Which is better? Short-term v. long-term renter v. stock market

[Stacey H.]

Is there any data about what's the better investment route? Short-term rental, long-term renter, or just keeping money in the stock market. I'm seeing the average return in the stock market is about 10%, which beats the rental options, however, that's all market-dependent. I'm planning on retiring in about 15 years. Perhaps it's best to diversify and do a little of each? 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Stacey H.:

Is there any data about what's the better investment route? Short-term rental, long-term renter, or just keeping money in the stock market. I'm seeing the average return in the stock market is about 10%, which beats the rental options, however, that's all market-dependent. I'm planning on retiring in about 15 years. Perhaps it's best to diversify and do a little of each? 

Real estate will win every time when you consider all the factors: cash flow, appreciation, tax write-offs, etc.

My favorite book (if you can find it) is "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer Strauss. It hasn't been updated, so it uses numbers from 20+ years ago, but the math is still solid. He has clear examples of how real estate beats other investment methods, and I think he's conservative in his assessments.