The part about people not believing in you or thinking its a gamble definitely hits close to home for me..

H1B lottery is a big gamble and adds a lot of uncertainty.

This is definitely making me rethink if it's a worthwhile gamble (especially considering the owner that is bey foreclosed on is supposedly a lawyer).

Of course, you could also gamble that the tenant won't show up in court and you get a default judgment.

There are others that continue to gamble with floating rate debt.  

I also have no intention of investing in rental properties in the UK no more due to a lot of horror stories and potential new changes in laws, which is why I am very eager to explore the US rental market.I am not a US citizen, my partner is and it will be a joint venture.

Canada and UK and also already cut rates.

It’s a gamble, but just looking for ideas from more seasoned real estate minds.

Those in earthquake zones who INTENTIONALLY don't have the readily offered coverages for such, ARE THEIVES by NOT insuring with expectation of DEFRAUDING the rest of us to pay for there gamble. 

In my opinion investors buy properties with break even or negative cash flow and hope for large appreciation are taking a gamble.