Real estate investing is a common way to build wealth, but buying your own income properties often requires both capital and hard work. The best real estate investing apps make it possible to buy fractional shares of investment properties with as little as $10 or $20.
Many real estate investing apps are only open to accredited investors (meaning individual annual income of $200K+ or a net worth of $2MM+ top pick, Fundrise, allows anyone to become a real estate investor with as little as $10.
Overview: Best fractional real estate investing platforms
There are dozens of real estate investing apps with various features, fees, and requirements. Here are our top picks; discussion of others follows.
- Best for eREITs: Fundrise
- Best for investing small amounts in individual properties: Ark7
- Best for high-net-worth investors: CrowdStreet
- compare these with more great options
Fundrise
Fundrise is an online investing platform that gives regular, non-accredited investors the opportunity to invest in real estate beyond their primary home.
Fundrise is an online crowdfunding real estate investment platform that allows you to invest in both residential and private commercial properties. The cool thing about Fundrise is that anyone can invest. It’s not just for wealthy investors.
- Open to all investors
- Low investment minimum
- Simple and easy to get started
- Not a short-term investment
- Variety of fees may be difficult to understand
Users may find Fundrise’s website more cluttered than competitors’ minimal and streamlined sites, but you will find a wealth of information at first glance. The investor dashboard is simple to view and includes your returns, account goals, project updates, and options like auto-invest, making managing your account and portfolio a pleasing experience. Plus, unlike many of the picks on my list, Fundrise offers a mobile app with all of the functionality of a web-based platform.
There’s no phone or live chat option for customer service, however, you can contact Fundrise via the online email form and should expect an answer within the day. If you are looking for quick answers to common questions, check the FAQs first – you’ll likely find what you need.
To get started with Fundrise, all you have to do is provide an email and you will be presented with three options to begin investing, depending on the amount of money you have to invest. There are four levels, beginning with the Starter plan. When you are ready to invest, just click ‘Invest Now’ and provide more personal details, including social security and funding bank information. After signing off on some standard acknowledgments, you’ll be asked to select the amount of money you want to contribute and choose the offerings you want to invest in.
You can choose from among three packages: The Starter packages are super accessible with a low minimum investment, Core offers a well-rounded and diverse portfolio with several options depending on your specific needs and goals, and Advanced gives investors the option of directly investing in individual properties for a greater potential return. Fundrise is an ideal choice for beginner investors or those with less money to spare.
This real estate investment platform hosts an array of interesting and informative resources to keep you empowered with knowledge. From Investing-101 to Advanced Investing, Fundrise has content for every type of investor.
» MORE: Sign up for Fundrise or read our full Fundrise review
Ark7
Ark7 is a user-friendly real estate investment app that lets you invest in individual properties for as little as $20. If you’re looking to diversify your retirement savings, you can even invest in Ark7 deals within an IRA.
Ark7 offers fractional real estate investing for as little as $20.
Diversify your investments with real estate and share in the cash-flow and appreciation of single- and multi-family rental properties.
- Makes real estate investing easy
- Open to all investors
- Invest as little as $20
- All investing involves risk
- Fees eat into returns
Ark7 is an attractive option if you want to buy fractional shares of investment properties. Although this strategy results in less diversification (and, therefore, more risk) than investing in a REIT or similar real estate portfolio, it can be more engaging because you’re able to pick and choose the actual properties you invest in.
As one of the newer real estate investment apps out there, Ark7 doesn’t have as robust an inventory as some competitors. But what it lacks in deal inventory it makes up for in ease-of-use and customer support.
As with all fractional real estate investing, your investment returns will be reduced by the platform’s fees. With Ark7, fees include a one-time sourcing fee of 3% and 10% of rental income. Despite these fees, Ark7 has shown promising historical performance, with an average annualized distribution of 6% from monthly rental income as of July 2022.
» MORE: Sign up for Ark7 or read our full Ark7 review
CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet is a commercial real estate investment platform only for accredited investors. Investors can earn potentially high returns, however, the high minimum investment and low liquidity mean that this option might not be right for novice investors or those who want to cash out quickly.
CrowdStreet is a commercial real estate investment platform only for accredited investors that provides a pathway to invest directly in real estate projects from some of the nation's top project sponsors and developers.
- High rates of return advertised
- Variety of investor resources
- Diversified Funds and tailored portfolios
- High minimum initial investments
- Only for accredited investors
CrowdStreet makes things transparent and simple with comprehensive online tools, allowing investors to view performance projections, deal comparisons, and portfolio analytics. Once you have invested, the investor dashboard gives you easy access to all pertinent information, including quarterly reporting, taxation, performance, and sponsor details.
