I have been invloved in many cash deals. I can only think of fuw that were investors. Most were as FLU said people moving down from more expensive homes or people that made lots of money in the business world. In many parts of the country where real estate is much cheaper they are even more common.
Three of my best friends bought homes in Florida this year for cash. One sold a large property in Vermont and bought his retirement home on a golf course in Boynton beach. Another sold his $1.2M second home there and bought a nicer one for $1.8M adding another $600K in cash both in Boca. The last could buy my whole my whole block for cash. He’s got 6 houses and all were paid for in cash. He upgraed to a nicer house in Jupiter.
Did you really think people showed up with wheelbarrows of cash?