Years ago, I purchased a highly recommended book on real estate investing that was written by a professor. In typical academic style, prior launching into the subject, he attacked (what he perceived as) his opposition. The entirety of chapter two was spent comparing stock market investments to real estate investments, to show you how stock market investing is a path to loss, whereas real estate investing allows you to pull in profits.

I didn't read much past that point, because the man is obviously an idiot. You can make money investing in nearly anything. Pretending that your favorite investment vehicle is "the only real option" is very short-sighted.

Every investment vehicle has reasons not to invest in it. The risks are hoisted high, with no mention of how to manage them, in an attempt to smear it. In reality, all investing is about managing risk. The higher the risk, the higher the reward, so the skill of risk management is what will allow you to play in the field of "higher rewards".

Invest in what you see to be valuable. Do research. Start with your exit plan, then figure out your entry. It doesn't matter if it's APPL, precious metals, BTC, SHTCN, seeds, or a classic car. Looking at only one investment vehicle, or only one store of wealth, is how poor people do it.