<prompt> Human: Im 29 years old and I currently have income properties bringing in the equivalent of 40k annually actually closer to 70k a year, but thats before expenses. That, with the other potential benefits of reaching senior age social security, medicare, and with future real estate purchases I make, should easily sustain me throughout retirement.Both of my parents are like this as well. My mother was widowed when I was 1 year old and raised 3 children alone. My father was an aircraft mechanic and my mother worked as a secretary but later went into real estate. She managed her properties so that she earns in excess of 200k annually and retired 10 years ago at age 55 note both parents immigrated to the US with no assets. My step-father has over 1 million in his 401k, but his properties earn him in excess of 150k annually as well, so he hasnt touched it, having retired 8 years ago. He did, however, work his ass off being a property manager while doing his normal job.Im not saying everyone can do that, there is a lot of risk in real estate, especially commercial real estate. But my point is, if you have the opportunities and are willing to put in the hard work, you can turn retirement savings into riches. Its not a safe route, but most of the investment advice I see here is based off of the bondsstockstreasury etc markets.  <response>: Tl;Dr Some people make more money in real estate than in investing. 