When I use Zillow and check the Zestimate, for various properties, it seems to be super far off. If they used it for speculative property purchases, I can imagine that would go terribly wrong.
The reason? No comparable homes that were recently sold AND available via MLS (private sales are ignored). The rules for appraisals breakdown when there is no liquidity. At least Zillow still considered private sales. The Zestimate was much more correct than the "expert" appraiser.