Great question and I'm sure everyone has provided a great response based off their personal experience. I plan to be a bit more generic.
First, don't ever mention the total dollar amount unless you are prepared to be pounded with personal messages. Just be as plain Jane as you can.
Investing options based on time value:
Fix and flip: If you have the time, could be a good way to make some extra coin on your capital, fast. Downside is constant managing and on site to make sure the job is being done to your expectations.
Buy and hold single family or small multifamily: If you have to fix it up a bit, its almost similar to a fix and flip if its local to you but if its in another state you can achieve it buy a trusted property manager (PM). If its a turnkey, you can rely on the PM to help manage and update you accordingly. Manage the manager and set expectations.
Investing in a syndication (commercial offices, multifamily apartments, storage, mobile home parks): Vet your sponsors and once you understand the process, you can review the monthly updates and quarterly finances. Your risk is spread out through a bunch other investors and you don't have to manage the asset because you are leveraging experienced operators. Downside is you are not in control of the decisions but the trust sponsors who are operating it are. Pick wisely.
Hard money lender (lend it out to flippers): Be the bank and lend it out to a flipper. If they default you can take over the asset but now you are in charge of completing the renovations.
30,000 foot overview but captures the good and bad points of each. Hope this helps and happy investing!