Why is my home a bad investment?

[Ray Thomas]

I have read this several times now, and I understand the premise.  I also understand that it is going to depend on what market you are in too and what assumptions you are making, especially for home price appreciation.  But after thinking about this for awhile, it seems to me that if the house appreciates more per year than the interest rate on your mortgage and the interest on your loan, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc. you pay per month are around what you could rent something for then it should be a good investment.  I think the biggest driving factor is home price appreciation compared to your mortgage rate (it's similar to why people buy stocks on margin).  Curious what you guys think?