I like real estate. I used to invest in SCHH (similar to VNQ), but recently changed my strategy.
The big index REIT’s are heavily weighted towards the mega-cap properties that have low risk and corresponding lower returns. They almost behave more like bonds.
I prefer owning some of the smaller cap REIT names. They are higher risk, but with a potential for much higher returns. I personally own CIO and MPW, and there are other good ones out there.
I am a fan of private placement real estate deals, but I wouldn’t go through crowdsourcing. Maybe this isn’t fair, but I view those as something out of the self-promoting BiggerPockets world.
Go ahead and find a developer you trust and invest a little money with them. I just think those who really know what they’re doing stay away from crowdfunding.
I did have success investing $25k in a private placement multi-family development. It’s been much more successful than anything I would find in the public markets.