What is an Alternative Investment?

An alternative investment is any investment that falls outside the realm of traditional stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The most common alternative investment is single family real estate. However, there are many other alternative investment options:

Real Estate

International
Commercial
Foreclosures
Development

Commodities

Timber
Gold
Silver
Oil and gas

Lending

Peer-to-peer lending
Private mortgages
Equipment leasing
Hard money loans

Other investments

Parking spaces
Foreign currencies
Mobile homes
Tax liens and deeds

Small business

Franchises
Hotels/Bed and breakfasts
Vacation rentals
Lifestyle businesses