To me, I own stocks for a very different reason than RE and to compare the two as alternatives may not be all that useful. 

Alternatively, choose a developer who uses the escrow account mechanism.Also, if you’re one of the first buyers in a project, you’ll pay less but your risk will be higher.

I also encourage people to compare their rate of return to alternate uses for their money.  

Now, zoning might be a hassle...but the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward.https://www.thehomestory.com/the-tiny-house-movement-a-homeless-alternative/?

Though, like one of the Ford Mustangs Steve Mcqueen drove in Bullitt, in my opinion, every piece of real property is unique, and therefore monetary damages would not suffice, unless the plaintiff requests monetary damages in the alternative. 

It does also say that you can use the number of rooms as an alternative way to divide it up, but only if the rooms are approximately the same size. 

Alternatively you could try to wholetail it.

Alternatively, you could look outside of city limits - approx 30 min drive or so. 

Having alternative strategies in your back pocket can be very helpful in putting deals together.

It's a pretty comon source for private lending since those with self directed IRAs are typically looking for alternative investments to place funds in.