Fortunately I don't have a day job so I am able to devote as much time to the task as is necessary. 

I've decided to become less hands on(hang up my tools) and devote most of my time to the development side of real estate construction. 

Institutions have long used RE as a hedge and alternative asset, very similarly to gold in principle with the idea being an inflation hedge, so it isn't uncommon for investors to have 25% of their portfolio devoted to alternative assets, even if they have no experience in RE at all. 

I see no way of comparing the two options, opportunity costs just can't be identified, market conditions vary and your devotion to activities is unknown. :)

A chapter is devoted to it in Ed Ross' book and it would be next to impossible to get users to take the time to understand the question in just a few words.

We're investors, teachers, and your friends in the business - if you're willing to devote the time and energy to securing your financial future, we'll be here in all ways possible - as you make it happen.Our company is based on Integrity-based principles specializing in mentoring, coaching, teaching, and consulting.

The points I make are probably less relevant to full-time real estate investors who have more time to devote to property/tenant management.

Don't get me wrong, I have clients I run comps for all the time but I like to get an idea of what they are all about and what their goals are before devoting to much time to them. 

But if the landlord must devote time to tenant failure to comply with the lease, that is a chargeable fee too (office fee, paperwork fee, management fee, or whatever). 

Omar, here are my three "D's - determination, discipline and devotion.