It will make it more convenient for you cleaners and other vendors.

You shouldn't be spending it, gambling it, or investing it.

They're a convenience, and as Erik pointed out, you can wash them out in a pinch.

If you can't buy the property right it's a gamble, not an investment. 

does not mean this will also happen to you.So this is what you do.YOU need to do a cost/deal calculation for every method for lead generation you are considering for your market.Now you know how much money you need IF you were to do DMM, or IF you were to do bandit signs.Now this is DATA, so you are not gambling much here.Then factor in the effort it takes and the time it takes for a deal.Bandit signs may be almost free but it is illegal and a LOT of effort and work, and again risk for hefty fines.DMM simply is a bad idea... so figure out what is feasible and then you go for that!

You are taking a gamble because a bad tenant could cost you way more than appreciation, once you subtract out the transaction costs.  

However you living there as your primary residence is definitely convenient but might not be accepted by a commercial lender.

An investment of anything is a gamble.

I like this system better, because it provides them with the convenience of self scheduling, but also let's them meet with someone that can answer their questions about the home and the area.

It's still a gamble.