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.
Alternative Investments: Investing in Land & Real Estate
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
Recently updated!
July 2025
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 4 modules in this course
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
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
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 assignment1 plugin
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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Finance
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
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.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
More questions
Financial aid available,