On the site, users can also find information about CrowdStreet’s investment options under the “Ways to invest” menu, including direct investing, fund investing with CrowdStreet’s Blended Portfolio, and managed investing with CrowdStreet’s expert advisors.
The sophisticated website is simple to navigate and is optimized for mobile.
It’s free to sign up with CrowdStreet and browse properties according to a range of filters, such as type of property, investment structure, risk assessment, and region. CrowdStreet’s offerings run the gamut, from residential to retail, and from equity to REIT, making advanced filter settings very useful in narrowing down your choices.
To get started you can either fill in the online form or sign in with Google or LinkedIn. Once you’re ready to invest, you’ll need to fill in an investor profile, including attesting to being an accredited investor.
The initial investment of $25,000 may be too steep for some investors, plus, to qualify, you will have to be accredited. But if you can demonstrate accreditation and funding details, you’ll be ready to invest in just a couple of minutes. Once your investment is approved, usually within 48 hours, you will be asked to transfer funds to the sponsor to finalize the deal. It’s also important to know that once your money is in, it will likely be locked up for 2-3 years.
As soon as you begin looking through CrowdStreet’s website, you will find a host of educational and informational resources, including webinars, marketplace performance analyses and articles, and a robust help center.
CrowdStreet’s help center also hosts a range of articles and FAQs, so you can often find answers to your questions simply by searching. There is also a real-time messaging chatbot in case you don’t find what you’re looking for.
» MORE: Sign up for Crowdstreet or read our full Crowdstreet review
Also great
Fundrise, Ark7, and CrowdStreet likely satisfy the need for finding the best real estate investment site since they range from beginning investors to those high net worth investors. There are, however, additional options we included down below for a wider comparison and a better overview of options.
Roofstock
Roofstock is a real estate investment portal that focuses on single-family rental properties that already have tenants. The site also offers great, easy-to-navigate resources to help beginner investors develop skills, including the Roofstock Academy training program.
Roofstock is the perfect platform for any first-time real estate investor. They offer low fees, homes with tenants already occupying them, and you don’t have to be an accredited investor to open an account. It's one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to purchase investment properties.
- Lower fees than traditional agents
- Homes have already been inspected
- Homes have existing tenants
- Requires all the work of owning a rental property
- Large downpayment may be required
- Must do your own research
The website is user friendly and clearly laid out for easy navigation. Whether you are seeking to invest, list a property, or purchase, you will find straightforward drop-down menus on the main landing page to guide your journey.
As soon as you get to Roofstock, you will be able to check out certified properties using search filters including address, list price, gross yield, funding type, estimated appreciation, and more. If you find something of interest, you can register with just a few easy steps and create custom filters to streamline your property searches. Roofstock offers detailed information about all listed properties, saving time and ensuring that you always know what you are getting.
By lowering the barrier to entry into the real estate market by requiring only a low $500 minimum investment, and for investors just starting out, Roofstock’s property management team ensures that you can be a landlord without worrying about any of the operational responsibilities.
Even if you are new to investing or aren’t tech-savvy, Roofstock is simple to use and although there is no mobile app, the website is mobile optimized for real estate investors on the go. With crisp design and a simple UI, Roofstock is ideal for first-time real estate investors.
It’s easy to sign up with Roofstock via the quick online form with automatic fields for name, address, and email if you sign up through your Google or Facebook account. The initial sIgn up takes just a minute and the form includes a question about what you are interested in so the choices are already filtered from the get-go.
Once registered, every time you log in to your account, you will be able to view new, attractive investment properties and make transactions with the click of a button. If you decide to invest, you will be required to provide additional details such as your Social Security number and banking information.
Roofstock’s website hosts a range of resources for investors at any level. Users can access paid courses and coaching, or tons of free articles, calculators, and FAQs via the “Learn” tab. When deciding what property to invest in, Roofstock provides ample information, including pictures, floor plans, and 3D tours, in addition to valuation, cost estimates, and location.
» MORE: Open an account with Roofstock or read our full Roofstock review
Streitwise
Unlike other real estate investment sites included in this list, Streitwise is not a crowdfunding platform. Instead, this company focuses exclusively on real estate investment trusts or REITs.
Streitwise is a real estate investment platform focusing on commercial real estate. As an investor, you can get started with just $5,000 and be a part of large-scale real estate projects. Both accredited and nonaccredited investors are able to participate – something many of its competitors shy away from. .
