People still think it's a junky casino town which is just not the case anymore. 

Maybe he's been set up by somebody more sophisticated and more sinister. 

Think lakefront properties in small towns, destinations with new attractions (casinos, amusement parks)...Another idea is investing in properties suitable for accessory dwelling units to create dual-income setups, especially in cities with relaxed ADU regulations.

You do not give up easily (sarcasm).Where you using any approach that is more sophisticated? 

I think the truth that your post brings is in the level of sophistication and market insights of the investors and investment sponsors that are prevalent on these forums, the amount of money we are talking about, and the general idea that real estate, even when directly owned, is passive in nature.

Heck go to the casino and put it on roulette wheel of black or red. 

Unfortunately social media has become a tool that's made it easier for many of these investment companies to get in front of their targets and suspect they invest heavily in SEO services  to get in front of the desired clients (those who lack the sophistication or resources/ability to conduct proper diligence).

I love the casino so I am not one to talk.  

For small projects and so for the vast majority of sophisticated investors, the DLT is years away.

They have ways now to know where the oil is under the ground that are more sophisticated than random wildcat drilling.