32/34, combined ~$380k HHI, maxing 401ks and backdoor Roths, decent taxable brokerage mostly in VTI. No kids yet, renting in a HCOL city and not buying anytime soon.

Every few months I talk myself into buying a rental in a cheaper market and then remember I don't want to deal with tenants, a property manager, or a roof replacement from 900 miles away.

For people in a similar spot: did you skip real estate entirely and just hold REITs, or did you try any of the fractional rental platforms? Mostly curious whether the illiquidity and fees made it not worth it.