Some friends and I recently purchased a piece of property in West Virginia. It was previously used for government contract testing of small arms and possibly some artillery. No chemicals or radioactive material. We purchased the property for some additional hunting land and also as a possible investment. There are several nice buildings (ie machine shop, garages, office) on the property surrounded by security fencing. There is a firing range, approximately 1500 yards or so, as well which is fenced. This property is located in a secluded valley but not terribly far from major highways and a river.
My question is how do we find a tenant for such a property. It’s not essential that we lease the property but some income from the property would be nice. We’ve worked with the WV Economic Development folks but I’m afraid this project is out of their traditional scope.
Given the facilities and the infrastructure present it could support a machine shop, welding operation, etc as well. However I think it’s best suited for its intended purpose which would provide the best, reliable income. Any advice is appreciated. Ultimately I suppose we could host a massive Sig Forum shoot!

Why not host traveling instructors for shooting courses?

Sounds like a dream property!

OK, how about marketing this as a R&D facility for firearms manufacturers? Probably small start up companies would be best suited to this, kind of a business incubator.

There must be some trade journals to market this through.

Sounds like you could start a really nice gun club there, even have retail space.

It's West Virginia. Rent it out to a cartel for the production of METH?

I would like to rent it out for one day, to host a Sig Forum shoot, armedmd.

Otherwise...I agree with an earlier reply in that you may have the makings of a club and/or R&D site for firearms manufacturers.

Let me know if I can do anything locally, to be of help.

You haven’t mentioned acreage. 4wheel ATV’s are big in WV. Enough room for them to roam? Room to build a variety of challenges? Some kind of dirt track?

Host a weekend ride/camp/shoot event? See how popular it is then hold several a year?

I have travelled to motorcycle rallys around the north east (BMW) and we camp and use the location as a base to tour the area. I know WV has some INCREDIBLE twisty roads. It could be an event that grows bigger each year. Income each time, zero wear and tear off season.

Basic needs:

Bathrooms & showers
Electric
Local business to cater a few meals
A few relatively local restaurants

Such an event would be especially memorable/popular with the shooting option.

There is a big shooting event at Knob Creek, Ky. twice a year. Lots of class 3 stuff. I don’t know where you are, but your event might coincide with theirs - be a stop off before/on the way to that one. If people were to do both, you might offer secure grounds while the riders are off riding. (Some legal liability with that).

Are you trying to just rent the property or start a business?
Depends on where it’s located, local market for this type of property, etc.
I would call a commercial realtor in the area for their opinion.

Speak to a commercial realtor in your area. A lot of them know someone looking to lease just about anything.

Thank you for the replies. We hadn’t thought about the classes. Insurance would be a possible issue with that. This would be a great property for firearm manufacturers. If anyone is thinking of starting a company let me know!
Johnny, the meth industry is slowing in this area due to increased heroin use so that’s off the table. The property is around 300 acres. There are fire roads on the property but not really compatible with a lot of atv/off-roading. We aren’t looking to run a “business” which makes rent or lease ideal.
We’ve met with a commercial realtor who has had a couple interested parties but nothing definitive at this time. He’s impressed with the property and mentions it to anyone who may be remotely interested.
Victimnomore, I’m sure we can figure something out if we don’t have a tenant in place this spring.

RV/Trailer storage?

1500yd range? Sounds like a great place to retire!

You need a commercial real estate agent who deals in leases.