RE by it's nature is illiquid, never totally passive.Index funds have RE beat on both those aspects.Therefore, I don't see why I'd choose to invest in something with less liquidity, and not as simple as index funds, when I'm getting about the same return as them.

Choose it, own it, and make a plan to pivot if necessary. 

Once I learn how to find deals and have enough capital, I can choose whether to wholesale, fix and flip, BRRRR, or buy and hold.I have the time, the drive, the curiosity, and what I would like to consider a working knowledge of the industry; all I need is experience.

At some level, crime is already baked into the equation when people choose to invest in Chicago.

I'm sure there are some IC sites ranking very well - but it's likely going to be the most effective for those first to use it in their area, and to those who get or build links - which is a ranking factor, and a large one, that has zero to do with whatever platform you choose to run your sites on - IC or otherwise.

While I agree 100% that taxes, insurance and other upkeep are expensive, if I rented I'd be paying a landlord a sufficient rent to more then cover these amounts in nearly every instance, plus his mortgage principal amortization.Since, personally, I prefer a home that is nicer then most rentals and like the idea that the home is mine to do as I please, I choose to own.As a RE investor, with over a 150 paid off doors, (antithetical to you Joe, I'm aware) I know how to purchase RE at a discount.

"Confronting fear, weaknesses, and neediness by choosing our own thoughts is the way out."

(certified RE newbie here)If I may ask a follow up question, if you had two properties priced the same, with equal cashflow, etc, but one was a four-plex and the other was a 8 unit in which you had to put 25% down on both, would you choose the fourplex or the 8 unit.

@Drew McLaren In defense of @Brian Adams, why a seller would choose to sell a property is many times unknown and unknowable.

And, you can choose what you want as long as it's 1lb.