I don't mind gambling a small fee to each interesting property to discover whether or not there is a problem, but to stumble into a million dollar liability will end me.

I know several friends who actually don't live in LAUSD borders but do a intra-district transfer to send their kids to 8-10 rated LAUSD schools and said they love it. 

It also comes down to goals if you in Seattle and do a Heloc or refi just know your doing it for appreciation (which I call gambling) but others will call investing.

Dimon, et al. feel that it is their right to gamble totally unregulated while still being backed by the tax payer if their bets fail? 

That's not a gamble I would be willing to take.

You are right this one kind of is a gamble but what can I do now, other than change the decisions that I make in the future.

I think Austin on the border of Oak Park near the golf course and along Madison definitely has some potential, it has some wonderful old buildings that are getting some needed attention, Its near transportation and has all the benefits of Oak Park but without the taxes and schools.

That is called gambling.

When sold the property last year, it sold in a day at above asking price.The effect on price will be difficult to estimate, but you could look at the effects of other homes that border the cemetery.

In no particular order, here are the worst 5 reasons given to us for needing a commercial real estate hard money loan5 - Bank foreclosing - was unable to make payments to due to gambling addiction4 - Need cash out to pay off Mexican police to release son from prison3 - Need cash out to buy Ferrari for 23 year old Russian girlfriend2 - Bank foreclosing because charged with homicide of loan officerAnd my all time favorite1 - To get as much cash out of properties before filing for bankruptcyYou can't make this stuff up!