I agree but don't get in over your head. It does give you a say in who rents in certain areas but obviously you dont tell anyone that. Small residential properties or duplexes are good investments. Buy when the market is low and cool. Buy when you are young and buy as much as you can. It's a much better bet than social security. The first goal should be aquiring yout first home and getting it payed off so you always have a place to live.