Talking to extended family members daily, playing online poker with old friends.

I played high stakes poker for a long time, did well over the years before getting into a regular lifestyle and real estate investing and I see a lot of similarities to poker strategy with real estate.

I played poker with the state rep handling this case and even said there were so many issues they could have the house back.

The only things that will add up from this point forward, are losses and ulcers.On the bright side, the faster you sell, the less you lose and,...here's the most important part, ...the less (and faster) you have to recover from the profits or your next deal...that WILL make you money.REI is a lot like poker. 

Closing costs and realtor commissions are a part of the game.

It's like poker, leave yourself outs and ways to win that.

I better get back to the Poker tables and get some more cheap $.

Since he didn't earn it, I would agree entirely with his philosophy on this particular point, which in my opinion, shows unusual restraint on his part.So, the next time you discuss poker with him, ask him point blank about it, and let us know the results of your discussion.

Apparently, he earns his living playing poker and tells Uncle Sam he makes no money. 

Even in high stakes poker there are things that are borderline technically within the rules of the game but considered angle shoots, and there are some players who build reputations doing stuff like this.