Well, almost. The problem of most Chinese buying houses is that we buy too big initially. Thus lacking the chances to buy another one down the road. The correct way is not go for the best at first, but rather a small one for 3, 5 years, then buy a bigger one while rent out the first one. Then buy another one for 3, 4 years and rent the 2nd one and so on.

Thus, we can use a lower rate for homeowner instead of investor, and use rent to pay for our future houses. Thus 15 years later, you will get 4 houses almost paid 50% or all off. Those houses will not vaporize like stock, they are physically existing.

You just can't do this trick with renting.