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Alternative Investments: Investing in Land & Real Estate

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Alternative Investments: Investing in Land & Real Estate

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Dr. Craig Lemoine

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify key financial concepts related to agricultural land, including balance sheets, income statements, and land valuation factors.
Summarize how land and real estate can be incorporated into investment portfolios and outline paths for further learning in alternative investments.
Recognize different types of real estate investment structures and asset classes, and their characteristics.
Describe the roles of various stakeholders in farmland ownership, transfer, and investment, including tax and risk considerations.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Alternative Investments: Investing in Land & Real Estate introduces learners to the fundamentals of investing in farmland and real estate as alternative assets. You'll explore agricultural economics, land valuation, ownership structures, and risk management strategies. The course also covers real estate investment types, liquidity considerations, and how these assets can fit into diversified portfolios. Through case studies and expert insights, you'll gain practical knowledge to evaluate whether land and real estate align with your financial goals.

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, you’ll get oriented with the course and begin exploring the financial foundations of agricultural investing. You’ll learn how to read balance sheets and income statements, understand the capital structure of farming, and compare how producers and investors view farmland. We’ll also look at what drives land values and investment returns over time.

What's included

11 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

11 videos Total 62 minutes

Course Overview 2 minutes
Meet Your Instructor | Craig Lemoine 2 minutes
Module 1 | Overview 1 minute
Density of Agriculture Production 5 minutes
Perspective of Producer 5 minutes
Q&A: Institutional Investment of US Farmland 12 minutes
Investment Returns on Farmland 3 minutes
Factors Affecting Land Values (Part 1) 15 minutes
Factors Affecting Land Values (Part 2) 5 minutes
Factors Affecting Land Values (Part 3) 10 minutes
Module 1 | Wrap-Up 1 minute

5 readings Total 50 minutes

Supporting Your Journey: The ACE Faculty Behind the Course 10 minutes
Syllabus 10 minutes
Learn More About Flexible Pathways 10 minutes
Updating Your Profile 10 minutes
U.S. Farm Sector Balance Sheet 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Orientation Quiz 30 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates 10 minutes

In this module, we’ll explore who owns farmland and why. You’ll learn about different types of investors, how land is transferred, and the tax implications of those transfers. We’ll also introduce key financing institutions and discuss how to manage risks in farmland investing. Through expert panels and real-world examples, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the farmland investment landscape.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment

6 videos Total 41 minutes

Module 2 | Overview 1 minute
Investors of Farmland: Who, Where, and Why 6 minutes
Q&A: Property Level Financing Institutions 8 minutes
Q&A: Risk Management 10 minutes
Panel: Modern Issues in Agricultural Investing 15 minutes
Module 2 | Wrap-Up 1 minute

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Farmland Ownership and Tenure 10 minutes
Corporate Farming & Land Ownership Laws – An Overview 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

This module introduces real estate as an investment class. You’ll learn about different investment structures, such as REITs, and explore various real estate asset classes. We’ll also discuss how real estate investments vary in liquidity and how they correlate with other asset types. Interviews and case studies will help you see how real estate fits into a broader investment strategy.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment

9 videos Total 53 minutes

Module 3 | Overview 1 minute
Real Estate Liquidity 6 minutes
REITs 6 minutes
Investing in Real Estate 7 minutes
Correlation Table Video 6 minutes
Illiquidity isn’t the enemy 13 minutes
Detroit’s Renaissance 8 minutes
Understanding Non-Stock and Bond Investments 5 minutes
Module 3 | Wrap-Up 1 minute

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

In this final module, we’ll explore how to build investment portfolios that include land and real estate. We will revisit key concepts such as risk and return, consider whether these assets are suitable for every investor, and explore professional pathways for further learning in alternative investing. After this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!

What's included

15 videos5 readings2 assignments

15 videos Total 56 minutes

Module 4 | Overview 1 minute
Amanda’s Dream: A Beachside Retirement Plan 1 minute
Amanda’s Finances: Building Toward the Goal 2 minutes
Planning Amanda’s Path: A Financial Conversation 4 minutes
Amanda’s Risk Profile: Insights with Nitrogen 5 minutes
Ruben’s Exit: Wealth, Legacy, and Change 3 minutes
Ruben’s Transition: A Strategic Discussion 6 minutes
Ruben's Transition: Insights with Income Lab 10 minutes
Commodities and Non Traditional Investments 4 minutes
Blockchain, Big Data & the Future of Finance 8 minutes
CIMA Program: Professional Pathways: Exploring the CIMA® 3 minutes
CFP®, CFA, and More: Credentials in Alternatives 2 minutes
Module 4 | Wrap-Up 1 minute
Course Summary 2 minutes
Graduate-Level Learning: Deepening Your Expertise 2 minutes

5 readings Total 50 minutes

Amanda's Financial Snapshot 10 minutes
Ruben's Financial Snapshot 10 minutes
Congratulations! 10 minutes
Stack Your Course Certificate toward Graduate Coursework 10 minutes
Getting Your Course Certificate 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Module 4 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes
Final Assessment 30 minutes

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Instructor

Dr. Craig Lemoine

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

11 Courses 8,892 learners

Offered by

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.