Stocks / 401Ks or Real Estate?

[Greg Scott]

I'm officially retiring within a week, after 26 years working in the corporate world.  I'm only able to do retire because of our real estate.  We've built a nice portfolio over the years that now kicks off more income than my W2. 

Meanwhile, many of my friends with equal time at the company had planned to retire this year, but with stocks down so much, they are thinking it may be 3 or 4 more years before they can retire.  At the same time the company may start laying off people because the market is soft.  I hope none of my friends that need the income will get fired!

So, what do you think?  What is a better retirement vehicle, stocks and 401ks or real estate?