They get a higher return since they are covering housing cost, have the $250k per spouse primary residence deduction in gains, is a savings account, higher leverage position, lower interest rate possible, will pay more premium for location, etc.House might be overpriced for REITs but not for home owners.  

I used to cold call, skip trace, send mailers, and don't get me wrong you will get success from it like James above, however as you gain experience you will realize you need deals faster, easier, cheaper, and with more "meat on the bones" and in order to have that you need constant deals flowing through your eco system and that's hard to do with mailers, cold calls, VA's and skip tracing etc.

I have been fortunate to meet two of those individuals and gained a mentor.

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

It might cause me financial harm as I have to sell more stocks and might pay short term capital gains vs long term capital gains.

In the meantime I would put the money in a low risk account gaining 4-5% which for $250k would be around $1k/month.Hey Chris - what is driving the sentiment not to buy anything right now?

Looks better for them and gaining a sale and higher property value gives a larger commission. 

Tariffs on goods and potential reduced labor force (illegals being deported) to build.I can't see changes in S8 benefits.

BUT with S&P, you got gains on $25k.

The investor must consider whether the potential property value increase or other benefits outweigh this loss.