I don't buy that gateway cities are always a good real estate investment bet, at least not in the case of NYC: Asset valuations there are hugely skewed by the "prestige" factor, there's way too much volatility, and New York State is not particularly kind to landlords.

You can't expect to achieve average results over a short timespan during the most volatile timeframe the market has ever experienced. 

Good afternoon fellow Real Estate Investors, I've come to realize that investing in the stock market is way too volatile.

However it is more volatile than what I would consider keeping my reserves in.

No volatility here, just safe and easy investments!

It also pays to look at the other side of the coin where you find high volatility and exposure to loss. 

I do not think there are many good investments out there right now, too much government uncertainty, very volatile job market, etc.

STR have some volatility in earnings and are management intensive.

The currency is volatile but has stayed within a certain range and currently at a price that favors foreign investors but is still a risk.

There will never be a ton of volatility, and you will see steady increases in property value year over year.