I would think it must be x% more than stock market returns for people to want to invest in real estate versus stocks due to the extra work and risk. 

I like your point, end versus stepping stone!

It is underwritten from 12 or 24 months of bank statements versus 1099 or tax returns.

if  yes to both -  consider  getting  pre approved  and buy a rental  property if the  numbers  work .....regarding you paying " rent " ....maybe offer to  pay for all the  utliities  as  this  might make the  dicotomy feel better  versus  calling it " rent " -  all the best 

You also need to factor in what you are including versus others.

Covid has only accelerated the trend towards vacationers staying in private homes versus crowded hotels.  

Make that debt level versus deficit in the title and discussion. 

If you bought the property, renovated, and sold within a 12-month window versus a 12-month + 1 day window... that will also determine the tax treatment for certain expenses and your capital gain. 

The might have insight to the shades that aren't super loud and overpowering versus what you think might work best.As a general rule, I find that right color on the wall is usually 3-5 shades lighter than the color swatch I like in the store.

Similarly, when a home initially comes on the market, pricing a home accurately is the difference between a seller raising their arms in celebration within the first few weeks versus taking months to sell and likely for much less.