Best Use(s) of Rental House, on farm property, near Bend, Oregon

[Farmgirl]

I have this posted over in the Oregon State Forum, but I figure it would get a bit more exposure in the 'Lounge'.

So, here's the deal. We (me, my husband, two young children, lots of animals) have 20 lovely acres just outside Bend, Oregon. We've owned and lived on the property for years. We also have a second house on the property, which we've rented (and it's currently being rented). But, we absolutely hate doing the landlord/rental thing and so we're trying to figure out what to do with the place, once these renters leave (could be sooner vs later).

We do need to derive some income from the "rental home", but are also interested in doing some "work-for-rent" (we also have a large greenhouse and lots of fun farm chores to do), or some other creative arrangement (license massage therapist?, art studio?).

So -- I thought I would put the question out there to you creative, intellectual, "outside-the-box" thinkers on this.

:think:

[BeyondThePale]

1. crystal-meth lab?

Just outside-the-boxing...

[Farmgirl]

4. 'fraid not...

I used to work for an agency that was responsible for cleaning up those meth labs. Usually the homes would be condemned. Sorry, not such a good idea, but thanks anyway.

[roguevalley]

2. I would rent it in a moment. I love Bend. Its so beautiful. I would

look for someone to put a shop in there, say a potter. You could also have people who want to farm without a farm so to speak.

[Farmgirl]

6. Sounds good roguevalley,

artisan community -- I like it. Well, let me know if you're ever interested, as you said you'd "rent it in a moment" :)

[ezee]

3. Have you

looked into the legal and tax ramifications of this venture? If not, you really must before you go further.

[Farmgirl]

5. Yes, we have.

We currently do file the tax schedule form (can't recall which letter of the alphabet it is) for the rental...and that's part of the issue too. I'd like to get out from some of that tax burden, so by putting it into our farm, tax schedule F, we'd be in a better position.

[faithnotgreed]

7. sounds beautiful. i love permaculture/organics/animals

alternative medicine etc

and i would imagine that there are many who would be interested in a work exchange. since you and your husband know what youre doing - youve had the place for years - then i think someone is out there who would be a great fit no matter what kind of work youre looking at.
between children, greenhouse, animals, property and all the rest im sure you can come up with some idea about what you would enjoy and what would serve what youre looking for in terms of privacy (or not) childcare (or not) etc

and i dont know if the size allows you to have an intentional community of sorts but of course you can determine how you would like to start this venture out. it can grow into a community thats for sure which also sounds wonderful

best wishes to you and yours farmgirl. sounds great and once you get a handle on what or who you really want in that space, i really dont think youll have any problem setting up a great situation.