Now I had just had a newborn at the time and quitting and betting it all on that career path was not something I wanted to gamble on my family's financial future.

Frankly, I see everyone who owns a rental in California just gambling with their future.

Buying and rehabbing used homes can be a gamble - I've placed some that cost as little as $10 - 14k for buying, relocating, rehabbing, renting, etc.

So it's a bit of a gamble in my opinion as opposed to hard money loan,  and you better make sure you have extra good deal.

As long as you don't squander it gambling or getting new cars you would be much better off IMO.

Personally, I don't like to put my money into something I can't control - yes the stock market has been great, even during COVID, but I would rather put my money into something I can manage (even if not 100% due to moratoriums and zoning risks) versus a stock that I have no control over and is basically a legalized form of gambling. 

If you invest leaning towards appreciation that’s more like gambling in my books.

Anticipation is gambling and hoping for a market correction.

Investment Info:

Condo buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $125,000

Cash invested: $45,000

Sale price: $125,000

Condo

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?
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Investment Info:

Condo buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $125,000

Cash invested: $45,000

Sale price: $125,000

Fresh out of university, my buddy and I bought a condo in Pensacola, FL in 2...