Here is my own investment advice but not to be taken very seriously because anything can happen in crypto space...
I think the best altcoins you can invest on in crypto space are bitcoin forks, they are very responsive to bitcoin movement and their All Time High is very good too, one for thing is these coins have their halving coming this very year as well
1. Bitcoin Gold
2. Bitcoin Diamond
3. Bitcoin Cash
4. Lightening Bitcoin
5. Bitcoin Private
These coins have their use cases and they offer better performance compare to their king ( Bitcoin ) and their team are very active as well, looking at the past chart of Jan 2018 these coins ATH are massive, buying now means buying at extremely cheap price, they are jumpy, active , responsive to Bitcoin Movement and their Halving is happening this 2020 as well.
Please do not hesitate to do your own research and go through their whitepapers, these are no new projects, they have proven their existence already, thank you
I think you have offered fair and considerate alternatives, and it is very commendable, The truth still remains that bitcoin gold, bitcoin diamond, bitcoin cash, bitcoin private and lightening bitcoin are altcoins indirectly; the only use case i am aware of is that they are btc forks.
Cheap price is encouraging truly, but always do your own research, because when everyone buys the bottom; there are turn of events.