Sure, I could get a mortage on my primary residence at 5-6% plus points and fees and gamble in the market and MAYBE come out ahead. 

They can’t gamble their time on someone doing their first deal.

I love being able to help people immerse themselves in the quiet of nature.

So many folks will scream that buying negative cash flowing RE is "gambling".

You’re taking a great first step by immersing yourself in a strong investor community.

I want to be transparent, but it's a gamble right?  

Apples to apples, it *might* make sense with strong appreciation, but that's a big gamble.

She has a rental reference:  Has rented a room and bathroom from a senior citizen for a number of years, Talked to old landlord, she says renter was a 'good person' and paid her rent, but the senior wants to retire from leasing.Concerns: She'll move in, then say she can't pay the rentWHICH IS THE BEST GAMBLE?

If you're able to save the money I would also look into getting a duplex up to a five plex to start but renting your rooms out on a SFH is pretty common if you plan on having friends rent from you (which can also be kind of a gamble depending on your relationship with them).Just make sure you go into it with the proper mindset and think beyond that first year!

Actually, in comparison to a drunk, drug addict or gambling addiction, it is better to hit concrete and go to zero than try to stop at the bottom 10% and try to save us.2.