This is like asking a casino-paid gambling consultant to help you beat the house - it's a conflict of interest as few buyers agents (who are also paid on commission) are truly motivated to negotiate themselves to a smaller sales commission.

Speculators buy without a positive return relying on historic appreciation records to support their gamble. 

It all has to do with a lot of M&A that happened in Silicon Valley, money that people realized in an instant, and hence spending it uncontrolled.

The difference between 2005 and now, is that back in 2005 deals were bought at a massive negative amortization, as you stated and they were purchased solely as a gamble for appreciation.

Appreciate is a gamble.

It is more how I would suggest you invest based on what you said about risk earlier.I get bored easy and like to gamble. 

Roofstock is really interesting and I love the concept, the only problem I have with their site is much of their stock seems like it can be a gamble.

You will be relieved once you add this.As far as fresh water, or hot water plumbing other than leaving faucets on low drip in really cold weather it's a gamble.. 

Plus investing so much and not knowing the result, for me that's gambling your hard earned money.

Gamble or Investment?