A little insight from banks' perspective.

Banks historically have had little appetite for land loans (except ag-purpose) unless tied to eventual construction and long-term loans. Particularly true for acreage/rural land. Other conditions that will negatively impact: private road maintenance agreements; no site-improvements, e.g. water well, electric service to property line.

Chief reason for the aversion? Raw land is "illiquid" and considered high-risk. Along with single- and special-use real estate, it's among the most difficult to sell in a worst-case default/foreclosure situation. That's true more than ever in today's climate of flat or declining real estate values with no change on the near-term horizon.

If a bank will lend on raw land, down payment requirements are steep -- 30% minimum and 50% isn't uncommon. Loan maturities are kept short. Think less than five years; one year not uncommon.

Throw in the fact that banks are now in a "conservative lending mode," especially real estate-secured. They're wary of the economic outlook in general, and the real estate market specifically. And they're receiving more stringent scrutiny from their state and federal regulators (paying for sins of the recent past). Some are trying to clean up their balance sheets (improve dubious loan quality).

My best sugestion -- apart from attempting owner/seller financing like others suggested -- is to inquire at an independent community bank. They often try to fill the void left by the 'big banks.' If they'll consider, be prepared for them to require your entire banking relationship, e.g. checking, savings, credit card, safe deposit box etc. They won't look favorably at a one-off land loan by itself.

I assume that if you're buying your present residence and have the capacity to borrow against it -- either through refinance or equity line -- you've already considered that avenue.

Not an option I'd recommend, but if you want to examine every possibility ... 401K loan, assuming you have plan with sufficient balance. Advisability depends on factors unknown here. Remember that if you leave the job -- whether voluntary or involuntary -- the then-current balance will likely be due and payable in full; meaning a taxable distribution to pay-off the loan, and a penalty if you're under 59-1/2.