[lakershaker]

The problem you have is that your property doesn't qualify as a "conforming" mortgage. There are a lot of things that need to be right to conform - your ratios and credit score are one, but the property can't have more than 5 acres. If a mortgage is conforming, the bank can sell it to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (securitize it), and then more easily sell the mortgage to the market. Basically, Fannie and Freddie guarantee to the end buyer that there won't be any credit loss, but when you are dealing with large acreage, it is harder for them to have comfort with the appraisal.

As SteveH said, your best bet may be to find a smaller local bank who understands the area and is willing and able to keep the mortgage as a loan on their books. But most banks don't want to hold 30 year mortgages, so that is why you are looking at a higher rate - that is the rate they need to make money in their mind. You would have a better shot at a good rate if you looked at a 15 year or 20 year mortgage (there is less interest rate risk for the bank), but then you would be paying more in your payment as it amortizes faster.

If your Forest Plan qualifies as a Tree Farm, you could also look at Farmer Mac (Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation), the agriculture equivilant of Fannie and Freddie, or the Farm Credit Administration. Their websites would have some good info.