New constructions might be an exception, but even they can be a gamble.

Gamble wisely.And you need to very clearly understand the risk trade-off that they do not bother to explain: you're trading a secured contract with your property as a collateral for a (most likely) UNsecured contract. 

The Lottery or many ways of gambling come to mind here. 

Its really gambling .   

I bought them on the gamble that I could get them reduced.  

That is a gamble and it should not play a factor in your purchase.  

Left 19 years ago from the Central Valley to Vegas for more business opportunities, entertainment and dining choices, less traffic, cheaper gas, no income tax, cheaper flights, bigger newer houses, lower utilities, gambling, lower property taxes, lower sales tax, cheaper insurance, real estate investing for all those reasons plus MUCH more favorable to landlords. 

Pet friendly is  gamble when you have a turnover. pets destroy properties even if the renter sears up and down the dog is a saint. 2.

Even if I learn a hard lesson, I feel like this is an opportunity to dive in, since many other things are on hold right now and I have the time to immerse myself in something potentially more stable than a W2 j-o-b will ever provide.

Buying thinking that the next recession won’t affect real estate is just gambling in my opinion.