Next Steps - Exit Strategy for Investment Properties

[Pixel Rogue]

Hello everyone,

Have a number of investment properties and planning to scale down within the next 5 years. All goes well, that will leave a substantial cash sum after all was said-and-done. 

What are some the best investment vehicles for a cash stockpile?
• Mutual funds - yet you are then paying taxes on anything gained for life (even in tax advantage funds)
• Real estate - great yet been in real estate for 20 years... letting go.
• Local REIT? Not as familiar, where you are one of small group of investors in a property? Anyone doing this?
• Open to purchasing a business - yet want something that would not require my involvement daily.

Where does one go next after selling off their investment properties?