max out 410K or invest in real estate

[Kevin Scott]

I’m married, 43, and living in New York State. I’m torn between maxing out my 401k with an annual 8% return or investing a majority of that 18k into real estate. If I max out my 401k, I take advantage of the tax benefits of lowering my annual salary. If I use a majority of the 18k to invest in rental property I believe I can get a better return while building equity in the houses I buy. But I’ll be taxed at a higher rate on my salary. Is anyone in the same boat? Does anyone have any advice?