Real estate crowdfunding is a newer commercial real estate investment method. Some websites provide ordinary investors access to previously reserved assets for the wealthy. Real estate investment platforms, also called crowdfunding sites, connect real estate professionals and developers with individual investors looking for real estate exposure without the hassles of owning, managing, and financing properties.
Even though real estate crowdfunding is risky by nature, real estate investment trusts (REITs) could really help diversify your portfolio while also providing competitive returns. We looked at several platforms to find our top real estate crowdfunding platforms. Here they are, as expressed below.
1. Fundrise (Our Top Pick)
Fundrise has invested more than $5 billion in real estate across the United States since its inception in 2012. It now manages more than $1.5 billion in equity on behalf of over 168,000 individual investors.
Fundrise has five different account types:
- Starter
- Basic
- Core
- Advanced
- And premium
At each level, there is a minimum investment amount and different potential returns and strategies.
Pros
- It doesn’t require accreditation
- Perfect for beginners
- Top-rated mobile app
- Share redemption can be requested at any time
Cons
- It supports nonqualified dividends
Get Started With Fundrise
2. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul allows accredited and non-accredited investors to invest in commercial real estate online. According to a report issued by RealtyMogul, investors have invested more than $698 million through its platform to date. RealtyMogul has financed over 495 properties worth more than $3.98 billion and has over 218,000 registered members.
Non-accredited investors can invest in two public, nontraded real estate investment trusts (REITs) (though they face investment restrictions), and accredited investors can also invest in private placements.
Pros
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs) products are available to non-accredited investors.
- A real estate investment trusts buyback program can increase liquidity.
- High rates of return on investment.
Cons
- Exorbitant investment minimums.
- Difficult and complicated fee structures vary depending on the investment.
- Relatively inexperienced track record
Get Started With First National Realty Partners
3. CrowdStreet
Crowdstreet is a web-based real estate investment platform that allows investors to crowdfund various real estate investment opportunities. Crowdstreet investors can invest in individual buildings managed funds or create a custom investment portfolio that includes both types of deals.
CrowdStreet’s platform includes various properties, including industrial, office, self-storage, multifamily, etc.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- It supports diverse investment offerings
- Excellent investor resources
- Performance track record
- Most of its offerings are eligible for inclusion in a self-directed IRA
Cons
- Only accredited and long-term investors and investors searching for an opportunity to diversify from stock investors may participate.
- Not open to non-accredited investors
- The majority of offerings require a minimum investment of $25,000
Get StartedWith CrowdStreet
4. EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple is a web-based commercial real estate crowdfunding platform allowing investors to professionally manage commercial real estate. It is available only to accredited investors. The minimum investment is $5,000.
EquityMultiple combines crowdfunding with a more traditional real estate investing strategy, which can result in high returns.
Pros
- Commercial real estate investments are accessible to investors
- A user-friendly website
- Potentially high rates of return
Cons
- Only accredited investors are eligible
- A high minimum investment
- A complex and complicated fee structure that varies depending on the investment
Get StartedWith EquityMultiple
5. Yieldstreet
Unlike some crowdfunded real estate platforms that allow you to buy a piece of commercial real estate, Yieldstreet crowdfunds the debt used to finance those investments and a variety of other deals.
Yieldstreet debuted its first offering in litigation finance in 2015, matching investors with a plaintiff searching to borrow money to cover expenses before a lawsuit settlement is expected.
It has since expanded into a wide range of services, including commercial loans such as merchant cash advances, financing for industrial and residential real estate transactions, and purchasing fine art and oil tankers. Over the life of the loans, investors earn interest payments and a return on their principal investment (though it always involves the risk of default).
While most deals are only available to accredited investors, Yieldstreet launched the Prism Fund in August 2020, open to non-accredited investors with a $500 minimum investment. Over $2 billion has been invested in the platform since November 2021.
Pros
- Access to commercial, legal, and art investments, real estate, and marine
- Privately structured credit deals are available for Individuals to invest in
- Asset-backed investments could provide some protection in the event of insolvency.
Cons
- Investments are highly Illiquid
- Accredited investors are eligible for most of its investments
- Its offerings are limited
Get Started With YieldStreet
6. AcreTrader
AcreTrader is a new investment platform that allows investors to purchase farmland shares. AcreTrader’s investment platform provides one of the world’s most stable and appreciating assets.
With the AcreTrader investment platform, investors have the option to:
- Invest in farmland
- Diversify their portfolio
- Protect themselves from inflation
- Protect themselves against the volatility of a stock market
AcreTrader has grown in popularity since its inception in 2018, combining fractional and real estate investing elements.
Pros
- Volatility is low.
- The fees are reasonable.
- Diversification of one’s portfolio
Cons
- Extremely illiquid
- There is no secondary market.
- Only accredited investors may participate.
Get Started With AcreTrader
7. First National Realty Partners
First National Realty Partners provides accredited investors with the opportunity to receive quarterly cash flow by investing in high-performing, nationally-branded, grocery-anchored commercial properties across the country.
Pros
- In every property offered, there are premiere anchor tenants
- Cash flow is guaranteed on an annual basis
- Depreciation on taxes is made possible by K-1
Cons
- Investment opportunities are limited
- Open to accredited investors only
Get Started With First National Realty Partners
Conclusion
With all of the information in this post, you should be able to make an informed decision regarding the best Real Estate Crowdfunding platform for your online investment business.