This seemed great to me as a homeowner reaping the rewards of fast-growing equity.

However in general for me personally and anyone who ask's me if you do not live in the area low value and C class and below is no appropriate investments risk to high reward far to low .. real risk of losing money.. not making money.

I like better rewards on shorter timeline, that said, i believe your best bet is outskirts in LA, a 2-3 hr drive to buy something and rent them off.

Works like a charm.

This is a long term play that will reward investors for as long as they invest in the area.  

But each person needs to figure out their own level of risk vs reward. 

I must concur architecture is a tough profession that requires a lot of you, but can be rewarding if you have the passion for it.

None of which are required for school work.You can offer a differential if she wants to pay for premium internet, otherwise tell her “No” and stop getting aggravated or rewarding her complaints

It can certainly be rewarding, but you must due solid due diligence to control risk. 

There is nothing the matter with speculation, its just more risky, which certainly can garner more reward, but is difficult to sustain long-term.