Since it seems like you need more money and less debt, I think the best way you can get to the "real estate gambling table" is to first get more money.  

What you are doing is gambling with your future.

For me it was a gamble to get the licensing, I was getting a divorce and didn't have extra cash - I put everything on a credit card.

The tenant originally stated he had gambling issues and today when he called he said he had money invested in the USA stock market which 'is taking a long time to clear' this seems like an unlikely story and another ploy to extend the eviction process.

I would never have rented to her for many reasons, primarily because I have no reason to gamble on high risk tenants.Be very careful in the future as you are likely only going to get that lucky once in your life as a landlord, don't let this success story influence your future tenant selection. 9 times in 10 a landlord would have been seriously burned by this type of tenant. 

I won't gamble it and always use an attorney.

I'd rather hang on to my money and sit poised and ready for an opportunity than lose on a bad gamble.  

Nonetheless, a gamble either way it goes.

Personally, I view postponing enjoyment in order to hopefully save enough to retire someday is a far greater gamble.  

I have not.The current owner walked away from this home because he is a gambling addict who could no longer afford the payments.