Patronage! As a Roman aristocrat you can use your established position in society to sponsor/finance artists, musicians, potential candidates for office; who in return offer their services to you. Also your position is secure in the law. you fit the definition of holder of property and marriage. Your in control to marrying family members to wealthy families without their consent. Eventually with enough capital it was a good idea to BUY land/vast tracts in the country which was the ultimate source of power for Rome and its institutions,