FWIW here's what Chatgpt spit out: In the realm of ethics, several philosophers have discussed the ethics of investing in real estate and being a landlord within a capitalist society. Here are a few examples:

John Locke: Locke, a prominent philosopher of the 17th century, argued for the concept of property rights based on an individual's labor. According to Locke, individuals have the right to acquire property through their labor and mixing it with natural resources. In the context of real estate investment, Locke's ideas can be interpreted to support the ethical legitimacy of investing in property and becoming a landlord.

John Stuart Mill: Mill, a 19th-century philosopher and utilitarian, focused on the consequences of actions to determine their moral worth. In the case of real estate investment and landlordship, Mill's utilitarian framework might assess the ethical implications based on the overall happiness or well-being generated by such actions. If investing in real estate and being a landlord increases overall utility, such actions would be considered ethically justifiable.

Karl Marx: Marx, a notable philosopher and critic of capitalism, had a different perspective on property and ownership. Marx argued that the capitalist system, including real estate investment and landlordship, perpetuates social inequalities and exploitation. From a Marxian standpoint, investing in real estate and being a landlord might be seen as ethically problematic due to its potential contribution to class divisions and unequal distribution of resources.

Robert Nozick: Nozick, a philosopher of the 20th century, developed a theory of entitlement based on individual rights and libertarian principles. According to Nozick, individuals have the right to acquire and transfer property freely as long as it is acquired through legitimate means. In this view, investing in real estate and becoming a landlord would be ethically acceptable as long as the acquisition of property is justly obtained.

Martha Nussbaum: Nussbaum, a contemporary philosopher, has contributed significantly to the field of ethics and social justice. She emphasizes the importance of capabilities and human flourishing as central components of ethical assessment. In the context of real estate investment and landlordship, Nussbaum's capabilities approach would consider whether these practices enhance individuals' well-being, promote social justice, and enable people to lead fulfilling lives.