they usually say stick it in the bank.. so you can offer them a nice return above bank CDs and on an asset they already know and like etc..

Based on the info in your post, my recommendation would be to turn these assets into well oiled machines and max out their NOI.

In my opinion, I like a cash asset, but they may be able to sell now, buy a smaller house for themselves, and a rental property or two in Texas.

Additionally, there's growing interest in cryptocurrency as an alternative asset class, though it comes with higher volatility and risk.

Small multifamily is a good asset class. 

Guessing the defense "my pricing software is responsible for these increases" may not be sustainable.

My current thoughts on it is that co-living is the king investment compared to other investment strategies, but the investor must be using the right tools: co-living property management system, asset management system, and a great team. 

Real Estate is a large asset class that has many different strategies inside of it. 

The developers pushing agents to sell one of their townhouses as a STR really inflated the asset cost cause they were pricing it on a revenue structure, not asset.

Best of luck adding another asset to your portfolio!