I have personally invested in a few gas/oil wells. Some are good (at least in the first few years). And some are bad (low return) due to low production rate.
all wells: I got great tax break in the first year: 30+% return on the tax saving.
Good wells: The pay-out on the first few years along with tax break covered all initial investment. Now the pay-outs are pure profit for many years.
Bad wells: The production rate is dropped after first few months. It will take 10+ years to get the initial investment back. There is a chance "never".
One advice: DO NOT invest in NG well due to low NG price and high initial cost. It could change in the future, but NOT NOW.
good luck!
