Rent-and-Invest Strategy vs Buying

Nobel laureate Robert Shiller's research shows U.S. housing historically appreciates at just 1% above inflation, while the stock market averages 7% real returns — meaning renters who invest the difference can outperform buyers by 6% annually. This strategy outranks #1's leveraged approach because it avoids 2008-style losses while compounding returns. Over 30 years, a renter investing the down payment surplus could net $600,000 more than an owner, adjusted for maintenance costs from #3.