Help Needed: Single Family Rental Properties v.s. Stock Market Returns

[Hayden Kerns]

Real Estate or the Stock Market. For those that have ventured into either avenue of investing, what insights can you share? Have you found real estate to be more lucrative and stable over time, or do you believe that the stock market offers better returns and flexibility? 

I understand that residential rental properties can provide positive incentives through loan paydown, tax incentives, cash flow, and appreciation. Based on my research, it is possible to become financially free through real estate investing, but requires hard work and time. Why would I not just invest my hard earned money into an index fund that is generating a yearly return of 10% with no hassle of managing tenants, expensive CAPEX, etc.

I value the insight of everyone and would appreciate your perspectives on the matter. Thank you!