After getting my PhD in chemistry, I started a career teaching at a great private school. While I plan to continue my day job, I have always had an interest in the real estate market. Specifically, I love to see an ol...

The point is, it's a gamble.

I'm in South Charlotte, just over the border in SC.Regards,Letron

Somewhat of a gamble...2.

I own a duplex in Norwood on the far east side bordering Oakley.

But buying at retail value simply based on the hope that values will continue to rise is like gambling.

I owned a bar with an apartment in the Dominican Republic when I went to college and It was so frustrating to be so far away and have to rely on local boots on the ground to relay data (in fact the manager spent all my cash for the project on a gambling Christmas cocaine party, ended up in jail and my boat got stolen by some Haitians trying to migrate to Florida but thats a whole different story).

The deal was up 70% in 2 years which was a great 35% ROI a year but I think the GP wanted to gamble and go for the 120% in four years which people can argue if it was the right choice in this sellers market.

I live on the border and all.Our biggest fear is where the money comes from.

Appreciation is speculation a form of legal gambling.