Explanation: Marcus Licinnius Crassus was one of the richest men of the Late Republic, and an extremely influential politician. He was a ruthless businessman, but at the least, he had guts and smarts. One of his most famous - and successful - schemes was to create the city of Rome's first firefighting force - a private firefighting force, which he would use to buy houses on fire at fire-sale (dohohoho) prices, and THEN put them out.
If the owner refused to sell? Well, Crassus would wait. Then offer less money. And less. And less. Until the house was burned down, as it would have without his intervention.
Immensely shitty on a human level, but brilliant business sense. Very active fellow.