People who have always put their money in blue-chip stocks, bonds, and money-market accounts commonly think of real estate as being an inherently risky investment. While real estate can be risky, you can certainly limit that risk by educating yourself.
After all, real estate is a survival game. Anyone can make money in rising markets, but those who survive the down markets retire wealthy. Always invest in "safe" deals, and you'll survive long term in this business.