Take that money and buy RE in other growing markets, stocks, bonds, index funds, high yield savings, or probably a combination of it all. 

And when it comes to alternative investments - I do invest in index funds, as well as some other stocks and a small amount of crypto.

Here is what he said about why I’d be better off putting my money in an index fund or a CD.

For plans that will pay off later, get into house hacking, save money for a first payment, meet people in local real estate groups and find a mentor, and put money into things that earn without much work like stock index funds or ETFs.

Is there a reason S&P or other index funds does not work for you?  

Use crane index ?

if i buy a REIT or index fund i give up control but have high liquidity.of course if you find the 'perfect' syndicator you get returns that will outpace the market. 

If you're just an individual that buys real estate but makes primary income from another source, just buy good properties off of the MLS and hold on to 'em. 10 years from now, the purchase price doesn't mean much or really change your return.It's like trying to buy/trade stocks rather than index funds.

Here's Nashville index.

Early on, I think people should be more conservative and establish a base (HYSA) and then regular (weekly or monthly) automated investments in low cost index funds.