Not the only driver but a major one.

The coronavirus pandemic has already cost more than 30 million jobs, approx. 18% unemployment rateDemand:Less qualified buyers due to the increased lending requirements Buyers more cautious waiting for the ‘’ expected housing crash’’BUT Inventory still low in some areas – this is a general statement as it has to be evaluated in specific by areaDo you see other drivers?

Major economic drivers are a great place to be near.

As a doordash driver I got to really explore the areas I was in and the people.

Yet in 1995, the po-po caught Hugh in the driver's seat of his BMW getting the old huffer from a prostitute named "Divine Brown," right on the shoulder of Sunset Boulevard.

Geography is also easy to digest, Atlanta is the driver, big and urban, a few smaller cities, lots of burbs.

Comparing being an Uber driver, begging for change, or actively doing ANYTHING else versus parking your MONEY in a PASSIVE investment that generates returns is like comparing apples and oranges.  

Once you take in consideration all three of these profit drivers, you can calculate the internal rate of return for your holding period, and then you can truly compare a real estate investment against any other available investment.

Good access to transportation, a variety of positive economic drivers (manufacturing, retail, Govt, info tech, medical, colleges), decent weather, affordable utilities & entertainment, low crime, etc. 

Well, you hit all the general drivers of real estate in your question already.