What you should compare is dividend to total return (i.e. equities) which are apples to apples.. and then compare that to real estate
Hmmm not sure why when you search inside the forum search it doesn't bring anything up.. but Google does.. will use that to search for topics from now on.
Ok I am about 4-5 hours into trying to wrap my head around the pissing match you led me into! :) haha wow didn't realize it was such a heated topic around here.
Seems like both sides continue to hold their positions despite what any data shows.
From the average of all I have seen I now understand that for the most part the index outperforms as a total return. So thanks for pointing me in that direction.
The more I learn the more it seems like multiple income streams, and diversified portfolios make sense. I was deep into the 80/20 rule for awhile thanks to Tim Ferriss, Richard Koch, etc..
Now thinking I will try to transfer my retirement account through my union to Vanguard. Invest it in a bond or total market index. With my job savings I will invest in RE, and maybe some other investments that seem like a good buy for additional income.
As far as real estate..
Instead of building a small house for myself.. would a good idea be to build say.. a 1800 sq ft. ranch that can be divided up somewhat like a side by side duplex.. then rent to friends/family, Air BnB.. for getting started in RE without getting into multi-family zoning/property?
Maybe build some some sort of sound proof wall after occupancy between the two that can be removed before/when selling the home?
Not sure on the implications of this sort of thing.. and may just have to get the land rezoned if I where to go down this route properly...