Buy real estate, at least then you have something tangible that you truly have control of.
NO NO NO. Real estate is not even near its bottom. Trust me on this. I am 99% sure of this.
As far as stocks... .Im 90% sure it is not near its bottom. BUT.... if you are in it for the LONG term (>10 years)... these prices are good.
As far as banks... the prices are low... because of the high probability of these banks going bankrupt, and the stocks becoming 0$/share. If you invest in banks right now... be aware that you are gambling with something that COULD potentially become worth zero.