However, that is more of "gambling" than "investing" IMO.

Interesting you bring up Edward Thorpe, now you are talking about a whole different career ... gambling:)

Im offshore working so I cannot go check it out to the extent that I want to yet.

It is always a major gamble to buy property without cash reserves but when you are going to get rid of the tenants immediately then it is far too much of a gamble, especially in a tenant friendly state like MA.  

Nothing spectacular but had some good points, especially about Outsourcing or more so, Offshoring.

I am willing to gamble in my market that houses will be worth more in the future than they are right now (purely speculator investing!).

Currently I am working full-time as an offshore structural engineer in the oil & gas industry but I would like to establish a side business in real estate.

There is also raw land down in the racetrack area, but that really is gambling.

May just have to gamble or if that is too stressful, go back to the laminate flooring (cardboard plan) .

I bought a few as a highly speculative investment/gamble with some extra cash I had, and has been a wild ride.