Naturally you'd buy based on good fundamentals and the gamble is just on the startup costs of furnishings, vacancy, etc.

These properties there is almost no cash flow but they are either holding for retirement, living in one unit and renting three going FHA, or trying to buy high end quality areas hoping for rent growth and appreciation to eventually catch up to a decent return.Too me that is gambling and not investing yet the herds do it to their hearts content.

I work offshore and overseas and I'm only home about 3 months a year.

Don't gamble.

Everyone says to do your homework but in the end some of it is still a gamble.

Mixing up your messages before you have top of mind awareness is a foolish gamble.

Inheritance list is too much of a gamble.

I guess it's a gamble for sellers to push for a lower % unless they've previously worked with that agent and know at what level they perform. 

As much as it is a numbers game, it should not mistaken for mere gambling.

I would rather see him hands on and understanding the business before he jumps in to funding deals. 500k is not enough to gamble with like that.Call me conservative, but I think rentals are the way to go. 500k will give you a nice start and will teach him about the business.