Way back in 2006 I started looking at real-estate investing as a good investment but I'm in the financial sector, son of a banker, I knew that land lording took some carpentry skills I just did not have.

b) Buying securities like REIT's (publicly traded or unlisted REIT's like those offered by Fundrise, Realty Mogul): Advantages are instant diversification, low investment minimums, liquidity (this varies), the ability to play in all kinds of sectors of real estate (residential, office, industrial, storage, etc).

I don't give much credence to statements of (I'm paraphrasing) " the private sector needs to lead us out" when his depts like the SEC and EPA are looking to further strangle those same businesses.

I did like Bayh's comment today in an interview that if he moves into the private sector and creates just one job it will more than congress has done in the last six months.

Until you put the stimulus money back in the hands of the private sector (i.e., the individual) you're fighting today's housing/mortgage fires with a garden hose.

A public retiree receives a HUGE amount more than same worker in private sector.

Some sectors never noticed the last recession (they were so far down already a recession would be a positive or they just never saw the recession).Look at the rust belt.

Jeff - you're right and all of it is with the intention of lowering the dollar in hopes of reviving our manufacturing sector (create jobs and increase exports) and decreasing imports.

My wife and I enjoy the leisure that a cruise offers.

I have many friends that have done well in these sectors, and every now and then they get their butts handed too them.