I used the modifier "meaningful" just to say I didn't have enough to produce any significant amount. I definitely could've put my $1,200 into the S&P but if I did I certainly wouldn't have $100,000 right now.

I'm not disagreeing with your sentiment, just saying that given my financial situation + real estate knowledge at the time it made a lot of sense to buy the house rather than put my money in the stock market.

Thanks for the comment. I definitely need to diversify and I plan to do so when I sell the house, but truth be told at the time I just didn't have enough money to meaningfully invest in the S&P. I bought this house when I was 22 with around $1,200 of my own money all-in (closing costs and a roof repair) and the house itself has been smooth sailing ever since -- it's losing our main stream of income earlier than we were anticipating that has put us tight. But you're totally right, we should be much more liquid at this point.

With that said, I'm definitely going to look into Index funds, I appreciate your input.

Yes, I did think of that, thanks. Another reason I'm hesitant to sell but I don't think it's a dealbreaker. Come to think of it I should probably learn more about 1031 exchanges...