personally know several people who have built wealth, supplemented their income in real and dramatic ways, and even become very wealthy by owning real estate (primarily residential and then renting out their property, though I have one super-wealthy friend who owns commercial real estate and does very well).
On the other hand...I know a few people who have nothing but horror stories about renters, losing money, dealing with constant and unexpected costs, and buying at the wrong times in certain markets. These people couldn't wait for the day they sold their real estate and moved their money into something else entirely.
Just a random observation. Proceed with your day.