Investing is an exciting game to get into, which is why more and more people around the United States are finding their way into investment projects. Most people start with the stock market, which is more straightforward and easily navigated. By buying ETFs and regular stock offerings, some people feel satisfied with their investment opportunities. Some, though, are hungry for more. These are the folks who fuss about real estate opportunities and think about asset classes like fine art and classic cars.
Regardless of the net worth of your bank account, you, too, can be an accredited investor with fingers in many alternative investment pies. Plus, with the alternative investing platforms out there, such as Yieldstreet, it doesn’t even have to be that hard. Whether you’re excited about the options presented in real estate, or you have an eye for fine art, you can get the diversification your investment portfolio needs, while having some fun at the same time. If you’re hungry for more investment opportunities, read on.
1. Real Estate Investments
Before you get into the real estate game, there are a few things to think about. First, while this asset class does have the low correlation to the stock market you’re after, it’s a high risk market as well. You need to do plenty of due diligence here, as when investing in any asset class. In real estate, though, it will help to have an expert broker on your side. John Foresi from Venterra Realty is an example of this kind of property expert. John Foresi is actually the CEO of Venterra Realty, and he didn’t get to be CEO without understanding how to make investment options in the real estate realm work on his behalf. Venterra runs apartment communities across the United States and makes high returns on their property investments. One way to start may be to look at how units in Venterra’s apartment communities are used as investment opportunities. Sitting down with John Foresi, or any other real estate expert, will help you get a handle on how the market works.
Also, if you’re buying property to flip (another great option), you need to keep in mind that any installers you hire to do renovation work should be vetted carefully. If you’re buying in Hickory, North Carolina, you’ll want Hickory bathtub installation that you can trust. The last thing you need is to install a new shower or tub and have it leak. No buyer will buy a home with a leak in the bathtub, in Hickory or anywhere else. Choose tub installers, and any other contractors, with care.
2. Collectors’ Items
Collectors can really go crazy when it comes to buying an alternative type of investment. Fine art, classic cars, baseball cards—you name it, and there’s a market for these alternative assets. Even cards from Magic: The Gathering, that esoteric game from the 90s, have an impressively high yield these days, depending on the condition. That being said, you still need to do due diligence here as well. Collectors’ items are only high yield alternative assets if their condition is great and if there’s a market demand for them. That makes these volatile asset classes, and it means you might not want to keep your baseball cards thrown in a cabinet somewhere.
It’s also worthwhile to use alternative investment platforms, like Yieldstreet, to help navigate the murky waters of collecting. Some people have glanced at the Yieldstreet platform and wondered, ‘is Yieldstreet safe?’ That’s a fair question, but a naive one. Yieldstreet is a major player working to provide investment strategies to the savvy accredited investor who wants to get into new asset classes. Yieldstreet has no interest in shoddy customer service—they’re on our side, after all.
3. Jewelry and Precious Metals
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous diamond necklace or some classy pearls? No one, that’s who. That being said, not all that glitters is gold, and it’s too easy to be drawn in by a shifty-eyed salesperson who does a great job of overselling jewels. Make sure you’re buying diamonds, not cubic zirconia, or it’s not a good investment at all. Yieldstreet can also help with this, but make sure you’re looking closely at any jewelry or precious metals you buy.
There are pros and cons to any investment. Yes, there are higher returns, but there are also risks involved in alternative investing opportunities. Nevertheless, if you’re excited about alternative investing, go for it. You only live once, and investing in apartments in major US cities like New York or smaller areas like Hickory, NC, classic cars, or jewelry is a great way to boost your annual return while having a good time. As long as you do your own due diligence and are aware of the potential downside, while keeping an eye on your bank account and budget, you’ll be fine.
