Crypto currency trading is the new Gold Rush. Even investing a small amount can make you huge gains, sometimes in the matter of hours, if you trade smart (or get lucky).

Of course any kind of investment comes with risks, but as I write this post I am evident in saying that investing in crypto currencies probably has the lowest risk / highest return ration anywhere.

Bitcoin has become the 'gold standard' of cryptocurrencies but it is the new and exciting projects like Etherium that is where the future and highest returns lie.

One often overlooked long-term investment strategy is Masternodes. When you run a Masternode you are participating in a decentralised network for that coin. As a reward for participating in the project you are paid out, usually monthly, in those coins, which you can exchange for our local fiat currencies.

So what is the catch? First you need to purchase a substantial number of those coins and keep them in a wallet. These coins form part of the Masternode and cannot be exchanged or used. This is your POS, or Proof of Stake. You then need to set up a Masternode to run 24/7 either on your own computer at home of on a hosted servicer. Given the low cost of renting space on a server set up to run Masternodes (around $5 a month) this would be a option worth considering.

Of course, you could always shut down the Masternode and exchange the coins if you wished, but then your monthyly income from running the Masternode would stop.

Many of the coins that provide a Masternode capacity are privacy-based coins. Privacy coins are one of the fastest growing and appreciating coins these days. This means that as the value of the coins grow, so does you Masternode income.

So how long does it take to recoup you initial investment running a Masternode and start earning profit?

That depends on the coin. Yearly returns on investment range from 2.41% to 1319.88%

How many coins do you need to buy to run a Masternode ?

Once again there is a wide range to choose from. The amount of coins needed range between 500 and 10 million. 1,000 to 10,000 is standard.

How much does it cost to set up a Masternode?

Depending on the coin, setting up a Masternode can cost you between $315 (ARC) and at the top of the scale $1,099,520 (DASH).

These Masternode coins are in high demand and their prices and cost of setting up a Masternode increase daily. So if you are interested in getting waiting can be costly. Even if you don't want to buy enough coins to set up a Masternode, trading in these coins can be a very profitable enterprise.

I purchased enough ALQO to set up a Masternode a few days ago. It cost me approx $8,000. Today, as I write, that same amount of ALQO (10,000) would coast me $14,000. I have already made a $6,000 profit even if I don't get around to setting up a masternode.

So whether you are into short-term profits or long-term income streams, Masternode coins could be just the thing you are looking for.

So how to find the best Masternodes for you?

First set yourself a budget. Then take a look at the Masternode coins available. The best source on the web that I know is https://masternodes.online/ Here you can see the prices, changes in value, cost of a Masternode, ROI (return on investment).

Before diving in and buying, check out the website of the Masternode coin you are interested in. Do you own diligence. If you plan to set up a Masternode, see that they have instructions to do so. Setting up Masternodes takes a bit of work and differs depending on the coin.

I shouldn't have to say this, but I will, to cover my ass ;). I am not a qualified financial advisor. Everything above is my own personal opinions based on my research and experience. Good luck!