Why is REI better than investing in the stock market?

[Porter Rappleye]

Hello Everyone!

I'm trying to convince my finance/MBA friend why REI is a better business decision than investing in the stock market and I'm not sure he's convinced. What is the best article on BP you've read that compares the two? I'd like to send him one that eloquently describes the concepts of Leverage and Forced Appreciation. He received a 34% return on his stock portfolio last year and I want to show him how he can receive a higher return through these two concepts using Real Estate.

Thanks for your help!