Paying for College: IRA vs Investment Property

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Hi BP! I have a toddler and 6 week old and wanted to start thinking about paying for college. I don't like the traditional 529 because those funds must be used for college expenses otherwise you incur a penalty.

I read about setting aside a Roth IRA for them. When they are able to work in the business you can pay them and that entire paycheck can be deposited in their Roth IRA. If they are paid at or below the standard deduction limit, then there shouldn't be any taxes owed. Now once they hit college age, they can access those funds for college or even for their first home (it will be a house hack via MFH :) https://gocurrycracker.com/gccjr-for-hire/).

Another option is to buy an investment property like @Brandon Turner did for his daughter. And then either sell that property or refinance it when/if they go to college (https://www.coachcarson.com/save-for-college-real-...)

Has anyone here explored these options? What are your thoughts?