Finding a worthwhile investment (i.e. a property that can rent) is a skill and involves work. Managing that investment can also be a job (finding tenants and whatnot).

Very few landlords just sit back, collect checks, and do the South Park cable company nipples thing. Landlords don’t make nearly as much money as people seem to think they do. I’ve looked into it as an investment, and honestly, it’s pretty hard to beat lazier forms of investing, like broad market stock funds.