what if I decide to lien the property due to the gambling problem (or some other problem of that nature) ?

It's a pure gamble at this point and, I'm not much for gambling and if I were, I think I have better odds in Vegas.

I have heard numerous instances where politicians and economists have stated that it is a consumer economy and consumers need to go spend.

Matt, Not knowing much on the CA area, I will speak in generalities.Know the value, on something like this with a 5/1 ARM you are gambling plain and simple, your rolling the dice on your bet that in 5 years time you will be sitting in XYZ position, the financial industry will be XYZ, housing industry, local market, YOUR income, so on and so fourth.

If you have not done some of these initial steps I encourage you to search and educate yourself of the numerous BP posts and blogs on turnkey operations before you spend another dime.

No sorry @Eric Gamble.

Flipping appears to be a simple business on the surface, and if you feel like gambling, it can be simple.

Mayor Stack has done an excellent job making do with what we have, obtaining federal funds regardless of whether the governor has a “D” or “R” after his name, and as a result, many parks, libraries, schools and community centers have been built or refurbished, including a state of the art high school and elementary school, numerous repaved sidewalks with trees, etc.

Good luck getting that from most other “turnkey companies” as I have listened to and have been made privy of numerous dissatisfied transactions (and rightfully so in most of them).

@Jenni MooreI've obtained numerous good deals through auction.com.