# Is Real Estate Still THE Best Path to Passive Income? (Invited to Debate)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast-955196/is-real-estate-still-the-best-path-to-passive-income-invited-to-debate
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast-955196/is-real-estate-still-the-best-path-to-passive-income-invited-to-debate.md
Podcast: [BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast-955196)
Published: 2026-07-01T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/p5fhOfGH2wHmde5UefB4/traffic.megaphone.fm/BIGPOC8763338674.mp3
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/p5fhOfGH2wHmde5UefB4/traffic.megaphone.fm/BIGPOC8763338674.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/biggerpockets-real-estate-podcast-955196/episodes/is-real-estate-still-the-best-path-to-passive-income-invited-to-debate
Duration seconds: 2411

## Resource

We’re all here for passive income, and when you say “passive income,” many people immediately think of rental properties. But, is real estate investing really the best path to get the income streams you’re dreaming of, and is there a certain threshold where it’s not worth the effort? You’re listening to this show because you’re either interested in or investing in real estate, but we’ve been invited to debate someone with a different perspective. Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, has owned real estate investments but has since sold them and opted for something simpler, easier, and, in his opinion, more worth the money. Ryan likes real estate investing and sees it as the quickest way for the everyday American to build wealth. But…he thinks many investors are operating under a dangerous premise, one that could delay their financial freedom. In this episode, we’re going well beyond the average “stocks vs. real estate” debate you’ve heard a dozen times. We’re debating whether “passive income” is a lie, when real estate is worth it, who should invest in rental properties, why a 20-year-old and 40-year-old must invest differently, and the boring, simple way to invest that has made many Americans millionaires. NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice. In This Episode We Cover Have Americans been lied to about the “passive income” real estate provides? Your real estate is not as safe as you think it is (but are stocks better?) Why Ryan sold his real estate investment in exchange for something…

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