Safe investment portfolio for $2.5 million inheritance

Safe investment portfolio for $2.5 million inheritance

Investor · Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 6 votes

I made a post about a year ago asking for advice on investing some inheritance money. My grandpa's estate turned out to be incredibly complex and still hasn't been distributed, but due to some other deaths in the family it looks like my share is going to be closer to $2.5 million (500k of which is ownership of a commercial bank building). I feel the investment climate has changed radically since my last post and wanted to get some advice on the safest places (diversification, I believe, is key) to park the remaining cash that would generate enough passive income to semi-retire (these recent deaths have left me emotionally and physically exhausted and I feel I need a year or two to recover on a beach somewhere). My rough math says that with smart investments, I should be able to get between $150k and $200k in passive income, which sounds very comfortable.

With all this government money printing, I feel like inflation is about to be a huge deal and that I should convert away from fiat currency ASAP. I'm currently thinking of the following breakdown:
600k in Fundrise (seems safe and low effort)
500k in a triple net commercial property in a growing neighborhood in Arizona currently housing a BMO bank
500k in a multiunit apartment complex deal with a friend and possibly including my brother who is also getting $2.5M
300k in one or more local single family homes, Airbnb or long term rental (I think my current market has a lot of room for growth)
200k in medium risk CrowdStreet investments
200k in gold
100k in cryptocurrencies
50k for higher risk investments
50k in cash

I feel like stocks are way overpriced at the moment, and don't feel attracted to bonds (though to be honest, I haven't done a lot of research on bonds). I've been investing in Fundrise for over a year now and am pretty impressed. I haven't tried CrowdStreet but it appears to offer some higher risk/higher reward options than Fundrise. 

I'm torn between wanting to be an active investor in my current area with my own properties vs letting other people manage my money. I have a local friend who already hosts Airbnbs that would be willing to add a few more to his portfolio for some commission, but that model also seems a little risky at present.

I know gold and Bitcoin don't provide any passive income, but I think they could be a good hedge against inflation. 

Anything I'm missing as a must? How might you rebalance this portfolio?

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Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
6y

You gotta be kidding me. You were lucky enough to inherit $2.5 million because you came out of the right cloaca, and now you're asking strangers on Bigger Pockets for investment advice. Hire a fee-based financial advisor. Don't be a total fool.

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Rental Property Investor · Newport News, VA · Member since 2018 · 264 posts · 130 votes
    6y

    @Everett E.

    I'm happy that you're putting that money to work instead of just letting it sit in a bank. I agree that stocks are overpriced. I personally invest in syndications because this allows me to 1031 tax exchange into something later unlike a lot of REITs.

    Best,

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Swanny says there will be some great deals a year from now or early in 2022.

    “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it will achieve!!!“ Napolean Hill

    Swanny

  • Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    6y

    You gotta be kidding me. You were lucky enough to inherit $2.5 million because you came out of the right cloaca, and now you're asking strangers on Bigger Pockets for investment advice. Hire a fee-based financial advisor. Don't be a total fool.

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    @Jim K.

    Is right in one way.  Take your money and store it away.  Again,  I will reiterate there will be some great deals  one year from today or early 2022. Get educated in the meantime.  On the other hand, financial planners I have lost a lot of faith in that industry.  Many make a lot less than we do and tell us what to do with our money.  I just turned 55 yrs old and I have learned to NEVER take financial advice from people that have never gone down the road I am financially traveling or have less net worth than me.

    Watch podcast 238 to see where I am coming from.  I will be featured in the cover Oct/Nov of the new BP magazine for a reason.


    Swanny

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Jesse Daconta:

    @Everett E.

    I'm happy that you're putting that money to work instead of just letting it sit in a bank. I agree that stocks are overpriced. I personally invest in syndications because this allows me to 1031 tax exchange into something later unlike a lot of REITs.

    Best,

    how do you 1031 when your a limited partner ??  

  • Rental Property Investor · Newport News, VA · Member since 2018 · 264 posts · 130 votes
    6y

    @Jay Hinrichs

    You can 1031 exchange into another deal with the same operator. Please message me if you know different :)

    Best,

  • Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Michael Swan:

    @Jim K.

    Is right in one way.  Take your money and store it away.  Again,  I will reiterate there will be some great deals  one year from today or early 2022. Get educated in the meantime.  On the other hand, financial planners I have lost a lot of faith in that industry.  Many make a lot less than we do and tell us what to do with our money.  I just turned 55 yrs old and I have learned to NEVER take financial advice from people that have never gone down the road I am financially traveling or have less net worth than me.

    Watch podcast 238 to see where I am coming from.  I will be featured in the cover Oct/Nov of the new BP magazine for a reason.


    Swanny

    Are saying OP should only take advice from someone who has inherited $2.5M or more from their grandparents? That seems oddly limiting. SHould that same logic also apply to, plumbers, Uber Drivers? If someone won the lottery does that suddenly given them magic insights they didn't have before? Of course not. 

    There is more to financial advice than just where to invest, Tax planning, investment vehicles, estate planning... 

