"Find me a renter with that kind of ROI on their investments over the last 5 years" is asking the wrong question. While it's true that there are wins to be mad

"Find me a renter with that kind of ROI on their investments over the last 5 years" is asking the wrong question. While it's true that there are wins to be made in real estate (and I congratulate you on your successful outcome), there are also losses. Not only did you pay $500 more a month, you took a risk (the degree of which depends on your circumstances) that the home would rise in value. Had it not done so, you'd be stuck paying $500 more a month in addition to other potentially large losses. Renting is (generally) lower cost, lower risk, lower potential ROI. Buying is (generally) higher cost, higher risk, higher potential ROI.