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Real estate has long been a path to wealth, but was historically accessible mostly to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Today, online crowdfunding platforms and new SEC regulations let everyday investors buy shares of private real estate projects. These platforms pool funds to buy and manage properties or to build developments, then share income and gains with investors. The sites below all allow non-accredited U.S. investors to participate.
An accredited investor is someone with a net worth over $1 million (excluding their home) or an income exceeding $200,000 ($300,000 with a spouse) in each of the last two years. Most private real estate offerings were traditionally limited to accredited investors. Thanks to the JOBS Act and Regulation A exemptions, some platforms can legally market real estate deals to non-accredited investors. As long as you meet the platform’s minimum investment and state eligibility, you can invest without needing those high income or wealth thresholds.
| Platform | Minimum Investment | Dividend Frequency | Type of Properties | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundrise | $10 | Quarterly | Diversified commercial & residential (via eREITs, eFunds) | Very low minimum, diversified portfolios, beginner-friendly | Quarterly liquidity not guaranteed, layered fees |
| RealtyMogul | $5,000 | Monthly or Quarterly (depending on REIT) | Commercial real estate, multifamily apartments | Steady income, multiple REIT options, strong track record | Higher minimum, long holding periods, relatively high fees |
| Arrived Homes | $100 | Quarterly | Single-family and vacation rentals | Choose individual homes, low minimum, passive income | Illiquid (5–7 year hold), smaller dividends than some REITs |
| Streitwise | ~$3,500 | Quarterly | Diversified commercial portfolio | Strong dividend history (~7%), open to all investors | Higher minimum, 1–5 year redemption lockups |
| DiversyFund | $500 | No regular dividends | Value-add multifamily apartments | Growth-oriented strategy, low minimum | No ongoing income, regulatory suspension limits new investment |
| Roofstock | Varies (no min for whole-home marketplace) | Ongoing rental income (if whole homes) | Single-family rentals | Buy entire rental homes, transparent marketplace | Fractional shares require accreditation, active landlord role possible |
Fundrise was founded in 2010 and pioneered mass-market real estate crowdfunding. It lets any U.S. investor build a diversified portfolio of private real estate through its eREIT and eFund products. The minimum to start is just $10. Investors can choose between income, balanced, and growth plans. Fundrise charges a 0.15% advisory fee plus fund management fees. Liquidity is offered quarterly, though not guaranteed.
Click here to view Fundrise investments!
RealtyMogul launched in 2013 and connects investors with commercial properties. Non-accredited investors can access its two public REITs: the Income REIT (monthly dividends, ~$5,000 minimum) and the Apartment Growth REIT (quarterly distributions, ~$5,000 minimum). These REITs target steady rental income and capital appreciation over the long term. With $1MM invested, you would earn $5,000 in dividend income every month with the Income REIT (6% annualized).
Click here to view RealtyMogul investments!
Arrived Homes focuses on single-family and vacation rental properties. Investors can purchase shares in individual homes starting at just $100. Returns come from quarterly rental dividends and appreciation when properties are sold. Average holding periods are 5–7 years. Arrived makes direct home investing accessible and passive.
Click here to view Arrived Homes investments!
Streitwise is a non-traded REIT open to all investors, with a minimum of around $3,500. It invests in commercial properties across the U.S. and has delivered average annual dividends of roughly 7% since 2020. Shares are subject to a 1–5 year redemption schedule, so investors should plan for a long-term hold.
DiversyFund offers a Growth REIT targeting value-add multifamily apartments, open to non-accredited investors with a $500 minimum. Instead of paying ongoing dividends, profits are distributed after a 4–6 year holding period once properties are sold. Note: DiversyFund’s public offerings were suspended by the SEC in 2023, limiting new investment opportunities.
Roofstock operates a marketplace for buying and selling single-family rental homes. Investors can buy entire homes with no platform minimum. Rental income is collected directly from tenants, and property management can be arranged. Roofstock also offers a fractional program, Roofstock One, but this is limited to accredited investors.
All of these investments involve private real estate, which means high risk and illiquidity. Expect to hold investments for 5–10 years or more. Many platforms restrict redemption windows or impose penalties for early withdrawals. Real estate markets can fluctuate with the economy, interest rates, and occupancy levels. Always read the offering documents, understand the fees, and do your own due diligence before investing.
