Understanding the Structures

Private markets and alternative investments have grown rapidly in recent years, offering investors new ways to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. These opportunities were once available only to large institutions, but new regulations and investment structures have opened the door to a much wider audience. Today, everyday investors can participate in areas like commercial real estate, private credit, business lending, and early-stage company growth—segments of the economy that used to be largely hidden from public view.

​

To help make these investments accessible, a variety of specialized structures have been created, each designed to balance opportunity with different levels of liquidity, regulation, and risk. Vehicles like Non-Traded REITs, Business Development Companies (BDCs), tender offer funds, interval funds, and private funds provide exposure to private real estate, private credit, and private companies. Regulation D offerings—especially 506(b) and 506(c)—make it possible for sponsors to raise capital efficiently from accredited investors, while newer pathways like Regulation A+ and crowdfunding broaden access even further. On top of these, tax-advantaged real estate strategies such as 1031 exchanges, 721 exchanges, and Qualified Opportunity Zone funds add powerful tools for long-term wealth building.

​

Although each structure works differently, they all share a common purpose: to give investors the chance to participate in parts of the economy that aren’t tied to daily market swings. With thoughtful planning and clear understanding, these private-market tools can help investors seek income, growth, diversification, and tax efficiency—all while supporting businesses, real estate development, and communities across the country. For many investors, learning about these options is the first step toward building a more resilient and opportunity-rich portfolio.