Talk to all previous owners or leasees about past seasons and why they are letting the property go. Scout the area in the fall. During spring migration birds will land on any hole of water but that doesn't mean they will be there in the season. If you are interested in buying but are not sure about the area, ask the seller if he would lease with an option to buy, so you can check it out first. Before buying, check conditions of levies and blinds.
Preparations can be a lot of work and very expensive.
If buying, look into government and conservation programs that cost-share wetland restoration. Check the access, road conditions and existing easement to and from the land. If you form your own club, choose members that think like you. Meet monthly and set rules that all can live with. Make sure the area has access to a creek or river to pump water during dry years, which average one out of seven.