There are four strong benefits of owning investment real estate compared to your own residence:
1. Principal monthly reduction which eventually will give you a free and clear home.
2. Cash flow, sort of like a dividend in stock market.
3. Appreciation as property goes up in value.
4. Tax benefits that will offset some of the income from rental or other investment income.
Don't forget, it is possible to control a large amount of real estate with 10 to 20% of your own money, but you still get a return on your money and on OPM ( other people's money).