We are playing poker and I have to show you my hand?

Thats what i do on the poker tables in vegas!

Risk tolerant people play poker, but that doesn't mean it is smart.

I want to start playing poker, but I don't have any cash.

Pack some heat, invite some friends for a game of poker and beers, and have ourselves a move-out party while they are away.

In gambling, this is often called the "rake" -- the amount the house takes in an otherwise zero-sum game (think poker).It's possible to make money when buying individual distressed assets because gains can be in the triple digits; but when making macro-economic bets, I'm skeptical that anyone can "beat the rake."

Is just like playing video poker in a casino.

REI is a lot like Poker. 

Oh, and if you're being forced to use union contractors based on your location (or for any other reason), I'd highly recommend moving your business to another area...in my opinion, using union contractors is like trying to beat the rake in a low-limit poker game...Btw, you mentioned that inventory was very low and deals were hard to come by -- that's another reason you can't be spending a long period of time doing your estimates...your competition is making quick decisions and are likely getting properties under contract while you're still doing inspections and getting mold tests.

I have a decent amount of money to my name for someone my age, all from playing internet poker over my college years.