529 plan or rental properties

[John Hixon]

I was wondering if I could get some advice from people who know something about finance and investments.

I think most people on BP know that if done properly investing in real estate brings better returns then the stock market. So, I was wondering if it would be better to buy 3 or 4 rental properties (average price say $75,000) and hold those for 16 or 17 years and then sell some or all of them to pay for college or just put money away every year into a 529 plan.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks.

[Ryan Jackson]

Why not build enough cash flow to pay for college without selling? I would look into the capital gains cost of selling an investment to pay for college. What if the person decides college is not for them? I imagine real estate would have provided the best return compared to reclaiming a 529.