Lower price points are more volatile and higher-price properties didn't fall as much last time (although that's partially because they didn't rise as much).

Agreed, the market here locally is far too volatile and oil dependent, I am definitely looking elsewhere.

Managers of higher-education endowments now allocate a majority of their assets to alternative investments, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers.Many wealth managers advocate real estate as part of a larger portfolio strategy due to the high expected returns, low volatility, and lack of correlation to stocks and bonds.

Or use a fixed rate second which will be less rate volatile going forward - if you know the exact amount you need.

,Who do you know who may be looking for a better return on their retirement investments with less risk and volatility?

If done properly, these investments generally tend to give good returns without the volatility and unreliability of the stock market.I hope that helps!

Now that the market volatility is going up we are ready to take the again out, pay the needed taxes and re-invest into real estate.  

I am not nearly ready to begin investing but with the sports industry as volatile as it is I would love to begin delving into real estate.

The stock market has performed in the long run but also can be volatile and difficult to understand for me. 

Secondary and tertiary markets won't have the same volatility, so for more stable values you should consider looking outside major metros.