    Never-mind that this is a relative question: on balance, who will give better advice, a fee based financial advisor or strangers on the internet? Of course if OP had the chance to get RE advice from Sam Zell, They should jump at it, but I think that would eat up a lot of the $2.5M

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Hi @Bill F.

    Respectfully Bill,

    Just been there and done that, getting advice from people that make a lot less than me and have not gone down my road was not good for me.  I had a 10 yr period that I took that advice and paid a lot more in fees etc... than I made with their investments they had me in.  I sold all that garbage and paid the 10% stupid penalty and paid the taxes one little rental property at a time and was off to the races.  Check out podcast 238.  I explained it pretty well there.  That’s why I have found I don’t take financial advice from people that make less than me or have not gone down my road I am traveling now.  

    Just my 2 cents!!  Take it or leave it!!

    Swanny

  • Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    6y

    Scratch gold and crypto. I would invest in high-dividend-yield aristocrat stocks which could easily spin off enough passive income to live off of. Stocks were overpriced when I first bought in 2008, but they're much higher now than they were then. If you want to play around with real estate, maybe take 25% out for that, and do it actively so you learn the business better. You can easily make more money than you would as a limited partner by investing in assets directly. Beware anyone trying to sell you something.  

  • Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    6y

    It's a funny coincidence, I also have been told I am inheriting millions and have never seen the funds happen either. It's e-mails from persons I have never heard of mentioning persons i equally have never heard of but hey, when that check comes oh baby. 

  • Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 25 votes
    6y

    @Everett E.  Sorry for your loss and please be on guard during this fragile time. You will have a lot of people give you advice or investment opportunities that could set you backwards. Real estate is a team sport so it’s great that you are seeking advice just realize a lot of people are just out for themselves and will make sure they profit from the deal vs you. Other well meaning people will just give bad advice without knowing. :-)  Your portfolio looks good in that you are diversifying but a few cautions/recommendations:

    1. Be careful investing and partnering with family and friends and make sure your lead investor has experience with working in multifamily. You have the money now you are looking for passive income and are in a position to re-chart your life. Just realize as fast as the money comes in, it can go out much faster.  I’ve invested in a multifamily syndicate where the lead investor is experienced and I get passive returns. This is retirement money I took out of the stock market and keeping in there for the long haul. If this investor does well I’ll put some more money in and slowly let experience guide me with this person. Do the same and stay alert and diligent.

    2. I think your cash position is a little too small right now with all the craziness in the world. The laws being passed to prevent evictions, COVID madness, election “fun”! There is a lot of turmoil and it would be wise to have a little more cash on hand while you get some training and education to make sure you make the right investments.

    3. Family, friends and professionals who don’t have experience with money, real estate or both. On the flip side, careful with the “experts” who will leave you high and dry


    Blessings to you and your family during this crazy time. Keep seeking, knocking and asking! (Much due diligence on advice received and taken to heart.)

    Scott

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Jesse Daconta:

    @Jay Hinrichs

    You can 1031 exchange into another deal with the same operator. Please message me if you know different :)

    Best,

    I see the whole project does the 1031.. the way I interpreted your comment is you could do it on your own.. and I was thinking you would have to be a tenant in common to be able to do that.. I know some sponsors will allow TIC for those with LARGE investments into a deal. Carry on !!

  • Rental Property Investor · South shore, MA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    Depending on your cost to live, you could potentially live off of half of that inheritance without lifting a finger, through ETFs, mutual funds, etc. There are a lot of loopholes. 

    I suggest reading the book "Quit like a millionaire". 

  • Investor · Marin County California · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    You titled your email "safe investments" and then ask for a 10% return (what Madoff offered his investors).  "Safe" is a T-bill paying 0.2%.  You say diversification is important but your portfolio crams virtually all of your nest egg into the real estate sector.  It sounds like your grandfather worked his a** off to provide his family with a comfortable life.  Do not blow it.  Get some education.  I am self-taught and have a mostly negative view of the financial advice industry but it is clear to me that you could use some fee-based financial advice.   

  • Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    The things you mentioned are high risk. Just put half in SPY can take 3.5-4% withdrawals for life as backed by data and put the other half in a few class A 2-4 unit buildings these will cashflow reliably + appreciate if in the right markets. Can buy on a fixed rate 30 year low risk mortgage vs syndications that can see a total loss of capital  or balloon mortgages on 5+ that can go due at wrong time.

  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2020 · 223 posts · 83 votes
    6y

    @Scott W.

    I second what Scott said.

    Be careful of “experts” and investment advisors. At the end of the day, they don’t care if you make or lose money. They take their cuts anyways.

    Also careful with partnerships as well. Make sure you have legal protection.

    It’s great that you acknowledge that you’ll need time to recharge your battery. Take care and stay strong.

  • Member since 2020 · 437 posts · 675 votes
    6y

    @Everett E.

    Y are you asking this question on BP?

  • Investor · Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Jim K.:

    You gotta be kidding me. You were lucky enough to inherit $2.5 million because you came out of the right cloaca, and now you're asking strangers on Bigger Pockets for investment advice. Hire a fee-based financial advisor. Don't be a total fool.

