And I was born with every disadvantage imaginable in life, no family money here.

Generally it can be disadvantageous as this would create self employment income, where leaving the income in the rental it is not subject to self employment.

You actually place yourself at a distinct disadvantage by not using an agent.

So as you can see, each investment or business has its advantages and disadvantages. in short, you cannot compare real estate vs. stock trading/investing.

What's the advantages/disadvantages of each?

As an out of state investor you are at a disadvantage compared to local investors who might can act faster than you can.Most everything is selling in certain price ranges to owner occupants right now.

Catherine makes some great points here, but keep in mind that losing the tax advantage of depreciation is only one disadvantage and not really the most important one.

Or do you believe that some people (based on where they're born, who they're born to, the situations they're born into) have innate advantages or disadvantages in achieving success in their lifetimes?

I guess I'm asking, in what situations would age be a disadvantage.

It's tough to find investors out there and if no one knows who you are and what you do, you put yourself at a serious disadvantage.