I directed my investments elsewhere and did just great. You?
You said,
"I directed my investments elsewhere and did just great."
==> Hopefully, that means you are an "expert" with respect to THOSE investments. But, IMHO, no real estate "experience" means no real estate "expertise".
"You?"
==> Since you asked:
Real estate investing is a "part-time" activity for me, but I've bought and sold several properties over the years, each time at a profit. The properties I own now are financed with about 30% debt and 70% equity.
My original investment in real estate was $5,000. That equity has grown over the past 25 years at a rate that's equivalent to a compound interest rate of 30%. My annual income, just from rents, is well into 6-figures.
Right now, some partners and I are involved in real estate development projects in California, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois and Maryland. Some projects are ahead of schedule. Some aren't. It all balances out in the end.