Direct to land owner. My dad and I got into the lease with a couple other guys, but they left after our first year on it so we've just kept it to ourselves and family.

The landowner owns thousands of acres in SE Indiana...like north of 5000. We actually now stay in a house on the lease property during hunting seasons, after building a great relationship with him. He's even give us permission some of his properties that went un-leased for free. Even some land in Kentucky, too.

Getting your foot in the proverbial door is the hardest part and we just lucked into it. We are blessed, for sure, and do everything we can to make sure our landowner feels proud to call us "tenants". From helping with farm-upkeep, helping with cattle, keeping an eye on the property year-'round. We'll probably lease his land as long as it's available.