>but nobody could convince me yet why real estate as investment could be a better fit for me than crypto

Especially at the current prices in many places. I get the "security" of it, but that isn't going to matter, unless it is owned outright. However, I am glad we got the place we have when we did (almost two years ago and before pandemic effects), as I don't think I would have the confidence to go in now. 

Crypto is going to see some pretty major moves this year I think - especially in the NFT and game regions, which will effectively give the usecase to them as a real estate alternative. Will be interesting :)