Now that we are retired, I am glad we went with paid off rentals, rather than the stock market. Sure RE goes down in value, but in 10 years it has always been higher in my lifetime. Rents help with inflation and rarely go down much, if at all. If you're younger, consider buying rentals, (2-4 units pencil out best). You can buy a duplex with as little as 3.5% down (FHA) or 5% down conventional (the way to go). Live there a few years, save and buy another. I have done loans for a few young men that did this over the last 10 years and the guys are on a solid path to a great retirement. Fuck the Casino, errr, stock market.