  If you can find that in a person or couple, I think they're worth a hard look.  I think you've done a great job telling everyone what you are like and what's important to you.  Hopefully it will attract people with the qualities you're looking for.  

I'm not sure what you're offering and looking for, beyond the $400, which is an attractive price.  Are you looking for work in addition to this amount?  I think that a person with the right skills and drive could certainly make money on your property, eventually enough to live on, I would think.  Would you be OK with allowing certain uses of the property, or a set plot of it for income?  I think that these are some questions that might come up and might take some negotiation.  

Even if all you're offering is a chance to live the lifestyle and participate in improving the land, I would say that's a very attractive offer.  I've spent far more time in NC than SC, but I think you're in a beautiful area.  

Thanks Timothy - good point on the possibility of making money.  I thought about doing meat chickens but I'm already so burdened with other stuff that the right person/couple with experience and abilities could do many different things.  There are several farmers markets around here and tons of new developments going in all around the North Myrtle Beach area - making it very plausible to develop an income stream.  SO yes, we'd encourage different options for someone to develop an income on our property.  And I do like your reply above.   I have 4 different growing areas so it's more of a challenge since it's not all contained in one location.  Most of my fruit and nut trees, blueberry bushes, kiwi and banana trees are 3-4 years old and I'd like to keep adding more. We have a well for irrigation but I'd like to get drip irrigation going, but once again - I'd have to spend time learning what I need and then trying to set it up. Also we butt up to lots of trees,so we have critters of all kinds visiting our property.  Like the wild hogs that came and tilled up my garden without asking - so one of the next projects is putting up hundreds of feet of electrical fencing.  I had a couple of peaches last year and the day before I picked them, my neighborhood raccoons got them...  I'd like to raise mushrooms - no time, do essential oils, and on and on. Well - hopefully you get the idea.  Anyway - with the right person/couple so much is possible.  Thanks much!!

You're in a great position to offer someone a chance to earn an income.  I don't know what would be a fair split, and maybe people with experience could post their experiences, but you may be able to make an arrangement where they get a commission on what you produce and they sell, you both split profits to a degree on joint ventures, and you get a percentage of anything they sell from their own efforts on your land.

If you're posting elsewhere, I think your last post really highlights the opportunity available.  You also seem to be very well suited to dealing with differences, which is pretty rare, in my experience.  I hope you get some good responses.

Great suggestions.  We just want help to get the expenses covered and would rather give the person doing most of the work, most of the money.  Thanks for your help and very kind words. Blessings....