If you’re interested in getting started with real estate investing but don’t want to deal with the headache of being a landlord or coming up with tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, real estate crowdfunding platforms have changed the game, opening the door for ordinary investors to get a piece of the action in rental homes, multifamily complexes, and even commercial buildings—all with just a few clicks and modest minimums. But with so many options out there, how do you decide which platform is the right fit? Below, we break down the best real estate crowdfunding sites, covering the details you actually care about: fees, minimums, and what sets each platform apart.
Arrived Homes
Arrived is one of the newest—and fastest-growing—real estate crowdfunding platforms on the internet. It’s designed specifically for those who want a straightforward way to invest in single-family homes and vacation rentals, and it’s open to non-accredited investors, which means you don’t need to be a high-net-worth individual to participate. The platform stands out for its incredibly low minimum investment of just $100, making it accessible for beginners or anyone looking to diversify across multiple properties without overcommitting. Investors receive quarterly dividends from rental income while waiting for the asset to appreciate over time. Projected returns are typically in the 6% to 10% annual range, making Arrived a compelling choice for those seeking passive income with a simple, user-friendly platform.
| Fees | Long Term Rentals: 3.5% sourcing fee, 0.15% AUM feeVacation Rentals: 5% sourcing fee, 5% gross rents fee, property management fees vary |
| Minimum investment | $100 |
| Open to non-accredited investors | Yes |
Fundrise
- Best For:Beginner Real Estate InvestorsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Fundrise's website
Fundrise is a heavyweight in the real estate crowdfunding space, and for good reason. With a minimum investment as low as $10, Fundrise offers a highly accessible entry point into diversified real estate portfolios. The platform provides a range of account levels, catering to both non-accredited and accredited investors, with a selection of 14 different funds to choose from. Fundrise charges a modest annual advisory fee, plus additional fees for certain funds. What makes Fundrise so appealing is its track record: it has consistently delivered strong, positive returns across all risk levels, with annual results ranging from 3% to an impressive 22%. The diversified model not only lowers risk but also gives investors exposure to a wide mix of real estate projects, from rental apartments to commercial ventures, making it an excellent pick for anyone wanting steady performance and flexible options.
| Fees | 0.15% advisory fee for all Fundrise assets; 0.85% for real estate funds; 1.85% for innovation fund; $10/month or $99/year for Fundrise Pro |
| Minimum investment | $10 |
| Open to non-accredited investors | Yes |
Yieldstreet
- Best For:Diverse Range of Alternative InvestmentsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Yieldstreet's website
Yieldstreet takes a broader approach, letting investors diversify not just into real estate, but across an entire spectrum of alternative assets—including art, commercial ventures, and even legal settlements. Their real estate crowdfunding arm is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a robust one, with opportunities to invest in debt offerings, REITs, and institutional-quality real estate notes. Minimum investments start at $10,000, and fees depend on the specific investment, ranging from 0% for short-term notes to 2% on other offerings. What really makes Yieldstreet unique is the variety; you can access deals you won’t see on other platforms, and many come with shorter time horizons or fixed income streams. The platform’s net annual return before fees averages around 9.6%. While the higher minimum means it’s not for everyone, Yieldstreet is ideal for investors looking to branch out beyond just real estate and explore a broader world of alternative investments.
| Fees | Investment-dependent; ranges from 0.00% for short-term note series to 2.0% |
| Minimum investment | $10,000 |
| Open to non-accredited investors | Yes |
EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple brings a more traditional real estate investment flavor to the crowdfunding world, blending modern technology with the kinds of deals institutional investors have accessed for decades. This platform is geared toward accredited investors, requiring a minimum investment of $5,000, and offers both debt and equity investments in commercial properties. Fees are investment-dependent but generally fall in the 0.5% to 1.5% range, plus an origination fee on select deals. What sets EquityMultiple apart is its commitment to education and support, making it easier for investors to choose the right deals for their risk tolerance and investment timeline. The platform features both short-term and long-term opportunities, and you can easily track your portfolio and returns online. For those who qualify, EquityMultiple offers a sophisticated way to tap into high-yield real estate deals with greater transparency and control.
| Fees | Investment-dependent; approx. 0.5% to 1.5% plus an origination fee |
| Minimum investment | $5,000 |
| Open to non-accredited investors | No |
RealtyMogul
- Best For:Newer Accredited InvestorsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through RealtyMogul's website
RealtyMogul offers a strong, institutional-quality experience and is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors. The platform’s standout feature is its focus on multifamily real estate—some of the hottest and most resilient markets across the country. RealtyMogul’s minimum investment is $5,000, and its fees vary based on the specific product: the Income REIT charges up to 4.5% and the Apartment Growth REIT charges up to 4.75% annually. Direct investments in specific properties are reserved for accredited investors, but non-accredited investors have access to two non-traded REITs, each with a diversified portfolio of apartment communities and commercial assets. Investors have seen average returns of 12% over the past five years, making RealtyMogul a strong pick for those looking for consistent performance, institutional access, and a hands-off approach to real estate investing.
| Fees | Investment-dependent; Income REIT max 4.5%, Apartment Growth REIT max 4.75% annually |
| Minimum investment | $5,000 |
| Open to non-accredited investors | Yes |
Choosing the Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Site for You
Real estate crowdfunding was once the domain of the ultra-wealthy, but since 2016, changes from the SEC have opened the doors for everyday investors. Now, you can build a real estate portfolio with just a few hundred dollars and a smartphone, gaining access to vetted deals, transparent reporting, and—most importantly—the chance to earn passive income from rental and commercial properties without the day-to-day headaches. As with any investment, it’s important to do your research, understand the fees, and make sure the platform matches your financial goals and risk tolerance. Whether you want to get started for as little as $10 or you’re looking to build a diversified portfolio across multiple asset classes, there’s a real estate crowdfunding site that fits your needs. Happy investing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats so good about real estate crowdfunding?
Real estate crowd funding allows you to diversify your portfolio by investing in real estate.
Is real estate crowdfunding worth it?
Real estate crowdfunding can be worth it for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and gain exposure to real estate without the need for large amounts of capital. It offers the opportunity to invest in a variety of properties and projects, potentially providing attractive returns. However, like any investment, there are risks involved, such as the potential for market fluctuations and the possibility of project delays or failures.
Is it safe to invest in real estate crowdfunding?
Investing in real estate crowdfunding can be relatively safe compared to traditional real estate investing, but it is not without risks. It is important to thoroughly research the platform and the specific investment opportunity before investing. Factors such as the credibility and track record of the platform, the quality of the underlying real estate project, and the terms and conditions of the investment should all be carefully considered.
About Eric McConnell
Eric McConnell is a real estate writer with a years-long passion for the real estate industry and the desire to help everyday people learn more about real estate investing. He is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where he earned a BA in journalism.
After graduating, Eric embarked on a career in real estate where he spent over a decade as an agent for multi-family and commercial properties in Los Angeles. In his career, he’s worked on almost every side of a real estate transaction. He has represented buyers, sellers, property owners and renters and served as manager for commercial and residential properties.
In 2019, Eric started sharing his experience with the wider world as a writer. He got his start writing and editing real estate lessons for prospective licensees before joining Benzinga in 2021. Since then he has written a variety of real estate material ranging from investment platform reviews to covering and analyzing breaking news in the real estate industry. His work has been published by Yahoo News on numerous occasions.
