Silll, buying a home that you do not enjoy and that does not make sense as an investment will likely be a painful waste of money unless you hope to hit the appreciation jackpot, in which case you're gambling and not investing.

Are you willing to gamble 72 large without an inspection, title insurance and spouse's signoff all under a countdown?  

@Tariq K Frantz what often gets overlooked about these asset classes (and what Sam Zell relates to) is the long term success they are capable of creating, simply due to their intrinsic characteristics. 

;)  I do have part of my current 401K invested in an ETF that is tied to the NASDAQ so that is my form of "gambling".   

Property appreciation is calculated based on repeat sales of the same properties, which can avoid the problem of trying to account for price differences in homes with varying characteristics.

Property appreciation is calculated based on repeat sales of the same properties, which can avoid the problem of trying to account for price differences in homes with varying characteristics.

Of course in any market appreciation is a gamble.- Be aware of management costs.

This type of investment, however, is often bundled with a portfolio of other buildings of varying quality and characteristics. 

Not sure where your located but its a gamble to rent and wait.. its only 6k negative a year that's not bad.But if having that debt precludes you from other investments then sometimes its best to cut and run..

Any investment is a gamble - not as risky as the craps table, but never guaranteed - and you shouldn't be gambling with your future.