In this business I understand there is room for that and speculation, but it does not take a lot of effort to see by the large quantity of data collectors on the net a larger portion is data and analysis based, and the ones that master that separate themselves from the average.

If you are buying solely for appreciation then you are speculating and not investing.There are opportunities in all types of markets.

Since the OP has not given any numbers we can't say what the deal should be, there is simply speculation as forum chatter. 

Much of the spike in gas prices is due to speculators in the futures market.

That's why I'm focused on adding supply, rather than speculating.

You want something that is going to cash flow today, not speculation 

Jennifer, that sounds like the old days when banks would speculate.

If you are speculating on appreciation or looking for easy resale SFHs are your best option.For lower risk and greater stability multi units are the most secure long term investment.

I'd be careful to speculate a 1250 rent too because there are so many units popping up all over the place. for example we just sold a property at 139k that was only getting 950 rent.

Like it or not real estate speculators are in no short supply in California, outbidding shelter buyers.