They gamble and use stamps to place and pay their bets to each other (among other things).

I'm like to do my first deal and I'm not thrilled with the idea of wholesaling, but if necessary I will.

Although some newer companies do a great job, it will be more of a gamble to hire them than if you choose a company that has been around for a while and has a lot of satisfied customers.Last but not least is the affordability issue.

I am thrilled to have been introduced to Bigger Pockets!  

There is a good chance of appreciation in the next couple of years although of course we can't tell for sure so it's still an educated gamble.  

Yes, or you might as well just gamble your money on the stock market.

A technically build-able in CA is still an expensive gamble.

A good quality structure built by a Master Builder will stand the test of time, vs. a scrap of paper, or an entry in a data base, based on how much the next person will pay for it.You can add value to structure and collect rents even in the bad times.Where people run into trouble is when they borrow too heavily, and the bank takes the "Still Valuable" asset from them.With a stock, it's a roulette wheel gamble, as to how much it will be worth at any given time. 

You are basically gambling your business on a stranger.

I am thrilled to be starting out my biggerpockets account and networking with like minded individuals!