Penn Virginia Resource Partners manages more than 50 coalmines in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Rather than running the mines itself, the firm leases mining rights to over 20 mine operators and charges them for the amount of coal they dig up on its properties.
The beauty of this arrangement is that PVR carries little risk because it simply collects a steady stream of income, much of which it passes on to shareholders through its fat dividend. In PVR's favor right now are relatively high natural gas prices, which help coal remain the fuel of choice for utility companies.
The real estate slowdown has made parts of the Sunbelt a lot more affordable. Fortune presents a guide to finding the best deals in five markets. (more) 
Is it possible for someone who doesn't run a hedge fund or win the lottery to retire at 50 (or so)? Yes. (more) 
