HI:"Too many variables to state emphatically that one thing is better than another"
One size shoe doesn't fit all!!
I had an "all over the world job" (mid 70's-80's)while I was a landlord to some reno's in To.
I had great tenants because as a bonus, from me to them, was a December rent free check if I was happy with them(this was not in writing but after the first year they were sold).
When I got married and we started a family  stability of location(schools,friends, sports)was the priority and so it then made sense to purchase a house (cash,no mortgage).