Category Archives: Alternative Investments

Alternative Investments, Business Development Company (BDC), Oil & Gas Investment, Oil and Gas Partnerships, Private Placements, Reg D Offerings(private placements), Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments

Want to Sell Your Alternative Investments? Want to Recover Losses on REIT Investments?

April 2018

Investors owning non publicly traded alternative investments, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and oil and gas partnerships may not have been aware of the meaning of illiquid when  the investments were recommended to them by a financial advisor or stockbroker.

These  investments generated high commissions for the firm and broker and were typically sold to unsuspecting with the promise of a steady dependable stream of income, a promise of steady or increasing value and with little discussion of the fact that the investment cannot be sold on any conventional exchange should a need for cash arise.

Many investors made the decision to purchase these investments without a clear understanding of the risks associated with them. Many purchased them not aware that they are illiquid.

If you have watched the value of your investments in alternative investments decline and wonder how you can get out of these investments that cannot be sold on any conventional exchange, you may be pleased to know that there are several secondary markets that have developed over the years which provide investors the opportunity to dispose of these investments.

Here are two popular market makers. Each has its own set of procedures for buying and selling alternative investments. Visit their sites for details.

Central Trade & Transfer

www.CTTAuctions.com

CFX Markets

www.CFXtrading.com

Recent (April 2018)  trading ranges quoted by CTT Auctions  for some of the most popular non publicly traded alternative investments.

ALTERNATIVE  INVESTMENT                    Recent Price

ARC New York City REIT                                 $13.00-13.28

Black Creek Diversified Prop.                      $6.85-7.00
Business Dev. Corp. (BDCA)                         $6.50-6.75
Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT       $5.50-5.75
CNL Healthcare                                                    $8.61-8.90
Cole Credit Prop Tr. IV                                      $7.65-8.00
Cole Credit V                                                          $18.55-18.85
Corporate Prop 17                                              $9.50-9.65

Corporate Prop 18                                             $7.95-8.17

Healthcare Trust (ARC II)                                $13.96-14.01

Highland REIT (InvenTrust spinoff)          $.21-.22
Hines Global REIT                                               $7.85-8.00

HMS Income Fund                                               $7.20-7.35
Inven Trust (Inland American)                      $1.84-1.90
KBS Legacy Prnrs Apt REIT                           $3.65-3.80
KBS II                                                                           $4.13-4.05

KBS REIT III                                                             $9.85-9.95
KBS Strategic Opp REIT II                             $7.75-8.00

Lightstone Value Plus REIT V                      $5.80-6.01
Northstar Healthcare Income                     $6.50-6.71
Phillip Edison Grocery Center REIT I      $9.25-9.50

Strategic Realty Trust (TNP)                         $4.50-4.55
United Development Fund III                      $2.50-2.65

HAVE YOU SUFFERED A LOSS ON ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS?

If you have losses on your alternative investments, you may be able to recover damages from the brokerage firm that recommended the investments to you. Call for a no obligation consultation with an experienced securities attorney to learn about you options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

 

Alternative Investments, Annuities, Failure to Supervise, Limited Partnerships, Reg D Offerings(private placements), Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments, Wells Fargo

Keith Fontenot-Wells Fargo Stockbroker-Discloses Settlement of Customer Suits-Lafayette, LA

April 2018 -Lafayette, LA

According to publicly available records Keith A. Fontenot  (CRD#2296303) ,  a  stockbroker who currently is employed by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, disclose settlements in 2 customer disputes.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In FINRA Case 15-2471 a Wells Fargo Advisors customer sought  damages in an unstated amount  and alleged misleading and unsuitable recommendations regarding buying and selling annuities. In October 2016 that case was settled for $400,000.

In FINRA case 17-1181 a customer of Wells Fargo Clearing Services sought damages of $80,000 and alleged unsuitable recommendations to invest in equities,  direct investments and limited partnerships. That case was settled in 2/2018 for $30,750.

Keith Fontenot has been employed with Wells Fargo Clearing Services since November 2016.  Before then he was employed with Wells Fargo Advisors since May of 2009.

Brokers have a duty to make recommendations that are suitable, taking into account the age, risk tolerance, health and level of financial sophistication of the customer.

If you have losses  in an account handled by Keith Fontenot,  contact us for a no charge consultation to discuss your legal options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Accelerated Capital Group, Alternative Investments, Concentrated Positions, Energy Securities, Failure to Supervise, Limited Partnerships, Misrepresentation, Oil & Gas Investment, Oil & Gas Master Limited Partnership (MLP), Peachcap (Peachtree Capital Corp), Private Placements, Reg D Offerings(private placements), REITs, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments

Aaron Brodt-Former Accelerated Capital Group Broker-Subject of Customer Suits Alleging Unsuitable Investments-Scottsdale, AZ

March 2018-Scottsdale, AZ

The FINRA records of Aaron Paul Brodt  , an advisor with Ashton Thomas Private Wealth who is currently a registered stockbroker with  Peachcap (Peachtree Capital Corp.)  , disclose a currently pending customer dispute and 3 prior final customer disputes.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In FINRA case #16-2532,  a client alleged damages of $100,000 for recommending a debt-asset backed investment purchased in May 2015. The customer alleged the recommendation was unsuitable. That case settled for $58,333.

