Real estate investment does not have to be daunting. There are easier and straightforward ways to add real estate to your portfolio if you want to avoid carrying out extensive real estate research. This is possible because of real estate crowdfunding platforms. You can diversify your portfolio by adding commercial properties, residential properties, and other real estate investments at a low cost.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best real estate investing platforms to help narrow down your options. Continue reading to find the best match for you.
1. Fundrise (Our Top Pick):
Best for Beginners and Non-Accredited Investors
FeesMinimum investmentAverage annual returnsTotal investor distributionsInvestment optionsAccredited investors only0.85% Asset management fee; 0.15% Advisory feeDepending on account level:$10 to $100,000From 2017 to 202: 7.31% to 16.11%$124 million+It varies based on the account level selected No
The Starter Portfolio of Fundrise requires only $10 to begin investing. Furthermore, it is not necessary for you to be an accredited investor. Fundrise offers portfolios for both income and growth investors, as well as a hybrid of the two. At only 1% per year, the fee structure is simple and straightforward.
For various reasons, Fundrise is at the top of our list. To begin with, Fundrise was founded in 2010, making it one of the platforms with the longest operating histories compared to others.
Fundrise is a crowdfunding real estate investing platform that offers a variety of investment portfolios.
Fundrise, we believe, has something for everyone. Fundrise employs a value investment strategy when it comes to real estate investment. This crowdfunded real estate platform aims to purchase properties for less than the market value and then, through improvements, build equity.
Pros
Fundrise is open to non-accredited investorsTrading on the platform requires a small minimum account sizeIt has five levels of different accounts that you can choose fromFundrise is a highly diversified investments platformExcellent for passive investing
Cons
illiquid investments, meaning you cannot easily cash out or sell your investments as you can with liquid assets such as mutual funds and stocks.Its fee schedule is complexFundrise is not suitable for short-term investments
2. RealtyMogul: Best for Income Investors
More than 219,000 investors have joined RealtyMogul since its inception in 2012 to gain access to its real estate investment trusts (REITs) and private market offerings. RealtyMogul is known for its exceptional due diligence, as it personally assesses every potential real estate and scrutinizes each deal using proprietary models and methods.
This crowdfunded real estate platform looks for well-leased properties or existing leases. It only works with real estate partners with experience managing assets and a proven track record. It does not make non-cash-flowing investments like ground-up construction or raw land. Investors can select one of the three goals: diversification, growth, and passive income.
Pros
RealtyMogul has a good investment selectionDetailed due diligenceMonthly auto-investment in real estate investment trusts (REITs) starts at $250 per month
Cons
Each investment comes with different feesInvestments are difficult to sell or tradeSome extended hold periods
3. CrowdStreet: Best for Accredited Investors
Crowdstreet has attracted over 100,000 investors from across the United States. Its innovative technique provides direct access to a carefully vetted portfolio of real estate investments with a high-quality organized establishment. Accredited investors can choose to invest in a single property or a fund.
Crowdstreet, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, has published over 550 commercial real estate investment offerings. 63 of those commercial real estate investment offerings have been fully realized.
Pros
With its helpful chatbot feature, Crowdstreet is a user-friendly platformEasily accessible investment details upon signing up for a free accountInstitutional-quality offerings
Cons
Open to accredited investorsHigh investment minimumsIt doesn’t support early withdrawals
4. EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple is a crowdfunded real estate platform that focuses almost solely on commercial and institutional real estate and also provides preferred equity, senior debt, and equity investments. EquityMultiple recently expanded its portfolio with tax-advantaged real estate investments (1031 exchange and Opportunity Zone) and fund products. The deal’s distribution frequency varies but is usually monthly or quarterly.
Pros
It has a good investment selectionAssortment of target hold periodsIt is an easy-to-use, crowdfunded real estate platform
Cons
Available only to accredited investorsHigh minimum investmentRedemption options are limited
Get Started With EquityMultiple
5. Yieldstreet: Best for Real Estate and Alternative Investments
Yieldstreet provides alternative investments and real estate to accredited investors with a minimum investment of $500. The company currently allows you to invest in the following alternative asset classes: real estate, marine finance, legal finance, art finance, and commercial and consumer finance.
But don’t be concerned if you’re not an accredited investor. The Yieldstreet Prism fund is still available for investment to non-accredited investors. This Prism fund also requires a minimum investment of $500. Still, it allows you to invest in various alternative asset classes.
Pros
It offers access to alternative investments such as lawsuits, real estate, art, debt, etc.Privately structured credit deals are open to individuals investorsNon-accredited investors are welcomeEach investment is backed by tangible assets.The platform is easy to useIt is possible to manage it online or via mobile apps
Cons
Investments are illiquid.Only accredited investors have access to most of its investmentsRelatively exorbitant feesCustomer ratings and Consumer complaints raise concerns
6. AcreTrader
FeesMinimum investmentAverage annual returnsTotal investor distributionsInvestment optionsAccredited investors only0.75%Typically, it varies; $10,000 – $25,0007-9%$40 millionFarmland Yes
Farmland may be an option for individuals considering a less common approach to real estate investment.
AcreTrader is a farmland platform available to accredited investors only that allows you to invest in working farm shares. Income is generated by renting out the land to farmers or selling it for a higher price years later. The minimum investment ranges from $10,000 to $25,000.
Pros
AcreTrader farmland investing platform assists farmers by handling insurance, property management, administration, and other facets of land ownership7-9% target returns rangeInvestment can be made using self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs)Sale leasebacks, capital-raising options, and property expansion for farmersDue diligence process and rigorous underwriting for properties
Cons
Only accredited investors are welcomeA small number of new offeringsInvestment selection is limitedIlliquid investments, meaning shares of farmland, cannot be easily bought and sold like you could with ETF or stock
7. First National Realty Partners
First National Realty Partners (FNRP) is a real estate investment open only to accredited investors. It is a platform that enables investors to increase their wealth by investing in grocery-anchored commercial real estate. First National Realty Partners (FNRP) was founded in 2015. It is based in New Jersey. Opportunity Funds or Individual properties are available for investment. The holding period for the Opportunity Fund ranges from three to seven years.
Pros
It offers property acquisition criteria that are clear and consistentGrocery chains and tenant relationships with major retailIt supports simple diversification of fund option
Cons
The minimum investment is relatively highAvailable to accredited investors onlyThe website can be difficult to navigate
Get Started With First National Realty Partners
Conclusion
Hopefully, with all the information in this article, you can make a well-informed decision about the best Real Estate Crowdfunding platform for you.