Most of the tricks Yahoo uses to keep visitors on its site e-mail, chat, stock portfolios have been widely copied.

CNN: Net stocks come bouncing back

Users can see which members have the hottest portfolios and get free e-mail alerts when their favorite stock picker makes a change.

FORBES: Pick Of The Stock

As a result, I believe that there now exists an intriguing opportunity for inclusion of this alternative asset class (i.e. real estate), through investment vehicles such as REITs and exchange-traded funds, in diversified growth portfolios.

FORBES: It's Time To Nibble On Housing Stocks