--- title: An Overview of Alternative Investments - Chicagoland 1031 Exchange description: At our firm, we have years of experience evaluating alternative investments, conducting due diligence and, importantly, implementing alternative investments into our client's financial plans. image: https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hubfs/Cover%20Image.jpg --- [![logo-black-mobile](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black-mobile.png?width=261&height=90&name=logo-black-mobile.png "logo-black-mobile")](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/) [![logo-black](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black.png?width=261&height=90&name=logo-black.png "logo-black")](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/) [![brokercheck-white](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/iconfinder_phone-call_2561306.png)(224) 245-5281](tel:224-245-5281) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events) - [Section 1031 Exchange](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-program/) - [1031 Exchange](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-program/1031-exchange/) - [DST 1031 Exchange](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-program/dst-1031-exchange/) - [Available 1031 Properties](https://invest.chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-properties) - [Resources](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/) - [What is a 1031 Exchange?](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/what-is-1031-exchange/) - [Delaware Statutory Trust 1031](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/delaware-statutory-trust-1031/) - [1031 Exchange Process](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-exchange-process/) - [1031 Exchange Timeline](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-exchange-timeline/) - [1031 Exchange Rules](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-exchange-rules/) - [1031 Exchange FAQs](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-exchange-faq/) - [1031 Real Estate](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-real-estate/) - [Partnering with a 1031 Advisor](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-information/1031-advisors/) - [About Us](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-professionals/) - [1031 Professional](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-professionals/1031-professional/) - [A National Presence](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-professionals/a-national-presence/) - [Property Due Diligence](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-professionals/property-due-diligence/) - [Sample Exchanges](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-professionals/sample-exchanges/) - [Insights](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events) - [![brokercheck-white](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/iconfinder_phone-call_2561306.png)(224) 245-5281](tel:224-245-5281) # Insights ![Blog Banner Image](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ch-website-images-header-homepage-option-03.jpg?width=1900&name=ch-website-images-header-homepage-option-03.jpg "Blog Banner Image") # Insights ### Subscribe to Our Blog - [1031 Exchange (17)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) - [DST 1031 Exchange (16)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/dst-1031-exchange) - [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/covid-19) - [Insights (9)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/insights) - [Coronavirus (7)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/coronavirus) - [Delaware Statutory Trust (6)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/delaware-statutory-trust) - [News (6)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/news) - [Opportunity Zones (6)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/opportunity-zones) - [Alternative Investments (5)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/alternative-investments) - [Due Diligence (4)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/due-diligence) - [NNN Lease (1)](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/nnn-lease) More Tags # An Overview of Alternative Investments ##### Written by [Nathan Kuhn](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/author/nathan-kuhn) on August 13, 2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) An alternative investment is an investment that does not fall into the traditional asset class of stocks, bonds, and cash. The most common types of alternative investments are precious metals, oil and gas, venture capital, hedge funds, and real estate. An investment made into a DST to complete a 1031 exchange, for example would be considered an alternative investment.  At our firm, we have years of experience evaluating alternative investments, conducting due diligence and, importantly, implementing alternative investments into our client's financial plans.    All alternative investments fall into one of two categories: public or private investments. An example of a public alternative investment is a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. A private alternative investment may include: - Hedge funds: funds that invest in a broad range of securities, generally limited to publicly traded investments - Venture capital: equity investment into privately-owned companies - Private equity: a broad category; this encompasses all other private investments, including real estate, infrastructure, oil & gas, debt, and more Here, we will focus on private equity investments. **Potential Benefits of Alternative Investments** 1. Their value is generally not correlated to the stock market Alternative investments provide diversification, and their value will generally not change relative to the ups and downs of the market. This can help protect investor’s portfolios from market-related volatility. 1. Lack of volatility Traditionally, the share price of a public investment fluctuates based on a variety of factors and is generally not tied to an actual asset. Private investments, though, lack the volatility of public investments and are typically backed by an actual asset. Additionally, while time in the market may help long-term market investors, volatility can depress compounding returns. 1. Direct ownership With a public investment, your purchase is a paper asset – your ownership is not in a tangible asset. Private alternative investments allow you direct ownership of whatever asset you purchase. 1. Direct tax benefits Many alternative investments will allow you to keep more of your profit. As a part-owner of an alternative investment, tax benefits can be directly passed on to you. The most important direct tax benefits may include pass-through depreciation and long-term capital gains treatment, among others. 1. Potential for Income Many alternative investments are cash flowing, with distributions generally paid monthly or quarterly to investors. The amount of cash flow in alternative investments can be substantially higher than what investors may find in public investments.  1. Passive investments Actively managing a portfolio requires a tremendous amount of work and expertise. A private alternative investment offers funds that are passive and without requirements for ongoing management from investors. They also leverage the experience, knowledge, and skills of fund managers. **Disadvantages of Alternative Investments** While private alternative investments have many potential benefits, there are some disadvantages. As with all investments, there is the possibility that the investment will not perform as expected - thus resulting in loss of income or principal. Additionally, alternative investments are generally illiquid. Lockup periods may range from 3-10 years, which makes sense when you understand private funds are generally tied to an asset—and to liquidate an investment, requires liquidating the asset.  If you’re considering your overall investment strategy and interested in learning more or pursuing an alternative investment, we can help. Please call us at (224) 245-5281 or [schedule an introduction](https://meetings.hubspot.com/nathan112) today.   