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By Ken Riggs, Real Estate Research Corp.

Much uncertainty in the economy remains, especially related to the commercial real estate market. This is not to say there hasn’t been improvement from the various measures the government has initiated, starting with the injection of funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program in 2008 used to purchase assets and equity from the financial institutions and to strengthen the financial sector.

By David Thaw, Gumbiner Savett

New legislation providing tax incentives for small businesses signed into law by President Obama includes a number of significant tax provisions for businesses to aid in the U.S economy’s recovery. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 allows businesses to immediately write off much of the cost of capital investments, instead of having to depreciate them over a period of time.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

By Richard T. Murphy, Calkain Asset Management

A zero to some degree is exactly what it sounds like: an investment that produces zero cash flow. On its face, that doesn’t sound like much of an investment opportunity. Once you understand the investment, its benefits become readily apparent — but there can also be tax issues.

By Steven Marks, Fitch Ratings

After harnessing liquidity for defensive measures most of the last year, liquidity positions of U.S. equity REITs have strengthened considerably and will likely do so into 2011. As a result, most Fitch-rated REITs can now take a much more proactive stance toward growing their businesses. With ample liquidity, these REITs are now positioned to consider property acquisitions and other growth-oriented activities.