I know most financial planners/advisors focus on stocks, bonds, etc because that is the only way they really can profit but personally I feel real estate is a 10x better retirement strategy if managed correctly.  

I know most financial planners/advisors focus on stocks, bonds, etc because that is the only way they really can profit but personally I feel real estate is a 10x better retirement strategy if managed correctly.

Real estate guarantees a source of passive income, and you can opt to use the investment as your retirement package.

At the end of 5 years, I would technically be $21,500 'richer' on the balance sheet due to the investment, as well as $50,000 added additionally to the balance sheet from repayment of the loan from my W-2.I'm literally taking money out of a tax-advantaged account that I can't touch until retirement, without fee's and penalties, and using it to invest in cash flow assets that I will get back at the end of the investment period. 

Purchased in 1978 and used until around 2013 when the drum literally wore out and started leaking and "Old Bessie" had to be retired. 

I think that some logic applies to more groups and this infusion of cash to the market has had an impact on ppl looking at RE as a stable stream of cash flows, which it can be, but doesn't have to be; as you have illustrated.  

Invest in your older self, it’ll be your retirement plan in 20-30 years.

We are hoping to build our knowledge and confidence so that we can snag our first rental in the next few months, and ramp that up for long term wealth building and eventual retirement (I really don't want to be coding at 70!).

Retired, lives pretty well with retiment income, 2 rents and the house is pay off.

I would love to help her retire earlier and also get some experience for myself through the process, but I don't want to lead her down the wrong path with her own money.