@Martel MetellusThe stock market is much more volatile than real estateBuying modest real estate rentals that cash flow in good safe neighborhoods is much safer than stocks :)

Houston has too much volatility with oil".

It doesn't have the growth potential that the Tampa Bay area does, but it doesn't have the volatility, either.  

The Triangle is less volatile, for now, but it is still tied to a single industry.  

If the property is in a very volatile market, I would say sell.

You should learn how to be the one who can show folks how to get those better, safer returns with less volatility than the stock market.If you come from a large family or are fortunate enough to have a large social circle, that will be a good place to start once you've learned how.At this stage, learning should be your first and foremost goal.

Even during 2008-2009 I think the per-share price went down about 2-3% at most over a week and picked back up, so volatility isn't that large of a concern.

Caveat - If you were to define "risk" as the economists do, namely volatility, then yes an office property is likely more "risk" if you own one building with 2-3 units, vs a MF with 30 units.  

Miami is out of raw land (the everglades and the ocean aren't going anywhere)Both factors combine to create a Miami real estate market that is much more volatile than other cities.

I expect some volatility in the market leading-up to tomorrow's Presidential election.