If you buy Income Producing Real Estate at the right numbers (and know what you are doing) I think no other asset class compares.Some people's owned Real Estate portfolios are better for them than others.Some people want appreciation for sale, some want stable cash flow, some want big cash flow.Roulette can pay out 35 to 1 for a winning bet, but not many would consider that a suitable investment strategy due to the risk of losing.With Real Estate we can add value, enjoy the increase in value over time, get depreciation benefits on our taxes, control the income upwards by improving it, or getting better management, etc..And stocks, bit coin, gold, etc.. is not gambling how (you have no control over them)?

@Jordan BeckerOh… in that case my initial thought is it’s a gamble on what increases faster, rents or expenses.  

as a preferred route.. most folks except me that is the preferred route.. but no way can you expect it.. you have to expect to own the asset at some point and if they pay great.. kind of like those that say cash flow is where its at and appreciation is gambling.. 

To me investing for appreciation is like gambling.

There are A LOT more expenses you have to account for to truly know what you will be making/losing on a propertyYou are also gambling on rents continuing to rise at the rate they have been in the past..... being able to finance to a lower rate.... thats speculating... not investing. 

Cancun, yes and a great offshore Bank in Bermuda....Rich

Sure you may never see it but really it is not that expensive and I have made worse gambles that never paid off. 

Final thought: The 50% more profit from STR vs Long term rentals seems pretty glamorous...it’s like gambling at a casino and hitting 7’s....and then the dealer changes (regulation/inventory)There are over 2M STR listings in the US alone.

It is too much of a gamble. 

(basically being Certified), the selected contractor is basically 'winging it,' and you're probably taking a gamble.