Two Investments Beyond the Stock Market

Stocks are going higher and higher. We do not know if it's for real. Financial analysts will continue to deliver their opinions why stock market should go higher, and will come back again to explain the reasons if it goes lower. They have ready reasons for all seasons.

However, there are other alternative opportunities that interested investors may have a look at. Here are two of those:

Distressed Debt:

Banks have plenty of distressed debt, consider a deal. Some Financial groups buy distressed debt bank portfolios that aren't generating cash for the bank and work with the families in the homes to refinance at affordable rates. If they can't work it out with the owner, the property gets a second chance, rather than sitting vacant, when they sell the loans as non-performing first or second lien bank notes.

But before deciding to invest in distressed debt, conduct a thorough title search of the property to reveal any liens. Check with the county to ascertain what, if any, outstanding property taxes are due. Contact a local real estate agent to get an estimation on the property and its as-is resale value.

Tax-advantaged Investments:

Tax-advantaged investments can include real estate partnerships, oil and gas partnerships and suitability, which refers to how appropriate an investment may or may not be to an investor. Two of the most common types of real estate partnerships, for example, are low-income housing and historic rehabilitation. The federal government grants tax credits to those who construct or rehabilitate low-income housing or who invest in the rehabilitation or preservation of historic structures. Recently Google invested millions of dollars in low-income housing to take advantage of its tax credit.