Kai Terveer

New here, hi! Due to unforseen circumstances outside my control that I won't be getting into here, I won't be able to start my homestead in the swamps of Florida. One of the (possibly) viable options I have laid out is about the opposite in terms of water availability, and the other side of the country: the southern California/Nevada desert. I'm obviously not accustomed to this climate, growing up and living all along the east coast. And I'm not particularly able to visit multiple times to look at land, as the budget is tight. So, the question for those more knowledgeable than me, and perhaps for those who find themselves in a similar situation: What would you be looking for, either as a positive indicator, or a negative one? Is that huge stretch of nothing but flat sand and a couple bushes so cheap because conventional folks don't want it, or is it actually useless for a homestead site as well?

My current list of what I'm keeping my eyes open for are:

Vegetation already growing in photos

Houses or farms nearby with trees, yards, or other growing things, though this could be well or transported water

Speculated flood zone through map data, to be verified with state/county records, as potential well sites. Here on the east coast that means the ground water is higher, so a well would be more likely. But it may also be due to runoff/snowmelt, which would still give ample opportunity for rainwater capture.

Evidence of water movement from higher ground on satellite maps. I gather these are called washes out there? This could definitely be useful for water diversion and capture, though it seems it may not be indicative of being able to drill a well to make any dwellings a legal residence

I'm not particularly picky and I'm not afraid of some good old time and sweat equity. I mainly just need it to be able to be a legal residence according to local building codes, which usually require water, electricity, and approved waste management. And, obviously, be able to grow some things. I'd be glad to get some wisdom there. Is there anything I'm missing? How would you prioritize those indicators? Or would you absolutely not buy a lot without being able to see it? I hope even if I settle on one of the other options, perhaps this discussion will be useful, what with the prices of desert land being more accessible.