One common alternative asset is direct investment in real estate. This might involve funds in purchasing commercial properties such as offices, warehouses, hotels or shopping centres and renting them to tenants. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this form of investment compared with traditional equity and bond investments. One common alternative asset is direct investment in real estate. This might involve funds in purchasing commercial properties such as offices, warehouses, hotels or shopping centres and renting them to tenants. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this form of investment compared with traditional equity and bond investments