Wall Street was never built to make you free.

You've worked hard, saved well, and done everything "right," yet nearly everything you own still rises and falls together with the market and your mortgage. The families who stay wealthy for generations put their money somewhere else: private deals and real assets that grow & provide cash flow. We map the way in, with practical entry points, plain-English explanations, and the questions to ask before you trust a sponsor with your money.

Explore the map Join AltMap Community

Find your path in four steps

  1. How much are you starting with?
  2. Accredited or not? Each entry point below is marked Open to all, Non-accredited w/ limits, or Accredited only (typically). Not sure? Read the Accredited Investor FAQ.
  3. Cash flow, growth, or tax savings? Within each starting amount, entry points are grouped by goal.
  4. Keep learning and spread your wings. Read, research, and network.

Each level lists entry points that typically become reachable at that amount; everything at lower levels stays open to you too. Tags are general and conservative; actual minimums and eligibility vary by offering.

Starting with about $100

Cash flow

Growth

Back to the steps

Starting with $1k-25k

Cash flow

Growth

Tax

Back to the steps

Starting with $25k-100k

Cash flow

Growth

Tax

Back to the steps

Starting with $100k+

Cash flow

Growth

Tax

Back to the steps

Step 4: Keep learning and spread your wings

Read! Research! Network!

Your first investment is a beginning, not a finish line. The investors who do best over time keep learning: they read widely, research every sponsor and deal before committing, and build relationships with other investors and operators who will share honest experiences, good and bad. Ask questions, compare notes, and never let a pitch replace your own due diligence.

Listing is not an endorsement; always do your own due diligence.

Resources the founder has used

  • Turbine Capital: a private investment firm focused on pilots and other professionals, offering real estate, private debt, energy, and other alternative investments, plus an investor club and podcast. Disclosure: the founder has invested money with Turbine Capital and receives no compensation or benefits.
  • Invest Like a Billionaire: an education and community platform for alternative investors, with a podcast, a book, a digital course, and a free online community. Its podcast is hosted by people from Aspen Funds. Disclosure: the founder is a member and receives no compensation or benefits from the membership.
    Book recommendation: Invest Like a Billionaire: Unlocking the Wealth Secrets of the Ultra-Rich, written by the podcast's hosts.
    Disclosure: our founder recommends this book. This is an Amazon affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate, TheAltMap earns from qualifying purchases.
  • Aspen Funds: a private alternative investment firm offering macro-driven funds for accredited investors. Disclosure: the founder has invested money with Aspen Funds and receives no compensation or benefits.
  • PassivePockets: a great place to start. It offers educational resources, private investor forums, and sponsor and deal directories for passive real estate investors. Disclosure: the founder was a past member and receives no compensation or benefits.
  • Wealth Without Wall Street: a company that guides business owners and high-income professionals build passive income to cover their monthly expenses, with a goal, plan, and deploy approach covering cash flow, debt, infinite banking, and income-producing assets. Disclosure: the founder has an ongoing relationship with Wealth Without Wall Street but is not compensated for this recommendation.

More resources (not affiliated)

TheAltMap and its founder are not affiliated with these resources.

  • Investor.gov: the SEC's investor education site, with plain-English guides, alerts, and tools.
  • SEC EDGAR full-text search: search public SEC filings, including Form D notices for private offerings and Regulation A offering circulars, to check what a sponsor has filed.
  • FINRA BrokerCheck: look up the employment history, licenses, and any disciplinary actions of brokers and investment advisers.
  • SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure: look up investment adviser firms regulated by the SEC or state securities regulators, including their Form ADV.
  • BiggerPockets: a large real estate investing community with forums, calculators, podcasts, and educational content.
  • The Hands-Off Investor by Brian Burke: a book on evaluating passive real estate syndications and their sponsors, including fees, projections, and red flags.

Back to the steps

The map: 50 entry points

Browse all 50, grouped by category. Minimums and liquidity are general and vary by offering. These are not recommendations.

Not sure if you're accredited? Read the Accredited Investor FAQ.

Real Estate (12)

  • Real estate syndications (LP)

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Growth Tax

    Pool money with other passive investors into a deal run by a sponsor (GP), such as an apartment complex.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K-$100K; many require accredited status
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; typically 3-7+ year hold

  • Single-family rentals

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow Growth Tax

    Buy a house and rent it out, either self-managed or with a property manager.

    Typical minimum
    Down payment, often 15-25% of price plus reserves
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; selling takes weeks to months

  • Small multifamily (2-4 units)

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow Growth Tax

    Own a duplex to fourplex; many first-timers live in one unit and rent the others.

    Typical minimum
    Varies; owner-occupied loans can lower the down payment
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Short-term rentals

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow Tax

    Rent furnished property by the night via booking platforms; more income potential, more work and local regulation risk.

    Typical minimum
    Down payment plus furnishing costs
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Public REITs

    Start: $100 Open to all Cash flow

    Shares of companies that own income-producing real estate, traded on stock exchanges.

