Some times it can work and the gamble pays off, unfortunately it usually does not.The numbers starting out look good enough to try you only lacked the experience to succeed.My advice would be to stay away from real estate.

I don't know or care at this point exactly what the amount could be (I'm thrilled that he's still with us and hope he makes it to 100, he's a tough cookie!)

I'm also entertaining the idea of staying put and just taking out a big HELOC, but my fear of getting stuck in this house and town is significant.....I don't gamble at all, and I don't watch sports.

I appreciate your comments about providing ongoing education but it seems even this is a real gamble.... at least for the renter. 

I know that appreciation is a gamble, but if a city's economy is diversified and there is a finite amount of land in the prime location that is downtown/waterfront then chances are it should appreciate, right?

The thrill of the chase  . . . 

I know I’d never rent it for 1 percent but I’d be thrilled if I could! 

If I want to gamble I go to the casino.

A perfect Saturday for us is throwing the bikes on the back of the car and driving up to NLR for a day on the Arkansas River Trail with a stop off to Burns Park.You must be thrilled to be approaching the finish line on your first 2 deals.

I'm utilizing both of those stock options and feel it is in line with my "gamble" on the company as a whole, if all goes well and they grow and show a profit, it will have been a great investment.