We also traded them for equipment like ATVs, guns, or whatever we needed.
OP has never left the city and so just assumes his life is all life.
Even his statement 'do we' just assumes we all believe as he does.
Cole also probably did what many young business owners do and put it in his parent's names.
Much of this is common place for country folk coming up, this kid just took it to extremes in all the best ways.
Finding lawyer's liens and trading work for property was brilliant- had OP paid attention he'd have had the answers to his doubts.
I know others said it was inspiration porn but I was just incredibly sad we lost such a bright star.
Edit- He-> Cole for clarity