On my opinion, Mining isn't profitable anymore.
May I know on how much you are willing to invest into "real" hardware mining?
If you have thousands of dollars or even hundred thousands of dollars then you can try mining of alt coin.
But don't just try to trust cloud mining services.
Nowadays mining fees has been increased in high numbers so howvyou are saying that mining isn't profitable in this condition. I understand that being invested on cloud mining is kind of Ponzi schemes we are choosing to invest. Still in cloud mining also some people getting returns regularly after certain months.
Cloud mining is not an alternative to mining. Cloud mining users are usually those who put their fate on a fortune.
So if you are a person who still has the spirit then do not ever try to invest in cloud mining.
Agree, don't risk your money to invest on cloud mining because ; "if the owners could make more profits through mining, then why bother to share with others? There is no such thing as easy money, do nothing and get money (if you don't have any asset)
If you want to earn profits by mining, do it by yourself, learn how to and buy the hardware. It isn't cheap and you need more than $2000 and few months to get return.