$80,000: realistic or not ?

[cat&steve]

"Have you looked at pre-owned homes because if you are handy this is a good source."

Thanks, yes, we have. We looked for 2000-2001 or newer, and 100 miles radius. No luck though.

I have read the story of somebody getting a '99 Skyline 16X80, good condition, for $8,200.
That's the problem: single wides are easy to find cheap.

A lot of DW advertised are set-up in parks or have too many strings attached.

[donb1959]

We found a Palm Harbor two years ago. A lot model (fullest house), cost us 65K, 12 ft vaulted cielings,1/2" sheetrock throughout, 2x6 ext, 2x4 int (16" center), 2x8 joists are an upgrade, 3/4" T&G subfloor, full OSB wrap, heat pump. The basement is the fly in the ointment as it takes quite a bit more prep to accomidate a full basement. I searched for 18 months before decideing on a PH, I'm happy with it.

Most MH sales people are a pain, such was our case as well. Take the appliances....sell them.

"We have a nice piece of ground in south central Virginia. We have a well, and we may be able to use our existing drain field."
Has the land been "perked"? If so you can save a little with the well, and perk.

Do your own "landscaping".

Tell them you want a firm written qoute on the home with the land prep.After the qoute is written take off such items as landscaping(sowing seed),if youre to get a gravel drive, buy your own gravel.I wish you the best.