The question for those that come to this realization is: What do I save or invest in?

There’s only a few choices that meet or beat inflation. I think you hit on the better option.

To be fair, real estate purchased at a discount and used for cash flow can be a good investment since you can use heavy leverage (OPM) and take advantage of the depreciation. Key is buying below value and that’s just very difficult to find unless you find a sucker willing to to sell (think of those “we buy ugly houses” folks) or you’re in the industry and people call you first with good opportunities.

For most people though, they’ll just go to MLS/zillow and that’s just difficult to compete in and returns will likely not beat even S&P 500.