To the original question in July - "bought land in place that was foreign to me". Yes, Central America.
Lived on the east coast, most recently Florida, Miami & the Keys. Tropical, everything grows, the backyard provided breakfast, lunch & dinner, not to mention peace & balance.
Wanted bigger parcel/growing capacity. Had spent some time in the northwest, so headed out to settle in, beautiful, beautiful place, but growing season too short, didn't work out.
Friends had mentioned central america, several times over a few years time. Headed south. Got off the plane about three pm, walked about, found a room. In the morning found an estate agent, described what I was looking for, by 11 am I had signed a contract on a decent size parcel. My whole intent for this property is to grow food, the right way and feed people.
Planning/researching is a very intelligent approach to buying land and I would absolutely/strongly recommend it, but in this instance I knew the moment I saw it.
I've gotten a start on this project and am hoping to find some people interested in growing and eating their own food. People interested in free use of the land as long as you're growing your own food. Free use of the land means I don't want any rent, leases, donations, fees, subscriptions, etc. AND I don't have any stipends, paychecks, etc.
I do have a lot more details for anyone really interested in this idea...