mixxalot, if you’re actually willing to live in AZ, then SD East County would be a better alternative for you, imho. It’s not as hot as AZ and you’re right in that you can get a lot of bang for the buck out there in housing and also easily find someplace to park a (trailered) sailboat for “free” on your own property (or at the very least, bring it “home” 1-2 times per month to more conveniently load it up for a trip) :=)
Just look at the listings out there very objectively (even the “bargain-priced ones) taking the lot size, lot configuration, lot topography and type of soil into account and take a good inspector with you before making your offer. Do not be afraid to write in contingencies in your offer that you have X number of days to approve both your inspection report and engineering report during escrow (if you need one of those in escrow, as well, and you very well may). “Traditional” sellers out there are used to this protocol. Good luck.
