Now consider what it would cost to purchase the land, put up, operate and maintain that kind of station. 10 years of your subscription expenses wouldn't begin to pay for it.
- Glenn W9IQ
Perhaps not. But once the hobby becomes a business, its possible to depreciate equipment and other capital investments while writing off expenses for utilities and maintenance as well as qualifying for lucrative small business loans and incentives.
The bigger and more expensive the station, the more to write off - especially if it occupies a fair segment of taxable property.
And you still have a hobby station to operate yourself between rentals.
So for those willing to go through the bother, it may be a way to have an expensive hobby help pay for itself to an appreciable degree.
Brian - K6BRN
That is a viewpoint from the owner, not renter, perspective. If you want to make a business of it have fun but those that can afford the investment, float the loan or make it a successful business model are not in the main.
The crowd here is bemoaning the rental price of the Maserati that they would never have owned or driven in any case.
- Glenn W9IQ
Hmm, time to consider this. With 4 towers and stacks 40-6, 4 squares on 80 and 160, and lots of Beverages the biggest investment will be a Flex, Maestro and SS amp.
Is WARC that important? I have plenty of spare 25G sections plus rotators for another tower.
Towers had more than that on them during my contesting years, 4/4/4/4 stacks 20-10, and 4/4 on 40 which can become 4/4 20-10 and 2/2 on 40, maybe 8/8 on 6 already built and one in the air. Property is 5 acres on top of highest hill in ~ 20 miles all downhill to the ocean over 150 degrees and LOS to ocean over a good part of that. Other directions are unobstructed for many miles plus the hill is sloping nicely in all directions for extremely low angles well proven over 3 decades here.
All the former yagis are apart and on the ground. easy to get back up; Hardline and control cables still in place, some side arms and rotators are still up.
Upgrade the antenna switching and rotator controls.
Dont go overboard, just enough $$ flow to pay the yearly property tax. Add a second station if warranted.
Hire someone(s) to do the physical stuff, at almost 81 I'll sit and watch

I wouldnt touch a Maserati or any exotic import if given to me, choices would be a Hennessy Corvette and F-150, and maybe a cool street rod for daily driver I like the large series 37-41 Buicks. Keep the money in the USA.
Thoughts?
Carl