Perry, They did put some money and sweat equity into the places. “Batting an eye” might have been a poor choice of words. They probably wanted to help the realtor daughter too.
In San Diego there were many old couples doing the same to good results. Perhaps a little better timing.
Other people did a lot less work and more cheating than these people in the article for sure, as you all know, to the point where they should go to jail.
I look forward to the day when some of you have good stories to post about how real estate is making you more succesful in your personal finances. I think the disappointment over the national binge will go away.