Written by Overview
Real estate investing has become more accessible with online platforms offering diverse options such as crowdfunding, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), and direct property investments. This guide lists the best platforms for real estate investing, along with their key features and target audiences.
1. Fundrise
- Link: fundrise.com
- Features: Low minimum investment, diversified portfolios, eREITs.
- Best For: Beginners and passive investors seeking steady returns.
- Minimum Investment: $10.
2. Roofstock
- Link: roofstock.com
- Features: Buy and sell rental properties, cash-flow analysis, and property management.
- Best For: Investors looking for single-family rental properties.
- Minimum Investment: Property-dependent.
3. CrowdStreet
- Link: crowdstreet.com
- Features: Direct commercial real estate investments, detailed project analyses.
- Best For: Accredited investors seeking higher returns.
- Minimum Investment: $25,000.
4. RealtyMogul
- Link: realtymogul.com
- Features: REITs, private market deals, and 1031 exchange offerings.
- Best For: Both accredited and non-accredited investors.
- Minimum Investment: $5,000.
5. DiversyFund
- Link: diversyfund.com
- Features: No management fees, growth-focused REITs.
- Best For: Investors looking for hands-off growth.
- Minimum Investment: $500.
6. Arrived Homes
- Link: arrivedhomes.com
- Features: Fractional ownership of rental properties, quarterly dividends.
- Best For: Investors with limited capital.
- Minimum Investment: $100.
7. PeerStreet
- Link: peerstreet.com
- Features: Real estate debt investments, short-term loans.
- Best For: Investors seeking fixed-income opportunities.
- Minimum Investment: $1,000.
8. EquityMultiple
- Link: equitymultiple.com
- Features: Diversified investments in equity, preferred equity, and debt.
- Best For: Accredited investors diversifying portfolios.
- Minimum Investment: $5,000.
9. Groundfloor
- Link: groundfloor.com
- Features: Short-term residential property loans, accessible to non-accredited investors.
- Best For: Beginners seeking debt investments.
- Minimum Investment: $10.
10. AcreTrader
- Link: acretrader.com
- Features: Farmland investments with long-term returns.
- Best For: Investors looking for diversification through farmland.
- Minimum Investment: $10,000.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Minimum Investment | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundrise | Beginners and passive investors | $10 | Low-cost eREITs, diversified portfolios |
| Roofstock | Single-family property investors | Varies by property | Direct rental property ownership |
| CrowdStreet | Accredited investors | $25,000 | Commercial real estate projects |
| RealtyMogul | Both accredited and non-accredited | $5,000 | REITs and private market deals |
| DiversyFund | Hands-off growth-focused investors | $500 | Growth REITs with no management fees |
| Arrived Homes | Investors with limited capital | $100 | Fractional ownership of rental properties |
| PeerStreet | Fixed-income investors | $1,000 | Real estate debt investments |
| EquityMultiple | Diversified accredited investors | $5,000 | Equity, preferred equity, and debt opportunities |
| Groundfloor | Beginners in debt investments | $10 | Short-term residential loans |
| AcreTrader | Farmland investors | $10,000 | Farmland ownership with stable returns |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lower barriers to entry with platforms like Fundrise and Groundfloor.
- Diverse investment options, from REITs to fractional ownership.
- Many platforms cater to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
Cons:
- High minimum investments on some platforms (e.g., CrowdStreet).
- Limited liquidity compared to stocks or ETFs.
- Returns may take years to realize for certain types of investments.
FAQs
- Which platform is best for beginners?
Fundrise and Groundfloor are great options due to their low minimums and beginner-friendly tools. - What is an accredited investor?
An accredited investor meets certain income or net worth thresholds, allowing access to specialized investments. - Are these platforms safe?
While no investment is risk-free, platforms are regulated and offer varying degrees of transparency. Always review individual offerings. - How do returns work on these platforms?
Returns typically come from dividends, interest, or capital appreciation, depending on the investment type. - Can I invest in real estate with limited funds?
Yes, platforms like Fundrise and Arrived Homes offer entry points as low as $10 or $100.
*Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.