    Typical minimum
    Price of one share
    Liquidity
    Liquid; trades daily, but prices can swing

  • Non-traded / interval REITs

    Start: $1k-25k Non-accredited w/ limits Cash flow

    Real estate funds sold outside exchanges with periodic, limited redemptions.

    Typical minimum
    Often $1K-$25K
    Liquidity
    Limited; redemptions can be capped or suspended

  • Real estate crowdfunding

    Start: $100 Non-accredited w/ limits Cash flow Growth

    Online platforms offering slices of real estate deals or funds.

    Typical minimum
    Some start under $1K; deal-level often $5K-$25K+
    Liquidity
    Mostly illiquid; varies by platform

  • Self-storage

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Tax

    Own or invest in storage facilities, directly or through syndications/funds.

    Typical minimum
    Direct: large; syndication: often $25K-$100K
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Mobile home parks

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Tax

    Own the land lots that manufactured homes sit on, collecting lot rent.

    Typical minimum
    Direct: significant; via funds: often $25K+
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Commercial real estate

    Start: $100k+ Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Tax

    Retail, office, industrial or medical property, often on longer leases.

    Typical minimum
    Typically large; accessible via funds or syndications
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Land

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Growth

    Raw or entitled land held for appreciation, development or lease.

    Typical minimum
    Varies widely
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; often no income while held

  • Build-to-rent / development

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Fund construction of new properties to sell or hold; higher risk, higher potential return.

    Typical minimum
    Often $50K+ via funds
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; longer timelines

Private Credit & Lending (8)

  • Private credit funds

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow

    Funds that lend directly to businesses outside the banking system.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K-$250K; some interval funds lower
    Liquidity
    Limited; lockups or quarterly redemptions common

  • Hard money / bridge loans

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow

    Short-term loans to real estate investors, secured by property.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K+ via funds; direct varies
    Liquidity
    Illiquid until loan repays, typically 6-24 months

  • Mortgage notes

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow

    Buy existing mortgages (performing or non-performing) and collect payments or work out the loan.

    Typical minimum
    A few thousand to six figures per note
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; resale market is thin

  • Private lending to individuals

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow

    Lend your own capital to a known borrower, usually secured by real estate.

    Typical minimum
    Varies
    Liquidity
    Illiquid until repaid

  • Business development companies (BDCs)

    Start: $100 Open to all Cash flow

    Companies that lend to mid-size private firms; some trade publicly.

    Typical minimum
    Price of one share (public)
    Liquidity
    Public: liquid; non-traded: limited

  • Equipment financing

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow

    Fund loans or leases on business equipment like trucks or machinery.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K+ via funds
    Liquidity
    Illiquid for the term

  • Litigation finance

    Start: $1k-25k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Fund lawsuits in exchange for a share of settlements; outcomes are uncorrelated but binary.

    Typical minimum
    Often $10K-$100K+
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; timing unpredictable

  • Tax liens and deeds

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow

    Buy delinquent property-tax claims at government auctions; rules vary by state.

    Typical minimum
    Can be a few hundred dollars per lien
    Liquidity
    Illiquid until redeemed

Real Assets & Natural Resources (7)

  • Farmland

    Start: $1k-25k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Growth

    Own agricultural land directly or through platforms/funds, earning rent and appreciation.

    Typical minimum
    Platforms: often $10K+; direct: large
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; long hold

  • Timberland

    Start: $100 Open to all Growth

    Forests that grow in value and are periodically harvested.

    Typical minimum
    Public REITs: one share; private funds: large
    Liquidity
    Public: liquid; private: illiquid

  • Oil & gas working interests

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Cash flow Tax

    Own a share of drilling operations; may carry tax benefits and real operating risk.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K+
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; production declines over time

  • Mineral and royalty rights

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow Tax

    Receive a share of revenue from resources extracted from land, without operating costs.

    Typical minimum
    Varies widely
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; income varies with commodity prices

  • Precious metals

    Start: $100 Open to all Growth

    Physical gold, silver and similar held as a store of value.

    Typical minimum
    Price of a coin or bar
    Liquidity
    Fairly liquid; dealer spreads apply

  • Water rights and infrastructure

    Start: $100k+ Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Own rights to use water or invest in water-related assets; heavily regulated.

    Typical minimum
    Varies; often institutional
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Renewable energy projects

    Start: $1k-25k Non-accredited w/ limits Cash flow Tax

    Invest in solar, wind or storage projects that sell power under contracts.

    Typical minimum
    Often $1K-$25K+ via platforms or funds
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

Cash-Flowing Small Businesses (8)

  • ATMs

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow Tax

    Own and place ATMs in host locations, earning per-transaction fees.

    Typical minimum
    Often a few thousand dollars per machine
    Liquidity
    Moderately illiquid; machines can be resold

  • Laundromats

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow Tax

    Own a coin/card laundry; relatively steady demand, with equipment and lease risk.

