Core Insights - The rental market is facing significant challenges due to an increase in rental fraud, with reports indicating that up to 50% of rental applications in some areas show signs of fraud [1][4] - A survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council revealed that 93% of property managers experienced fraud in the past year, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue [1][2] - The rise in scams is contributing to higher costs for landlords, who are forced to cover lost rent and legal fees, leading to increased rental prices for tenants [5][6] Industry Challenges - The shift to online rental processes during the pandemic has made it easier for fraudsters to exploit vulnerabilities, such as faking documents [1][4] - Property managers are now implementing stricter screening processes, which may include longer applications and more verification steps, complicating the rental process for legitimate applicants [6] Investment Opportunities - Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise allow investors to participate in real estate portfolios with low minimum investments, providing diversification without the headaches of direct ownership [8] - The Arrived Private Credit Fund offers opportunities for investing in short-term, property-backed loans with historical annualized dividends around 8% [9] - Fractional ownership platforms like Mogul enable investors to gain access to high-quality single-family rentals with reported internal rates of return near 18.8% [10] - Home equity investment options, such as Homeshare's U.S. Home Equity Fund, allow investors to tap into the estimated $34.9 trillion in home equity without direct property ownership [11] Commercial Real Estate Insights - Grocery-anchored shopping centers have shown resilience during the pandemic, maintaining high occupancy rates, which presents investment opportunities through specialized firms like First National Realty Partners [12][13]

Gold’s powerful rally in recent years has driven the metal past key milestones — first $2,000 an ounce, then $3,000 and most recently, $4,000. And O’Leary isn’t the only heavyweight investor singing its praises.“It’s hit all-time highs and I’m still buying, but why? Because if I had stopped buying in 2023, at its all-time high of $2,078, I would have missed out on a [around] 82.7% return in just 2 years,” he said. “Lucky for me, I’ve been buying gold for decades, even at all-time highs.”O’Leary says stickin ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by individuals, particularly the elderly, in securing coverage for skilled nursing care under Medicare, emphasizing the financial implications of being classified as a private pay patient [1][4][8]. Medicare Coverage - Medicare covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days under specific conditions, such as following a hospital stay, but does not cover routine custodial care [3][6]. - If a denial of skilled nursing care is issued, appealing the decision with support from healthcare providers is recommended [2][11]. Financial Implications - The median cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home in the US was reported at $111,325 per year in 2024, highlighting the financial burden of long-term care [5]. - If a patient cannot pay for nursing home care, the facility can request the patient to leave with appropriate notice, especially if they are not in the process of applying for Medicare or Medicaid [6][8]. Medicaid Considerations - Medicaid can cover nursing care, but eligibility requires individuals to have countable resources below $2,000, and beneficiaries must send their Social Security checks to the nursing home [7][10]. Long-term Care Planning - The article stresses the importance of long-term care insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with nursing home care, suggesting that planning should begin well before care is needed [9][10]. - It is advised to consult with an elder law attorney for assistance in appealing Medicare denials and protecting assets [11].