It looks like roughly 5% of Iowa households make over $230k/year and the average annual salary in Iowa is right about $50k. When you take the number of hunters who are in that top 5% of households you're talking about a very few number of people who can make that equation work.
I get the 'work harder' and 'all about priorities' but those are some pretty difficult numbers to reach for most Iowans. Someone who gets a $7 coffee per day for a month is "only" spending $210 per month. That's a drop in the bucket of the 17k/month on the numbers from earlier.
There are lots of people who sacrifice and work hard to get there. Absolutely. But there are also a lot of people who came into money or got a big break to make that first purchase feasible. I just listened to a podcast where a guy always had the dream to own ground but was in some tough waters financially the first few years after college. His Dad paid off his $35k (ish) truck loan after it got repossessed. If it wasn't for that, he probably wouldn't own any ground today but instead has a beautiful house on a good chunk of ground.
Obtaining a top 5%+ household income certainly doesn’t happen overnight for most people, but it’s not an unreasonable goal for someone with average intelligence and a strong drive to prioritize it. That drive — not just intelligence — is by far the most important factor. I believe that just about any able-bodied person with a 10- to 15-year runway can make it happen if it’s truly a top priority. That said, it’s also perfectly fine if it’s
not a priority. There are a lot more important things in life than chasing a high income.
In my example, I had that household maxing out their retirement accounts, which I think reflects a balanced approach most folks prefer. But for some people, funneling as much cash as possible into buying land might be their priority.
Finding a life partner who’s on the same page financially and shares that vision can’t be underrated. Whether they’re contributing directly to the household income or supporting the work it takes to achieve that shared dream, a good partner can make all the difference. For two educated or skilled professionals in high-demand fields, a top 5% household income is definitely within reach over time.
According to Census.gov, the average 2023 household income was around $73K, but if you focus on dual-income households where both partners have a college degree or skilled trade, work in a metro area, and are in their late 30s or early 40s, I’d bet their average income jumps closer to $150K. If they’ve spent 10–15 years working in fields that have a decent barrier to entry and are in demand, I’d say hitting that $200K+ household income is very achievable. Granted, there are some fields where it's tougher to achieve this (teaching, social work, etc.). However, folks in those professions are driven by something that is far more important than money.
In today's market, I don’t think most people should expect to start with 80+ acres right out of the gate, but that’s exactly why I think it’s so important to be thinking about ways to grow income and maximize human capital — especially for those who are young. Time and consistent effort can turn even modest beginnings into something substantial, whether that’s buying a few acres, owning a home, or building a nest egg. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that aligns with one's values and one's dreams, and not getting discouraged by the gap between where one is today and where one would like to be.
. Cutting costs & making more $ …. It clearly boils down to that. & I totally understand that’s not doable for some folks. I get it. Maybe it genuinely is something that needs kicked down road 5-10 years. Maybe a guy starts the plan now & 10 years later things are finally humming along. Ya- dude has “3 little kids & wife that doesn’t work” or whatever - ya, I get it- not possible or not the time to buy land. 
. BOTTOM LINE: best wishes to those that want it and u got a whole lotta dudes here that are routing for u & have ideas on how to do it. Not everyone will or should own land. & it’s not the most important thing in life. Those that do- here to help!