Unlike stocks, bonds, mutual funds or commodities such as precious metals like gold and silver – real estate is a multi-dimensional asset class. The multi-dimensional nature of income property makes it extremely profitable in changing ways based on varying market conditions. This is a wonderful thing because investors can profit even seemingly “bad” markets. For example, when financing becomes expensive (low housing affordability rates) or difficult to qualify for (low capital liquidity) it can create excellent opportunities to increase rents. When mortgage rates are low and qualifying is easy it can spur terrific appreciation. You can win either way so long as you adapt your strategy based on economic realities.