My advice is to be PATIENT and BORING. That's how I did it.
I love this. I might add "forgetful" also. Not forgetting about your keys (no those are kept safe), forgetting about the hype... until one day you find yourself saying "huh, I have a bunch of those" and next thing you know you're buying an island or two.
I am a financial ninja, hiding in plain sight, I wear no fancy jewelry or fancy clothes, just jeans and a hoodie or whatever. No who sees me knows my true powers.
I suppose financial ninja don't buy islands. Unless it's an investment island you could flip right quick.
Congrats on your big sell, I'm glad to hear not everyone looses in this game!