Besides, why do you wanna be long a 1.3 mill property that will fall another 30%+ before the market bottoms out?
For high-end property, it makes more sense to rent. Yields are low on stuff like penthouses and mansions, and you don't have to pay property taxes, maintenance etc. You can move at short notice if your trading goes south for a while.
Also don't forget the opportunity cost on your invested capital. If you can make 15% per annum on investment cash, then a $500k downpayment is costing you $75k in your first year alone, and $505,000 in missed profits within 5 years or purchase. You can rent a $1.3 mill house for maybe $40-60k per annum in most places. The mortgage alone ($800k) is going to cost that, then add on the $75k opportunity cost on the deposit. I.e. it's a bum deal.
This opportunity cost for traders means it is INSANE to do anything other than rent in most real estate market conditions. The only time it makes sense to own property is when i) high-end real estate is at historically cheap valuations (e.g. 10%+ net capitalisation rates) ii) you are in a real estate boom, and can get low-downpayment deals, and real estate is not overpriced.
In all other circumstances, renting is far better for a trader with volatile earnings and/or high returns.