Cooperatives have a difficult problem in acquiring equity capital because the residual claimant (benefactor) is the patron of the firm, not the investor. This leads to cooperative investment problems described in this paper: a) the free rider problem, b) the horizon problem, and c) the portfolio problem. Empirical analysis utilizing a latent variable structural equation model and a large dual response survey suggests that member-patrons are more likely to invest in cooperatives which adopt well defined property rights policies and structures than traditional cooperatives characterized by ill-defined property right structures.