There were some great graphs in one of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce digital publications showing how diverse the economy is here (available for free online).Having said that, it'll be interesting to follow the long term economic impact of the inaugural LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports of the US starting this February/March at the Sabine Pass port by the TX/LA border and other upcoming ports. 

The HOA decides to raise dues, the rental cap is met, a special assessment gets slapped on your association and BAMN your cash flow just went out the window.Condos are, in my mind, a gamble, your investment is at the mercy of others decisions and often those other peoples interests aren't in line with mine. 

Target college towns, just on the border of desirable neighborhoods.

I once borrowed from him where he made me sign a statement (one of 100 statements) that said if I gambled away the loan funds in Vegas that I was still obligated to pay him back.

I did some research for a client of mine regarding a raffle of cosmetic surgery and raffles appear to be gambling (at least in the state he wanted to do it).It may be different if you were doing it for charity -- as in, all proceeds go to the charity and no one profits from it.

Most of the investor buys in that region bets on future rent increases and appreciation, or sometimes just capital preservation -- all of them bet for the long run.Maybe some warzones in bronx or brooklyn, what inventory might remain of them, might cash flow positive, or out to warzone border areas in parts of new jersey and connecticut.

Welcome to the forum here.I'm an accountant across the border in Lake County, IL.

I'm interested in investing, not gambling, so I'll stick to reading until I'm ready.

I believe that the purpose of these accounts is to facilitate in international growth of Chinese businesses and to aid in foreign direct investment and repatriations.This is a quote from the China Daily just a few weeks ago:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2011-01/14/content_11852118.htmThe People's Bank of China (PBOC), or the central bank, said in a notice on its website that banks and businesses which were allowed to settle cross-border trade in yuan would also be permitted to conduct direct investments overseas using yuan, or Renminbi.

I would feel trapped in  my home (cash poor) and feel like I was gambling on appreciation but I am a chicken by nature .