Real Estate vs Stocks vs Crypto – Which Investment Is Best for You?

When it comes to building wealth, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people swear by real estate, others live and breathe the stock market, and a growing number are betting it all on cryptocurrency. You’ve probably heard Michael Saylor shouting “Bitcoin,” Warren Buffett sticking to good old-fashioned stocks, and Donald Trump doubling down on real estate. So which one’s the right move?

Well, here’s the truth: it depends on you—your goals, your timeline, your risk tolerance, and your financial game plan.

How Have These Investments Performed?

Over the last five years, Bitcoin’s up over 1,000%, the stock market has grown about 120%, and the housing market’s climbed around 50%. But let me be crystal clear—past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. The goal isn’t to chase the highest number. The goal is to understand how each of these assets works so you can build a strategy that fits your life.

Real Estate: My Favorite for Cash Flow and Control

Real estate makes up about 50% of my portfolio, and for good reason. You’ve got cash flow from rental income, appreciation in property value, and some amazing tax benefits. I’m talking about depreciation write-offs, 1031 exchanges, and the ability to refinance tax-free.

The downside? It takes a lot to get started—big down payments, ongoing maintenance, tenant headaches. And real estate isn’t liquid. If you need to sell, it could take months.

But I love real estate because I can control it. I decide the rent. I decide the renovations. And the tax benefits? Huge.

Stocks: A Low Barrier, High Flexibility Asset

Stocks are the easiest way to get into investing. You can buy in with just a few bucks. Whether you’re buying Apple, Amazon, or Chipotle, you’re getting a slice of companies you know and use. Plus, you’ve got options—go growth for big upside or dividend-paying for steady income.

About 30% of my portfolio is in stocks—some in dividend-paying ETFs for cash flow, some in high-growth industries for long-term upside. The thing with stocks is they’re totally passive. The company does the work—you just sit back and (hopefully) watch your investment grow.

But the stock market can mess with your emotions. One bad news headline, and people panic sell. That’s why financial education is so important—so you don’t get caught chasing hype or fear.

Crypto: High Risk, High Potential Reward

Now let’s talk about the wild child—crypto. It’s volatile. It’s risky. But it also offers something unique: decentralization, borderless transactions, and nonstop market access.

I’ve got about 18% of my portfolio in speculative investments—startups and crypto included. These are high-risk, high-reward plays. I’m not putting my life savings in crypto, but I’m not ignoring it either. If it pays off, great. If it crashes, my core investments are still solid.

Designing Your Personal Investment Strategy

Here’s what I always say: Personal finance is personal. Don’t copy me. Don’t copy Trump, Saylor, or Buffett. Figure out what works for you.

Start by building a strong foundation—stocks and real estate are time-tested. Once you’ve got that base, you can explore riskier investments like crypto.

I also hold 2% of my portfolio in physical gold as a hedge. It doesn’t make me rich, but it’s a long-term store of value and a piece of my overall plan.

Tax Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Especially in real estate, the tax game is strong. If you own a property worth $300,000 (building only), you can write off about $10,000 a year through depreciation over 27.5 years. You can also accelerate that depreciation in the early years to supercharge your tax benefits.

Then there’s the 1031 exchange, which lets you defer capital gains taxes when selling a property, as long as you reinvest in another property. That’s like compounding wealth without Uncle Sam taking a cut—at least for now.

The Emotional Side of Investing

Emotions ruin more portfolios than bad investments. With stocks, it’s easy to freak out and sell low. With crypto, it’s easy to chase hype and buy high. Even with real estate, some people overleverage and panic when the market dips.

That’s why I built Market Briefs—to help people stay informed, not overwhelmed. It’s a free daily newsletter that breaks down what’s happening in the markets so you can make smart money moves.

So What Should You Do?

Start with one. Learn it. Understand it. Then diversify. You don’t need to be a pro in every asset class—you just need to have a strategy.

And remember, wealth isn’t about bragging rights or going viral. It’s about building a life of freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.

If that’s your goal, you’re already on the right path.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.