... to completely buy and rent out a shared ownership property or to invest in funds

[WyclefJohn]

A few years ago, I was single and not that well off, and I bought a shared ownership flat. In the mean time, I was offered a job abroad, met my DH, and our financial situation has improved. When I moved abroad, I agreed with my housing association I could rent my place out, which I did to a friend, but I felt uncomfortable with the situation. Now, we have a bit more money, and I have two options. I sell the flat, I buy it 100%, as a buy to let, or I use the money we have and invest in things like funds. Alternatively, we buy a new flat as a buy to let.

I am uncomfortable becoming a buy to let investor of what was intended to be social housing. I also think buy-to-let might be quite difficult and hard work, and I feel more comfortable putting money into stocks and shares. Buying and selling a new flat involves a lot of costs (stamp duty is big for second properties), and that also seems like a lot of hard work with risks, and funds seem less risky.

My DH says that work pensions are already invested in stocks and shares, so property is good, and we have almost fallen into this.

AIBU to have reservations over becoming a BTL investor of what was shared ownership, even if I am "legally entitled to"?

are you sure you're definitely allowed to? I have an ex shared ownership house (I now own 100%) but there's a covenant on the deeds that does not allow it to be rented out

I asked the shared ownership, and the Housing Association has changed hands, and they say it's fine now (my original lease said I couldn't for 21 years)

You have the opportunity to do something I've dreamed about! If willing of course. Be a buy-to-let landlord with a social focus. I.e rent to someone escaping domestic abuse or similar.

You'd still have an asset and be doing some amazing good. Though would still have all the hassle of being a landlord.

Our "intention" per se, would just to be a normal landlord, as we're not wealthy enough to be running it at below market rent. We would own a flat and be able to rent it out at market rates.

Still, I do wonder whether it could be considered immoral

I'm not suggesting doing it below market rates BTW. I'm suggesting prioritising certain types of renters. Maybe someone escaping domestic abuse might have to use housing benefit for example.
The caveat to this would be if your mortgage was I dunno £400 pcm and market rates are £1200 pcm - I'd offer at some sort of discount then for a certain type of renter. I'm obviously going for extremes in my example!