[Cdnone1]

Forensic Auditing.
If you gave me 500K-1million I would get into the forensic auditing business. Simple model , fee based on realized gains, say 35-45%.
You would need several good accountants and scratch for advertising / sales, but with the government set to take more and more Companies are going to be looking at ways to get back some serious money from previous over payments. Things like sales taxes paid on materials that went into manufacturing that can be recouped. In large volumes it can be serious money with no up front cost or risks to the company.

The other option would be legal pirating. You can legally hold a ship (container or otherwise) in port if you file a lien against the company for outstanding debt. Ships don't make money sitting in port and firm are usually quick to pay. Nice thing is it can all be done from your home office with enough money to pay brokers and bondsmen in foreign ports. Your not going to make many friends and probably a few rather nasty enemies but it is very lucrative.
Again little up front costs, fee based on realized gains to your clients

Steve