I am looking forward to building relationships with local real estate enthusiasts.

They build a casino in Erie a few years back.  

The banks around here haven't been enthusiastic about lending on land. :(.

A less than enthusiastic response can speak volumes.  

Hey BP, With our newly proposed casinos being built in Massachusetts shortly, what do you think will happen with property values?

He is an avid sports enthusiast and scuba diver.

Yes @Daniel Ahern, structuring is something you see a lot when people are trying to launder illegally gotten money or people that win big at the casino and don't want to have to pay taxes on their winnings.

I have no experience in real estate but I am very enthusiastic about learning and I am prepared to take the risk and put in the work necessary to be successful at it. 

If you haven't been able to sell them, then this either points to your inexperience forming the appropriate contacts (which is expected when you're getting started) or they are simply not the deals you think.I'm trying not to be harsh here, but for every buyer who is a liar, there is an enthusiastic wholesaler just getting his or her feet wet.

I've been looking at Allentown - in and around the NIZ, and Bethlehem, near the University, and Sands Casino.