If you are willing and able to manage a portfolio of properties then it is probably a good investment.
We use managers in multiple states. We invest for cash flow, permanent tax benefits, and growth.
Doing just fine during covid.
Also invest in music royalties, metals, and stocks.
That said, the average person isnt willing to learn much and is better off holding stocks and pretending well never have another 10-20 year bear market.
"On average, bear markets have lasted 14 months in the period since World War II...The longest was a 61-month bear market that ended in March 1942 and cut the index by 60%."
https://apnews.com/84ee301c404539d8731da34128330752