     Who hurt you?

  • Investor · Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Scott W.:

    @Everett E.  Sorry for your loss and please be on guard during this fragile time. You will have a lot of people give you advice or investment opportunities that could set you backwards. Real estate is a team sport so it’s great that you are seeking advice just realize a lot of people are just out for themselves and will make sure they profit from the deal vs you. Other well meaning people will just give bad advice without knowing. :-)  Your portfolio looks good in that you are diversifying but a few cautions/recommendations:

    1. Be careful investing and partnering with family and friends and make sure your lead investor has experience with working in multifamily. You have the money now you are looking for passive income and are in a position to re-chart your life. Just realize as fast as the money comes in, it can go out much faster.  I’ve invested in a multifamily syndicate where the lead investor is experienced and I get passive returns. This is retirement money I took out of the stock market and keeping in there for the long haul. If this investor does well I’ll put some more money in and slowly let experience guide me with this person. Do the same and stay alert and diligent.

    2. I think your cash position is a little too small right now with all the craziness in the world. The laws being passed to prevent evictions, COVID madness, election “fun”! There is a lot of turmoil and it would be wise to have a little more cash on hand while you get some training and education to make sure you make the right investments.

    3. Family, friends and professionals who don’t have experience with money, real estate or both. On the flip side, careful with the “experts” who will leave you high and dry


    Blessings to you and your family during this crazy time. Keep seeking, knocking and asking! (Much due diligence on advice received and taken to heart.)

    Scott

    Thank you for the thoughtful response, those were some very helpful things to consider.

  • Developer · NY/NJ/PA · Member since 2018 · 758 posts · 935 votes
    6y

    Be careful. Make sure you legally protect yourself in every dealing. 

    I personally would probably keep $500k in cash. Put $1m in RE & another $1m in diversified other investments.

    Now how you invest your $1M in RE should depend on your own personal ambitions and goals.

    I would not put my money in these funding platforms. I would not invest in a MF and a portfolio of SFHs unless I was ready to manage them.

    Syndications or partnering up with a good operator is a decent option. Probably the option I would take if I was in your position. Obviously only invest with someone with a solid track record. 


  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2020 · 223 posts · 83 votes
    6y

    @Everett E.

    Do you have a solid CPA who’s investment savvy yet? The only “fee-based financial advisors” I would hire, suggested by Jim, is a savvy CPA who can help you plan your future and taxes.

    Having worked for “financial advisors” during my college years, stay away from them! Majority of them just “invest” in whatever fetches them the highest fees.

    Also for everyone else, why not ask the BP forum? We are a group of savvy investors right? Unlike those self-proclaimed financial advisors who are actually employees...

  • Member since 2019 · 223 posts · 261 votes
    6y

    How much do you need to retire comfortably? How much risk are you willing to take. 2.5Mil in a CD could get you $75K per year for doing absolutely nothing. Add one or two SFHs with a good property manager and your easily over $100K per year with very little risk and no work. If it were me I would do this:

    1. 1 Million Cash/CD- $30K per year

    2. 500K in SFHs- $50K

    3. 500K- Dividend Stocks- $20K

    4. 500K Buy House, Car, Boat, etc. Cash

    That would give you $120k per year with no bills and you can blow every penny of it because you're still worth 2.5Mil and growing. That's my two cents but I pretty conservative and would be happy living a modest lifestyle.

  • Calvin OzanickBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Janesville, WI · Member since 2017 · 707 posts · 297 votes
    6y

    Everett, 

    I would highly encourage you looking into the Rock County, WI market. We currently are in the process of selling a package of 17 units for 800k. The gross rents on this deal is 14k. Deals and value here in Janesville or Beloit offer a ton of potential for the ability to get into deals for a significantly lower entry price than many markets around the country. I would also recommend that you look into the massive amounts of job growth in this area as well. Amazon opens their Beloit location come this fall which will bring 800+ jobs. ABC Supply CO led by Diane Hendrichs has allowed for massive growth along with hundreds of other private investors.

    Wisconsin Property Managers4.7410 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Larkspur, CO · Member since 2018 · 198 posts · 179 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Craig Janet:

    How much do you need to retire comfortably? How much risk are you willing to take. 2.5Mil in a CD could get you $75K per year for doing absolutely nothing. Add one or two SFHs with a good property manager and your easily over $100K per year with very little risk and no work. If it were me I would do this:

    1. 1 Million Cash/CD- $30K per year

    2. 500K in SFHs- $50K

    3. 500K- Dividend Stocks- $20K

    4. 500K Buy House, Car, Boat, etc. Cash

    That would give you $120k per year with no bills and you can blow every penny of it because you're still worth 2.5Mil and growing. That's my two cents but I pretty conservative and would be happy living a modest lifestyle.

    Based on the math here, I wouldn't take this advice. ;)

  • Financial Advisor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 294 posts · 165 votes
    6y

    @Everett E.

    There are many better RE funds available than FundRise.

    They are an average operator and are having liquidity problems. You can do better than that.

    Other than that, not a half bad plan.

    Good luck!

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