That's why I'd just take the $34 gamble. 

I think I could pony up and tough it out in a less desirable area if I had a feeling the neighborhood was “coming up”, but I’m not sure South Dallas is or how long of a game it is, so I think that’s why it feels like gambling.

It’s a gamble.  

We have a pretty good amount of equity in our primary right now and I always said that I don’t wanna mess up like my dad and take money from under the house but I wanted to so we can purchase a second rental property but my wife was against it and I think what you said is strong security does give you peace of mind and I rather not gamble my home.

In addition, the man is on social security disability fraudulently - he works under the table as a roofer, and we have texts from him about it.So, what do we do? 

Governor Desantis' Executive Order banning evictions for non payment of rent was extended through at least July 1st (and the CARES Act extends if even further if you have Fannie/Freddie financing in place or accept any type of Federal assistance such as Section 8).Even an eviction attorney's hand would be tied right now, and the courts are a gamble. 

Buying for appreciation is not "investing", it's speculation (read: gambling).

While that is technically true we have invested money in something, I doubt that would meet most investors definition of an investment.To me an investment generates positive cash flow...that's it (I recognize that others would consider this too narrow a definition, but for me, that is what I care about.)These properties won't cash flow, they are purely an appreciation play and that is closer to gambling than investing...to me.

It's a gamble.

REI is just like Poker. ..not because I think of it as gambling.