    Typical minimum
    Often $50K-$500K+ including financing
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; business sale required

  • Car washes

    Start: $100k+ Open to all Cash flow Tax

    Own a car wash, often with membership revenue; capital-intensive.

    Typical minimum
    Typically large
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Vending machines

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow

    Place and stock machines in high-traffic locations.

    Typical minimum
    Often a few thousand dollars per machine
    Liquidity
    Moderately illiquid

  • Buying an existing small business

    Start: $100k+ Open to all Cash flow Growth Tax

    Acquire a profitable small company (sometimes called ETA), often with SBA financing.

    Typical minimum
    Down payment, commonly 10%+ of price
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Franchises

    Start: $100k+ Open to all Cash flow Growth

    Buy into a proven brand system, paying fees and royalties.

    Typical minimum
    Varies widely by brand
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Online businesses

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow Growth

    Buy websites, newsletters or software products that generate revenue.

    Typical minimum
    A few thousand dollars and up
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; marketplaces exist

  • Billboards and outdoor advertising

    Start: $25k-100k Open to all Cash flow

    Own sign structures or leases and rent ad space.

    Typical minimum
    Varies
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

Private Equity & Venture (6)

  • Angel investing

    Start: $1k-25k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Invest directly in very early startups; most fail, a few may return a lot.

    Typical minimum
    Often $1K-$25K per check
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; often 7-10+ years

  • Equity crowdfunding

    Start: $100 Non-accredited w/ limits Growth

    Invest small amounts in startups through regulated online portals.

    Typical minimum
    Often $100-$1K
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Venture capital funds

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Pooled funds investing in many startups, managed by professionals.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K-$250K+; accredited usually required
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; 10+ year fund life

  • Private equity funds

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Funds that buy and improve established private companies.

    Typical minimum
    Feeder funds may start ~$25K; direct funds much higher
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; long lockups

  • Search funds

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Back an entrepreneur searching for a single business to buy and run.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K+
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Secondaries

    Start: $100k+ Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Buy existing stakes in private funds or companies from sellers wanting liquidity.

    Typical minimum
    Varies; often fund-based
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

Collectibles & Other Alternatives (9)

  • Fine art

    Start: $1k-25k Non-accredited w/ limits Growth

    Own artwork directly or fractionally through platforms.

    Typical minimum
    Fractional platforms may start low; direct varies
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; high transaction costs

  • Wine and whiskey casks

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Growth

    Buy investment-grade wine or aging spirits stored in bond.

    Typical minimum
    Varies
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; storage and fraud risk

  • Collectibles (cards, cars, watches)

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Growth

    Rare items whose value depends on scarcity and demand.

    Typical minimum
    Varies widely
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; prices are subjective

  • Music and media royalties

    Start: $100 Non-accredited w/ limits Cash flow

    Buy rights to streams of royalties from songs or other IP.

    Typical minimum
    Some marketplaces start under $1K
    Liquidity
    Illiquid; income can decline

  • Life settlements

    Start: $25k-100k Accredited only (typically) Growth

    Buy life insurance policies from holders; raises ethical and longevity-risk questions.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25K+ via funds
    Liquidity
    Illiquid

  • Cryptocurrency and digital assets

    Start: $100 Open to all Growth

    Highly volatile digital assets; treat as speculative.

    Typical minimum
    Very low
    Liquidity
    Liquid on exchanges; extreme volatility

  • Interval and tender-offer funds

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Cash flow

    Registered funds holding alternatives with periodic redemptions, open to non-accredited investors.

    Typical minimum
    Often $1K-$25K
    Liquidity
    Limited; quarterly windows typical

  • Self-directed IRA alternatives

    Start: $1k-25k Open to all Tax

    Use a self-directed IRA or Solo 401(k) to hold many of the assets above; strict IRS rules apply.

    Typical minimum
    Account and custodian fees vary
    Liquidity
    Retirement-account restrictions

  • Peer-to-peer and marketplace lending

    Start: $100 Open to all Cash flow

    Lend to consumers or small businesses via online platforms.

    Typical minimum
    Often $25-$1K per loan
    Liquidity
    Illiquid until loans repay

Frequently asked questions

What is alternative investing?

Investing outside traditional public stocks, bonds and cash, such as real estate, private credit, private businesses and real assets.

Do I need to be an accredited investor?

Many private offerings require accredited status, but some options such as public REITs, BDCs, interval funds, equity crowdfunding and owning a small business do not. Rules are set by the SEC.

Are alternative investments riskier?

They carry different risks: illiquidity, less transparency, higher fees and dependence on the operator. Some are less volatile on paper only because they are not priced daily.

Is this investment advice?

No. TheAltMap is educational only. Talk to a licensed financial, tax and legal professional before investing.

What is AltMap Community?

AltMap Community is a community for investors exploring alternative investments together.

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Plain-English notes on alternative investing.