@Amos Lee There are advantages to investing in an area you already know.

The issue is new hosts don't have the advantage you are getting from your direct bookings.

@Brody TrottStarting a real estate career as a firefighter offers lending advantages and flexibility.

Also, real estate is already tax advantaged so no need for the IRA. 

Credit Union, Brokers, Banks (all have different advantage & disadvantages). 

I agree that some groups take the money making aspect to far and are simply taking advantage of enthusiastic newbies.The two groups I spend most of my time at now are not REIAs, The BWI Meetup and a group of landlords that get together for a casual lunch once a week.

It offers unique advantages like equity building, tax benefits (e.g., deductions and depreciation), and an inflation hedge, as rental income and property values often rise with inflation.

I have always felt using it has many advantages.

bad tenants need to be strictly held to the lease or the will try to take advantage of landlord softness. 

They all had a very strong competitive advantage and focused on growing.