Appreciation: Real Estate is determined by supply and demand and over the last 50+ years the values have continued to increase. Real Estate is an investment that benefits from inflation. When inflation goes up so does your investment. The goal is to buy low and sell high and land and the improvements on the land will always hold a value.
Tax Advantages: With an investment property you can deduct all of the mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, inspections, professional fees, and depreciation.
Collateral: Real Estate is recognized as one of the greatest assets to own. It shows strength on balance sheets and can be financed easier than other asset. If you get a collateral mortgage as your investment increases so does your borrowing power. Which means you can get a higher loan without having to refinance.