Some guidance please...

[Andrew O.]

I was just Skyping my father, with whom I discuss various investment opportunities; he mentioned a venture he has invested in recently.

He has invested in a conglomerate who own various resorts around Australia, his buy in bought him a percentage in a particular resort (a beautiful beach side resort). This is a passive investment, which is yielding him 20% net annualized. Is this type of deal happening in the USA with similar returns? I don't want to send my money to Australia until the exchange rate falls some more.

I have been reading a little about joint ventures in commercial real estate, is that somewhat similar to what I have described? Sorry for the newb questions, the differences between Australia and the US can be great at times!

Thanks for any input/advice.

Andrew

[Jon Klaus]

"This is a passive investment, which is yielding him 20% net annualized."

This makes me a bit nervous. Are they touting those returns? In any one or two year period, I could see it, but probably not sustained.

So, is the window of opportunity still open for new money? Can they keep performing at that level? How has the environment changed where they are playing?