Also you are probably going to gamble either way on appreciation because it is difficult to predict.

It's a gamble.

That's gambling.  

Now my primary skills are JavaScript / Python / PHP / SQL, Relational / Graph Data Modeling, API / Web application development, and I'm pretty proficient with excel and google sheets. 

I feel like that is much more of a gamble, than a traditional just run down (or less than ideal) property.

I have seen commercial coils in the middle of the city get plugged in 3 months just due to heavy spider activity (their webs). 

I'm impressed that you're not willing to gamble on getting into  a bad situation due to low reserves.

If you just grab a PM because someone said they were good, they have a spiffy web site, or they have the lowest advertised rates, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Just curious if everyone is doing 100% direct mail or if your marketing mix includes Web / PPC? 

I hear most in the podcast that I should not gamble with the appreciation.