, and now you're locked into that corporate job because you'd rather have security instead of gambling on a new venture.

(yes, I know my approach to this is more like gambling then investing but I am in the water now.)

Actually, for me, it was just a fun gamble -- Christina mentioned the tax lien to me at a REIA meeting and 2 minutes later I offered to write her a check for 50%, while Ned was just laughing at me for my lack of due diligence...  :-)We'll be all-in for $6500 or so, and hopefully we can sell it for a profit. 

And that's still a gamble.

I'm gambling on Nike today....As an end result though if all the markets crash my investments will be in buy and hold because I will be holding a property I can live in or rent out.

Betting on appreciation with a risky interest only, adjustable rate mortgage is simply gambling.

You are flipping houses , putting your money at risk and gambling , its fun and can be profitable .

It's non longer a 'gamble'.

Other than that, it doesn't seem like a gamble.

@Eric Gamble have you received the Trailing 12 and the rent roll from the agent?