I have always been pretty frugal and think some things are a waste (gambling or designer clothes) but some things are worth the spending (travel)  I was actually in Vegas this past weekend with some friends who were gamblers.  

Fix the foundation, button up the outside and let it go to tax sale in 2 years and gamble on the overage.  

The sexy areas are a gamble on appreciation, I'd look for cash flow.I'm in Houston and can't touch anything within a 5 mile radius of my house where rent numbers work.

If you were to draw a triangle bordered by 288 and 45 and go south to 610 (3rd ward) I think this will put you in a better place.

Buying for appreciation is not "investing", it's speculation (read: gambling).

REI is just like Poker. ..not because I think of it as gambling.  

I live right on the border and would be fine getting a license from either state simply to have full access to the MLS and look at homes listed without always going through an agent.

I'm very interested in NH as they no state income tax and no sales tax but Bellows Falls is right near the border.

We don't drink, smoke or gamble so that helps, lol.

However, the gangs that used to dominate “la frontera” (the border) have weakened considerably.