Originally Posted by
SonicFlyer
Stocks take into account inflation too because companies have to raise prices.
Real estate is high risk because if there is a market downturn in real estate you can get hosed, especially if you're leveraged.
Owning tens of thousands of stocks properly diversified across multiple asset categories is the safest investment (lowest risk) for the highest amount of return. Portfolio should double ever 8 years if done right.
But you might be right about the tax advantages making it even more profitable.
Diversification is key. I've got the index funds and all in retirement and taxable accounts, but real estate helps diversify even more. Although if I had $100k to use, I can only buy $100k in stocks. 100k in real estate can be leveraged for a 400k property.