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Invest/Alternative InvestmentsUpdated May 2026

Alternative Investments

4–15%Average annual returns
$10Minimum to start (fractional)
5Asset class guides
Low correlationTo stock market

Real estate, REITs, gold, and other assets beyond stocks and bonds.

All Alternative Investment Guides

5 guides

REITs for Beginners

Medium

Real Estate Investment Trusts let you invest in real estate without buying property. Buy shares like stocks, earn dividends from rental income. Accessible from $1.

Returns: 4–12% avg/yearMin: $1 (via ETFs)
VNQDividendsReal estate exposurePassive

Real Estate Investing

Medium–High

Overview of real estate investment strategies: rental properties, house hacking, REITs, and crowdfunding. Pros, cons, and realistic capital requirements for each.

Returns: 8–15% avg/year (total return)Min: $10–$50K+ (direct)
Rental incomeAppreciationLeverageHouse hacking

Gold & Commodities

Medium

How to invest in gold, silver, and commodities as a portfolio hedge. Physical vs ETFs vs mining stocks. When commodities make sense and when they don’t.

Returns: 4–8% avg/year (gold long-term)Min: $1 (via GLD ETF)
GLDIAUInflation hedgePortfolio diversification

Fractional Real Estate

Medium

Invest in real estate with as little as $10 through platforms like Fundrise and Arrived. Earn rental income and appreciation without being a landlord.

Returns: 5–12% avg/yearMin: $10
FundriseArrivedCrowdfundingPassive income

Treasury Bonds & I-Bonds

Very Low

The safest investments available: US Treasury bonds and inflation-protected I-Bonds. Current rates, how to buy, and when they make sense in your portfolio.

Returns: 4–5% (current rates)Min: $25 (TreasuryDirect)
I-BondsTreasuryRisk-freeInflation protection

When to Consider Alternatives

After you have the basics covered. Alternative investments should complement a core portfolio of index funds, not replace it. Most advisors recommend 10–20% of your portfolio in alternatives once you’re already investing in stocks and bonds.

For diversification. Real estate and commodities often move differently than stocks. When stocks drop, real estate or gold may hold steady or rise. This reduces your portfolio’s overall volatility.

For income. REITs and rental properties generate regular dividend/rental income. If you’re building passive income streams, alternatives can provide cash flow that stocks (especially growth stocks) don’t.

Start Diversifying

REITs are the easiest entry point - buy them like stocks with no minimum.

Easiest: REITs GuideLowest Min: Fractional RE ($10)