Each have their benefits and drawbacks.

I just can't there because I don't see a path toward appreciation or population growth (especially in Decatur).The longer that I have owned in markets that appreciate well, I see the benefit finding a way to either just get by in years 1-2-3 on long term or using short or mid term strategies in markets that appreciate well.

This will provide insight into making informed decisions and accessing the benefits that these properties offer.

Yes, this is an unsexy option and it doesn't offer the same tax benefits, but you would benefit from reduced volatility (so long as you don't obsess over fluctuating stock prices), greater liquidity, stronger management teams and superior assets.

Real estate has so many tax benefits and credits available, that I always tell people it's crucial to have a CPA that's extremely knowledgeable in this area.

@Samuel Kim - please contact @Chris K. privately and allow him to show you how you can benefit from this wonderful strategy that he implemented for his many health professional clients.

Since the trust is a disregarded entity, the benefit is bypassing  probate, not tax issues or liability concerns. 

I am also a huge fan of real estate and for the past 50 years there's been a way to combine both.By leveraging a Self-Directed IRA, real estate investors enjoy both the traditional advantages of property ownership and the additional tax benefits of retirement accounts, creating a powerful wealth-building strategy.

You can always consider doing a cost seg study on a property that you buy and that can also help with tax benefits if you cannot qualify for the real estate professional status.

Furthermore, whole note investments benefit from an additional 0.5% annualized yield and are entitled to a share of any extension fees charged to the borrower."