It happens to be one of the easier businesses to run, but if you think of it like investing in stocks you're not going to do well.

You can't sell a portion of a property like you can sell portions of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.

The only “control” an investor has when he invests in REITS, (or any stocks for that matter), mutual funds, real estate syndications, whether debt or equity, or minority shares in a business, is whether to keep or to sell his investment, and often not even that.  

If you sell, will you invest the proceeds in something else for example the stock market?

Responding to a question about Political impacts and Self-Storage in a discussion.From a political standpoint, don't see a change in the stock market.

Investing outside of real estate: What other investment opportunities (stocks, REITs, or businesses) might make more sense in such a market?

Quote from @Ryan Smith: Hi everyone,With what's happening in the stock and securities market, now is the best time for many passive investors. 

Problem is only "RE pros" get to do it.There are 3 income classifications in the US - Active, Portfolio, and PassiveActive income is income derived from your job, or normal trade or business.Portfolio income is derived from bank instruments - stocks, bonds, etc.Passive income is income earned from investments.Active losses can wipe out both passive and portfolio income, but it doesn't work the other way around.Portfolio (capital) losses are limited to $3,000 annually.Passive losses can only be offset by passive gains.Real estate rental income by its nature is deemed passive per IRC Sec 469One way to get around it is to become a pro - spend more than 750 hours or 1/2 your time in real estate.But most folks aren't real estate pros.

These rates of return surpass what bank-provided bonds and stock dividends offer.

When you are willing to cover your mouth with a handkerchief and step over land mines to see if the layout works for a LTR you know you're a real estate investor 😁 lolI've seen it all and smelt it all.Just haven't found a dead person yet in a property heheFunny thing is, having travelled a lotSome cultures consider animalistic smells attractive.Even aphrodisiacs.Personally, I love me some niche perfumes and have always bought the heavy Middle Eastern Oud scents.Repulsive when first applied but give it a few minutes and it blends into the skin making it sweet, sour and woody lolMaybe cat piss after some time smelling it would also blend in with our olfactory senses like it does with the other cultures hehehehe 🙈