Real estate is collapsing and even the rich people have no options to invest.
If someone can think of an investment plan in the middle of a recession, it means that he is able to maintain a stable financial condition, while in the midst of a "collapse" the real estate business is a good investment opportunity to start in that sector. Why "no choice"? Unless you state where you're from, some countries are simply not suitable for real estate business in various global economic situations.
He probably says that real estate prices are so increasing that even rich people can't afford them. I don't think that real estate is a good option when its price is gone too far where a lot of people can't afford it. Market crash happens and real estate market will crash too, it won't grow forever.
From what I understand, OP is saying that real estate prices are also falling according to the economic situation, and rich people are also afraid to invest because it doesn't generate profit. The real estate market also became gloomy, not better than other markets. But it is still considered the safest asset, and the fact that it drops in price is a good investment choice. The demand for real estate will never go away or decrease over time, look at how fast the world population grows, and you will see the potential of real estate.