Another idea that has worked for me is to remember pines grow pretty quick. So when I'm lookin across a field or woods and see a bunch of pines and a couple of oak trees hovering above them on further back I make for the oaks. I would say 8 out of 10 timed I will find atleast a foudation and chimney if not an entire house. People liked big trees in the yard. And if left abandoned manytimes the pines and firs will take over.