There is an old saying regarding playing poker; when you are not sure who the patsy is at the table, put down your cards, pick up your chips and leave. 

But that's me and I tend to think a little conservative as I would in poker until my chip stack is larger and then I'd be willing to take the occasional risky move if the potential payoff is big enough.

Hey Matt,I just saw from your profile that you played poker professionally.  

@David DeyThanks for the scenario and the actual progress through this very lucrative deal.It was easy to see how real estate investors have to be good at chess, develop a plan of attack, know how to play poker, and make the most of a situation.

The other analogy is placing an ante on the poker table, and saying ok someone teach me to play poker.

It's like playing poker, never show your hand and never look desperate.

You gotta learn to use a poker face when dealing with tenants.

If you double down each time, eventually you will win (for games of chance, not things like poker).

I'm sure 100 people can tell me how hard money worked well for them, but to me, it is the same as an inside straight draw in poker; plenty of people have hit it, but that doesn't make it a smart strategy, over the long run. 

Lot's of variations in the HOW TO, that's kind of different as every opportunity has variables and asking for input is the right approach.I (personally) just can walk up to a poker table, anti-up 20k and then ask "so, how do you play this game?"