I rarely buy cards anymore but if someone were to hand me a free and clear $50k to spend on the hobby right now it would go towards:
1. A new Graig Kreindler painting(s) (even if I had to wait years to get it). Or...
2. The nicest pre-1970 World Series player or coach ring I could find. Or...
3. As many quality Type 1 photo's or cabinets as I could find, with an emphasis on Ruth, Cobb, Wagner, N173's, W600's, Carl Horner photos, Charles Conlon photos, Louis Van Oeyen photos.
You may find better hot/trendy investments but I'll own things I love.