Seattle especially is pretty much all gambling on appreciation at this point, as the properties are valued so high that cash flow is extremely low to actually being negative. 

These are some characteristics common to these guys that a list broker can use to build a buyer list for you: investors with multiple properties, people who purchased with Quit Claim Deeds and those who purchased from a distressed seller situation.

There are individual characteristics such as knowledge of the each strategy, knowledge of market, determination, ability to find deals, create teams, personal finances and ability to obtain loans and fund deals.

That is gambling. 

"Gambling" that the value of the asset will increase also has its risks.

No way to make money on that deal if there is no equity and if it is underwater.If you could get it for $0 down with her carrying the mortgage, and it would cash flow well, it would still be a gamble to consider but the risk would still be on her. 

I am a new Real Estate agent and am researching many different areas of the profession so I can determine where my characteristics/traits can be best utilized to become successful.

If you really want to gamble your risks would be lower at the race track.

Try walking into your bank and asking for a 30 year loan to buy some bitcoin lol.Personally feel like bitcoin is nothing more than gambling. 

You can somewhat 'play' with that scenario by upping your appreciation input, but to me that is gambling if you push it too high.