Because I retired in the year I turned 55, I was able to access my 401k without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. 

I spend a lot amount of time in fixed income/early retirement circles and I ask this same question a lot.

Technology has advanced way too much and values are much more stable than back then.

The stress goes down, cash-flow remains stable, DOM decrease at turn over, and value increases. 

Other areas while not as flashy would be more stable and predictable and finding the balance being key.

I know a lot of investors that just want to focus on the passive side so they can continue to spend more time with family, generate income to ease up on hours at their full time job, preserve wealth, grow their retirement savings, ect.

As a retired person I didn’t have many financing options for a difficult commercial deal and had to pay higher financing costs.

However, The seller is dumping 5 or so properties as he is “retirement age”.

The USA is a big place and I believe there are markets where many people with the proper knowledge and a stable financial situation can find a way to invest in real estate.

Retire crazy wealthy at 45 instead of ok wealthy at 65.