There aren’t many tools available to retail investors that would allow you to short commercial RE (that I’m aware of) however I would think shorting or buying puts in a commercial RE REIT might be about as close as you can get? Jim Chanos initiated a major short on the two large data center REITS not too long ago. If you research his thesis it is compelling.

You forgot all the politics.

This isn’t true. He’s already had to walk back certain things he said/planned and has begun pandering to advertisers. He still answers to advertisers and the US government. He has more control but we all answer to somebody.

GM suspended advertising until they have better clarity and we will see many others follow.

Options and stocks trading are different. Options ARE zero sum but the OPs presentation of the situation is an over simplification regardless.

I do agree with the spirit of the post in as much as some human decency isn’t a bad thing I just think the attempt to apply it here isn’t ideal.