The problem isn’t with landlords as a whole, it’s exploitative landlords. The reality is a house is expensive, and having someone who can bear that up front expense, trading that initial cash for a long-term but stable supply only benefits people. Issues arise when super-rich investors buy up homes with the intention of keeping them empty, start charging exploitative amounts, etc.

In short, keep the rent as low as is feasible, and if you’re living there anyway, there’s really zero issue.