If we are talking play money...both qualify for a look-see. If one wants the road most traveled, Real Estate has no equal....

I'd go with residential real estate. I think it's more stable than bitcoin; and people have a better understanding of real estate.

I own both. Real estate investments require maintenance and work.  I think real estate is superior because of these factors: I could live in RE, and as long as I'm not buying in this cycle I think it's a good long term hold. Bitcoin is not as easy to sell or make into dollars, will become more regulated which is unknown as to the future.

It depends on where the residential real estate is located and which Bitcoin they invest in. 

Other than that, I do not kiss and tell. 

Fred,

We are on the fence about this.  According to people in the know, it is highly volatile...we do not know enough.  A

in todays market I see neither as a good investment

I would follow Will Rogers advise:

"Buy land. They ain't making more of the stuff"

Residential real estate is a viable, solid investment. Bitcoin is unreliable and and virtual.

While I'm not a fan of Bitcoin, I believe in diversification. If it was me, I would invest the cash (NOT in Bitcoin) and purchase different types of real estate (mix of residential and commercial with emphasis on residential rentals which are in short supply and high demand. Commercial not so much) using OPM. 

I'm just still so scared of crypto - my nephew is heavily invested and has been prevented from his account a couple times now . . .

Real estate is durable . . . 0s and 1s maybe maybe not . . .

Define large anount of cash.  Can that person leverage that cash thru low interest loans?  I am not a bitcoin fan and still feel it is rather speculative.  I don't fully understand it.  My ignorance entirely but I feel the need to avoid it at this time,  

Which is a better investment - real estate or a lotto ticket?

The lotto ticket has a minscule chance of making a significant payoff, but for the vast vast vast majority of people, you will have a better return with real estate.  To me, bitcoin is like the lottery.

Ha, Ha, Ha! You are joking...right, Fred Griffin Tallahassee Real Estate?

If you like riding roller coasters, go for the Bitcoin. Every time Elon Musk sends out a Tweet about crypto currency, Bitcoin fluctuates wildly. 

Residential real estate. I am not a fan or would I invest in bitcoin. 

Can you get insurance on those coins for when they go up in smoke?

have not developed an interest in investigating bitcoin. prudent investing does not include tossing money at speculative ventures. real estate has the test of time of proving to be an excellent investment IF MAINTAINED AND MANAGED PROPERLY. It is quite possible bitcoin could be more lucrative but real estate has the track record to prove it is an excellent investment.

IMHO.

We will not know for a few years, but I have recently invested in a new rental and Bitcoin.  I think being diversified means buying different asset classes.  The difference is that I put way more money into real estate (and even use leverage) because it is an asset class with a very long track record.  Bitcoin, not so much, so I invest a much smaller portion and would never leverage that investment.  I even diversify between different cryptocurrencies; Bitcoin, Etherium, Polkadot and Reef.  My only regret, that I did not start three or four years ago. 

Why any cryptocurrencies?  History is replete with currencies becoming worthless.  I find some fiscal and Fed policies troubling and I see little difference between paper, backed by nothing, but the full faith and trust of the government and cryptocurrencies, backed by nothing, but the full faith and trust of the private entity that issued it.  It is not a perfect analogy, but it is how my mind works.  🙃

Wish in one hand and poop in the other and see which fills up first.  I think Bitcoin is longterm poop.

Large amount of money with paper trail - real estate
Without paper trail - bitcoin.
The REAL answers is related to one's personal risk aversion quitient.

Real estate typically does not have the high fluctuations/instability of bitcoin, plus it can generate passive income if used as a rental.  My vote is for real estate.