The cheapest isn't always the best and the same holds true for land. If you can buy a small lot let's say in New Jersey, US (since I live there) for $20,000 and it appreciates to $100,000 in 5 years, is that the return you were looking for? If you can buy a large lot in Iraq for $20,000 and in 25 years it's worth $1,000,000, is that the return you were looking for? The point is are you looking for short term or long term gain and of course are you willing to risk your money into an unknown (Iraq is the example). What if Iraq stayed in turmoil throughout that time or a new government came and said it was illegal for foreigners to own land? Of course my scenario is completely hypothetical, but the main point is try to invest your money into a stable country with a somewhat stable economy. It definitely doesn't have to be the US and I feel there are great buys for example right now in Central and South America.