u/NoShiteSureLock

I was just listening to to some of my old VMP stuff and I went to look at what they had going on now and stumbled into some dumpster fire of a website that absolutely SCREAMS "SCAM!!!"
On top of that...there's a HUGE record store a block or two away from me. The guy that owns(ed?) it had been in the neighborhood since the 70s. I mean the store is absolutely jam packed with records, but the owner (past??) refused to sell anything new. He only sold used records.
Looking at those pictures, it looks like the new VMP owners may have bought that store.
Are they producing good pressings now?? I saw the NWA thing...I mean there isn't a record plant anywhere near here.

OK, I've got 40 acres under contract. The topography is karst and rolling. On one side of the hill (not a mountain...but still) it slopes down to 200' of river frontage.

I got the USDA 502 Direct Loan Program loan on this, which means I can't buy equipment needed for construction and land maintenance with the construction loan funds (even though I'm the contractor...)
I've got a lot in my city I can sell that will net me about $40,000. I'm looking for suggestions on what I should purchase with this money that will make my homesteading a lot easier.

Should I get a skid steer, or a tractor with bucket, or a broken down excavator (I was a US Navy Seabee Construction Mechanic) I can try to diy and fix, etc. I will definitely be buying a portable saw mill. These are just things that come to the top of my mind.

I should note that I have all of the hand and lawn and garden (Lawn mower, trimmer, chain saw, etc) tools I would need for construction and tools you would find in a small, personal, wood shop.

I'm also in the process of getting my blasting license...so I can use explosives, if need be.

I'm looking for any suggestions. The floor is open.

I should note that the loan does cover me to install well, septic and electric.