Of course there is absolutely no investment that is 100% risk free, but real estate is "safe enough".
Real estate as an investment is ok if:
1. You own it outright, or are actively working to own it outright
2. It pays you back (e.g., renter or leaser income)
3. It has some appreciation
Otherwise, it definitely isn't an "asset" unless it meets those criteria. It is a liability. I cringe when I hear people talk about their home as an "asset", especially when it's not paid off and they have zero intention of ever selling it.
Real Estate sucks.
1) Taxes are way too high. They eat your income.
2) Maintenance costs are usually high unless its a condo. Which eats your income.
3) If it is a condo type of RE, you'll probably end up with a broke-ass tenant who'll delay payments or refuse to leave the house. Lawyers... Say good bye to your profits.
4) Your asset won't get hired away instantly unless you let it go cheaper than the market price and with everyday passing you'll lose money.
Tldr; Fuck real estate.
I didn't forget to tell you about the insurance costs. I intentionally skipped it because I didn't wanna ruin your dreams further. I am such a nice guy.
I'd rather buy gold than bricks/cement. And then there is bitcoin which makes gold redundant. A man only needs one house. Owning more than one is asking for trouble.