Alternative to upfront cash.

Given the low prices on the sort of land we are looking for people could work minimum wage jobs and save up the money for it very quickly.
We could gather a number of people in maine with whatever jobs they can grab. Purchase the property and work on it during the weekends until we have it to at least a livable homestead,commune,camp,etc.

Waiting until we have enough people with enough money saved up risks this falling apart before it gets started like most of these projects do.
I've never had a problem at least finding a shitty job around here so it couldn't be to hard.
I could also off my house as cheap lodging provide I can be assured it wont be destroyed.

Best idea IMO. If people can live on the land they can save the money otherwise spend on rent. Saving ~$600 on rent a month is ~14k saved in less than 2 years.

I'll say this is a possibility, but a difficult one given so many varied lifestyles. If it were just myself I might do so - but that requires me, a minimum wage worker, convincing my SO to move cross country - with our dogs.
This is much easier said and done if you're single and already saving up. I don't know that everyone's situation (at least everyone who has opted in) allows for this, but it's worth everyone dropping an opinion on.

I could do this in January after I get my degree. I'm not against sharing what I make as well.

If I'm not paying rent, all my income and my girlfriends significant income can go towards financing. I'd have to discuss more with you guys about working off a payment plan