Topics: [DST 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/dst-1031-exchange), [Delaware Statutory Trust](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/delaware-statutory-trust), [Alternative Investments](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/alternative-investments) [![Banner - Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report CTA](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Banner%20-%20Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png?width=730&name=Banner%20-%20Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png "Banner - Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report CTA")](https://invest.chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-properties) [Previous Post](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/comparing-the-nnn-lease-and-the-dst) #### [Comparing the NNN Lease and the DST](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/comparing-the-nnn-lease-and-the-dst) [Next Post](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/large-stock-gains-and-qualified-opportunity-zone-investing) #### [Large Stock Gains and Qualified Opportunity Zone I...](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/large-stock-gains-and-qualified-opportunity-zone-investing) - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [The DST Market Experiences Reduced Decline in Volume Compared to Commercial Real Estate Overall](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/the-dst-market-experiences-reduced-decline-compared-to-commercial-real-estate-overall) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/1031-exchange) [Housing Affordability and Its Impact on Real Estate Investments](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/housing-affordability-and-its-impact-on-real-estate) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/1031-exchange) [Why We Continue to See Opportunity in Multi-Family Real Estate Investments in 2022](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/why-we-continue-to-see-opportunity-in-multi-family-real-estate-investments-in-2022) [ Insights](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/insights) [ News](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/news) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/1031-exchange) [ COVID-19](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/covid-19) [ Coronavirus](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/coronavirus) [ Due Diligence](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/topic/due-diligence) [![Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report CTA](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png?width=700&name=Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png "Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report CTA")](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-properties/) ## Need help with your 1031 exchange? ### We're here for you. [![Let's Talk](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5268710/398420ba-42b1-4289-b473-217cda76c944.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5268710/398420ba-42b1-4289-b473-217cda76c944) - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [The DST Market Experiences Reduced Decline in Volume Compared to Commercial Real Estate Overall](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/the-dst-market-experiences-reduced-decline-compared-to-commercial-real-estate-overall) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) [Housing Affordability and Its Impact on Real Estate Investments](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/housing-affordability-and-its-impact-on-real-estate) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) [Why We Continue to See Opportunity in Multi-Family Real Estate Investments in 2022](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/why-we-continue-to-see-opportunity-in-multi-family-real-estate-investments-in-2022) [ Insights](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/insights) [ News](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/news) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) [ COVID-19](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/covid-19) [ Coronavirus](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/coronavirus) [ Due Diligence](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/due-diligence) [Multi-Family Real Estate Investing, COVID-19, and Other Considerations](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/multi-family-real-estate-investing-covid-19-and-other-considerations) [ Insights](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/insights) [ News](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/news) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) [ COVID-19](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/covid-19) [ Coronavirus](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/coronavirus) [ Due Diligence](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/due-diligence) [COVID-19's Impact on Housing Prices](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/how-covid-19-impacts-housing-prices) [ Insights](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/insights) [ News](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/news) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/1031-exchange) [ COVID-19](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/covid-19) [ Coronavirus](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/coronavirus) [ Due Diligence](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/tag/due-diligence) ## Need help with your 1031 exchange? ### We're here for you.   [![Let's Talk](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5268710/398420ba-42b1-4289-b473-217cda76c944.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5268710/398420ba-42b1-4289-b473-217cda76c944) [![Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Banner%20-%20Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png?width=1900&name=Banner%20-%20Chicagoland%201031%20-%20Availability%20Report%20CTA.png "Chicagoland 1031 - Availability Report")](https://invest.chicagoland1031exchange.com/1031-exchange-properties) [![logo-white](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white.png?width=261&height=90&name=logo-white.png "logo-white")](https://chicagoland1031exchange.com/) - 1827 Walden Office Square Suite 500 Schaumburg, IL 60173 - [(224) 245-5281](tel:224-245-5281) [![brokercheck-white-140px](https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brokercheck-white-140px.png?width=140&height=32&name=brokercheck-white-140px.png "brokercheck-white-140px")](https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/4624143) Chicagoland 1031 Exchange proudly serves clients nationwide, including California, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts, and more.   The information herein has been prepared for educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell securitized real estate investments. Such offers are only made through the sponsors Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) which is solely available to accredited investors and accredited entities. DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (typically have a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence or $200,000 income individually/$300,000 jointly of the last two years, and reasonably expects the same for the current year) and accredited entities only. If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity please verify with your CPA and Attorney. There are risks associated with investing in real estate and Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) properties including, but not limited to, loss of entire investment principal, declining market values, tenant vacancies and illiquidity. Potential cash flows/returns/appreciation are not guaranteed and could be lower than anticipated. Because investor's situations and objectives vary this information is not intended to indicate suitability for any particular investor. This material is not to be interpreted as tax or legal advice. Please speak with your own tax and legal advisors for advice/guidance regarding your particular situation. This site is published for residents of the United States only. Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of the services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every advisor listed. For additional information, please contact Nathan Kuhn at 224-245-5281 Chicagoland 1031 Exchange does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances. Securities offered through DAI Securities, LLC, member [FINRA](https://www.finra.org/) / [SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/). Advisory services offered through Kuhn Wealth Management, Inc. (KWM), a state registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through DAI Securities, LLC. KWM dba Chicagoland 1031 Exchange is independent of DAI Securities, LLC. Copyright © 2022 Kuhn Wealth Management. All rights reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nathan Kuhn", "url" : "https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/author/nathan-kuhn" }, "dateModified" : "2022-05-04T22:11:28.679Z", "datePublished" : "2020-08-13T17:20:59.000Z", "headline" : "An Overview of Alternative Investments - Chicagoland 1031 Exchange", "image" : [ "https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hubfs/Cover%20Image.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/insights-events/an-overview-of-alternative-investments", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.chicagoland1031exchange.com/hubfs/Brand%20Assets/Logo/chicagoland-logo-new.png" }, "name" : "Chicagoland 1031 Exchange" } } ```