In contrast, for lower-end properties a lot of my tenants would rent just as a matter of course, and ended up with a tenant staying in my house for over 5 years. 

This is in contrast to a primary residence, which may appreciate in line with inflation but does not generate income.Other assets include stocks, bonds, businesses, and creative income streams - like a blog, book, website, or other venture. 

As a custodian and fiduciary, they are just not allowed to provide tax, legal, or investment advice.That said, most custodians will put on the brakes if they see a clear violation, but they have no obligation to so do and will definitely not be any help in a gray area situation.By contrast, a checkbook plan provided by a quality company will include consulting support that is not available from a custodian.  

Contrastingly, my Aunt who lives in Georgia bought a house during the same early 90s period for $110,000 and by all accounts it's not worth more than $120,000 today.

In contrast, Your coworker could get a rental where the Cashflow covers some living expenses.

In contrast, job growth decelerated in the Tucson MSA, from 1.3% in 2017 to 1.2% last year.

I saw the HUGE opportunities in real estate that spoke in direct contrast to to the LACK of opportunity in civil/structural engineering that I experienced during undergrad internships.

@Suzanna Smith I think you hit the nail right on the head with the speculation vs investment contrast.

Contrast this to a typical residential resale transaction in which all parties (agents, buyers, sellers) are working towards a more equitable arrangement.The one part I do agree with you is that the OpenDoor transaction may be "less public".

It's a unique situation, so it's hard to think of some other comparison to confirm or contrast it against, but I owe a liability and I'm paying the same total amount toward principal as the day I closed on the loan, just changing the timing.