This makes great points that shouldn't be ignored. But here's the reality: most people don't invest in anything but do pay rent. If you just shift that rent int

This makes great points that shouldn't be ignored. But here's the reality: most people don't invest in anything but do pay rent. If you just shift that rent into a mortgage + repairs, at least you're investing in something that will slightly under-perform inflation (maybe). It's lower risk / higher return when you think of it that way. (I do not own a house nor do I plan to own one, however)