In a second similar case in 2016 , a customer alleged that  Brodt recommended a debt-asset backed investment  in May and October of 2015 that was also unsuitable. That case was settled for $116,667.

In the currently pending matter, FINRA Case 17-1178, a customer of Brodt’s prior employer, Accelerated Capital Group alleges negligence, over concentration, breach of fiduciary duty and failure to supervise in connection with the recommendation to purchase alternative investments. The customer seeks damages of $340,000.

Alternative investments include non publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITS)  and limited partnerships (oil and gas and equipment leasing) . It may also include art, wine, antiques, coins or stamps. These investments tend to be complex, illiquid, non transparent, hard to value and expensive. Many of the alternative investments sold over recent years are not traded on any public market making them difficult to value and even more difficult to liquidate if cash is needed. They are generally not suitable for retirees who are seeking to protect from the loss of capital.

Brodt has been registered with Peachcap since 7/2016. Prior to that he was registered with Accelerated Capital Group 2/2012-5/2016.

If you have questions about an account handled by Aaron Brodt, call for a no charge consultation to discuss your options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Alternative Investments, Energy Securities, H. Beck Inc, Oil & Gas Investment, Oil & Gas Master Limited Partnership (MLP), Oil related investments, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments

Steven H. Orr-H.Beck Stockbroker-Discloses Settlement of Customer Suits Involving Limited Partnerships-Victoria, TX

March 2018-Victoria, Texas

According to FINRA records, Steven H. Orr , currently a stockbroker employed by H. Beck, Inc.  doing business as Orr Financial Group,  discloses that he has 5 prior customer disputes.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In FINRA Case 15-01527 , a customer of H. Beck alleged damages of between $1million and $5 million for unsuitable investments , including direct investments and limited partnership interests, that were sold between 1/2008-7/2015. That case was settled for $280,000.

In FINRA Case 13-2205, a customer of H. Beck alleged damages of $1,000,000 for the sale of direct participation programs and limited partnerships, between 2004-2012. That case was resolved for $900,000.

In FINRA Case 13-0120, a customer of H. Beck alleged damages of $252,000 for the sale of direct participation investments, including equipment leasing and real estate limited partnerships. That case was settled for $200,000.

Orr has been registered with H. Beck, Inc. since 4/2011.  From 4/2009-5/2011 he was registered with Dewaay Financial Network.  Steven Orr discloses business affiliations with Press On Publications, Financial Strategies Class and Diversify Sportfishing Inc.

If you have losses in an account handled by Steven H. Orr, you may be able to recover damages through FINRA arbitration. Call for a no charge consultation to discuss your options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Alternative Investments, Dennis Van Patter (VSR Financial), FINRA, Limited Partnerships, Oil & Gas Investment, Oil and Gas Partnerships, Reg D Offerings(private placements), Unsuitable Investments, VSR Financial Services

Dennis Van Patter-Former VSR Financial Services Broker-Subject of Customer Suits Over REITs-Plano, Texas

March  2018-Plano, Texas

According to public records former VSR Financial Services broker Dennis Van Patter discloses a prior final regulatory event, 7 prior customer disputes that are final and 3 pending customer disputes.

Five of the prior customer disputes were brought by Van Patter’s customers while he was employed by VSR Financial Services and allege damages related to investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs), oil and gas, equipment leasing and promissory notes (alternative investments). Settlements paid by VSR Financial in those five  cases are $40,000, $215,000, $11,250, $50,000 and $15,000.

The three pending cases against Van Patter are by customers of VSR Financial and relate to alternative investments such as REITs, oil and gas and equipment leasing. Damages sought in the two of the pending cases are not stated. Damages sought in the third case are $1,074,858.

In November of 2015 FINRA suspended Van Patter for 45 days and fined him $10,000. Without admitting or denying the findings, Van Patter consented to the entry of findings that his recommendation that a retired customer invest in alternative investments was not suitable in light of the customer’s investment objectives and risk tolerance. The findings stated that Van Patter recommended that the customer invest $1.6 million in alternative investments such as REITs, note programs, oil and gas drilling partnerships and other private placements. As a result of Van Patter’s recommendations, the customer had approximately 52% of his liquid net worth concentrated in high risk alternative investments. FINRA Case 2013036647401. 

See this for prior posts on Dennis Van Patter. 

VSR Financial’s Prior Issues with Alternative Investments

VSR Financial Services was fined $550,000 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in May 2013 in connection with the sale of alternative investments. In their findings, FINRA criticised VSR Financial for recommending high concentration levels of alternative investments in customer accounts and for its lack of supervision over the use of consolidated reports prepared by brokers and provided to customers. During the summer of 2016, VSR Financial announced that they were winding down their brokerage business and transferring accounts and brokers to an affiliated entity Summit Brokerage Services.

See this for prior posts on VSR Financial Services.

Alternative investments include non publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITS) , hedge funds, real estate, commodities and derivatives contracts and, managed futures. It may also include art, wine, antiques, coins or stamps. These investments tend to be complex, illiquid, nontransparent, hard to value and expensive. Many of the alternative investments sold over recent years are not traded on any public market making them difficult to value and even more difficult to liquidate if cash is needed.

Van Patter was employed by VSR FInancial  Services from 10/1997-7/2016. He is not currently registered with any broker dealer.

If you have losses in an account in an account handled by Dennis Van Patter or  another VSR Financial Services broker, contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be able to recover damages for those losses.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870