I own a lot of residential property and think it is a good investment and intend it to be part of my retirement plan. You do have to buy smart and be select. Not all property makes a good investment.

It's as good or better than investing in the stock market. 

One of the greatest investments of our lifetime has been New York City real estate, and investors made the highest returns when they bought stuff during the 1970s and 1980s when people were getting mugged. The lesson is that you make the most money when you buy stuff that's out of consensus.

Jack Lewitz there may be many reasons for it. 

The most important one is - shouldn't we trust the product we sell?

Yes, I do. Absolutely. I'm a big fan of Robert Kiyosaki ways of RE investing. 

Because it teaches you to invest in yourself and your future.  Most people don't buy a home and then next month pull their money out and invest in something else.

Because... it is!

John  nailed this one!

Do an ROI and compare that to what you can get from another investment avenue. 

Home ownership continues to be the basis for family wealth. 

Real estate is a good investment because it is a finite item, especially if you're buying a property with land attached.

By that, I mean that you can't make any more land.  You can build up to the sky, but you can't make any more dirt, so it will always increase in value no matter what the market does.  Land is a finite source.  You can't manafacturer more land.  So from an economic standpoint, it will always be a rare commodity and gain in value, regardless of how other sectors of the economy fare.
That's why I always advocate to my clients to "Buy the Dirt!"

Jack Lewitz I have been involve in investment property for Many years. It has paid for my children private education and many vacations. I would say YES. Multi family is my way. 

Jack Lewitz Nothing builds equity like real estate.

 Good morning Jack. I know a lot of people a lot of real estate. It's hard to lose on real estate.