This isnt speculation, I personally know the builder selling these exact houses in the same subdivision for this.

Everyone is speculating the next hot neighborhood in Charlotte.

Like stated above, there is definitely growth in the riverfront as well as new construction in the area, but it can be dangerous to buy on speculation of appreciation. 

So in this case the day you close, your house is worth $253k and their is no disputing that, however on day two it is speculative & based on the comps in the area. 

If the investor has contracting experience of course that would be different, but I would hate to see an investor jump into the complications and speculation of rehabbing before fully understanding the basics of managing, maintenance, and rents.

Values will not climb for ever and when they turn there will be a lot of appreciation speculators wishing they had taken their pot of gold when they could.

It's speculative investing and your not gauranteed this will happen.

If this was in my area, though, I would probably buy it at $285K because I tend to be a little speculative.

Appreciation is a bit of a speculation, I get that, but it seems more likely than not.

It's not an income property, so if you keep it, it's a speculation play.