- Anyone can invest
- Low initial investment
- Generous lockout period
- Limited options, usually one REIT
- Upfront fee is high
The Streitwise website is easy to navigate and features details that first-time investors will find useful, including highlighting last dividends so you can gauge how your investment will perform. Other information you can find includes details of previous investments, such as property type, price, location, and more. In the “Top Questions” section, you can find plenty of relevant information to guide your investment journey.
Since this platform only has one REIT on offer, you won’t find the same range of investment choices displayed on the other websites included on this list. Once you’ve signed up for an online account, you can download the iOS app to manage your portfolio from your mobile device.
It’s easy to get started with Streitwise—just click “Get Started”. Fill out the details in the pop-up form, including the type of investor you are and how you will be funding your account. The next steps will include filling in additional personal details, financial information, and funding authorization.
It can take some time for your application to be processed, but once you are accepted, you can put money into Streitwise’s REIT and watch your investment pay off. If you don’t want to transfer funds from your bank account, you can fund your portfolio using your IRA, trust account, or even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Currently, Streitwise only has two properties on offer in their REIT, both office properties, however additional offerings are being pursued and will likely be added in the near future.
Like all of my other top picks, Streitwise delivers transparent, helpful, and comprehensive resources for investors, including a link to SEC filings and specific information about investing with a self-directed IRA. Investors and potential investors can easily access customer care representatives by phone, email, or online chat. Phone and chat options are limited to business hours but are very responsive.
» MORE: Sign up for Streitwise or read our full Streitwise review
EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple is only available to accredited investors, and most options require a minimum between $5,000 to $30,000. However, if you meet these requirements, the platform offers an easy, secure way to invest in real estate with up to 14% historical returns!
EquityMultiple is a real estate crowdfunding platform that gives accredited investors the ability to invest securely in managed quality investments with a minimum of $5,000.
- Easy to sign up and invest
- Multiple asset types including commercial real estate
- Potential for high returns
- Only for accredit investors
- High fees that can be more clear
This very streamlined website is simple to navigate and uses easy language that even a beginning investor can understand. Once you are signed up, you can monitor your portfolio, view asset performance, and access asset management services directly from your investor dashboard’s tabs. There is no mobile app at this time, but the website is mobile browser friendly.
Like other sites, EquityMultiple lets users register for the platform and browse offerings before committing. Just fill in your email address and create a password to browse offerings. Users can check out investment details such as asset type, investment strategy, investment term, and location before completing the account setup and providing bank account details.
When you’re ready to invest, just complete the process by supplying the requested financial documents and verifying your accreditation – this only takes a minute. Investments listed on EquityMultiple’s ecosystem provides three different tiers of categories to consider: Keep, Earn, and Grow.
- Keep: Yield-focused cash management. Compelling rates, shortest terms.
- Earn: CRE investments offering current yield, payment priority, and a relatively short term. An income focus.
- Grow: CRE investments offering significant upside potential.
You can view each offering along with min. investment and current return on EquityMultiple’s site.
Users will find plenty of resources at the click of a button. Investor stories, videos, FAQs, and testimonials can all be found easily. EquityMultiple also hosts a performance tracker, however, you will need to have an account to view this resource.
» MORE: Sign up for EquityMultiple
RealtyMogul
The goal of passive income is being made accessible to more people with RealtyMogul’s seamless investment platform. With a rigorous vetting process and comprehensive asset management on all properties, RealtyMogul puts the dream of earning income off of real estate in the palm of your hand.
RealtyMogul gives you a chance to invest in real estate without a hefty downpayment or a ton of detailed research on your local real estate market. While the service isn’t perfect, it does offer opportunity and diversification for those interested in investing in real estate.
- Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors
- Not limited to a single project
- REIT options
- Need to sign up to view some details
- Fees can be more transparent
Potential investors will appreciate the site’s simple to follow drop-down menus and clean layout. Whether you are looking to invest or raise equity capital, RealtyMogul gives you a range of investment options and makes it easy to explore past property offerings and their performance even before signing up. Once you’ve created your account, you can view current properties according to list price, investment type, property type, location, and other relevant criteria before investing.
You will find properties divided into three investment types. These are: REITs that are available to all types of investors, individual properties available only to accredited investors with a minimum investment of $15,000-50,000, and 1031-eligible Private Placement investments.
Current investors can easily access their portfolio and view performance via the RealtyMogul dashboard. The dashboard includes details about how much money you have invested, how much money you have made, and information about any active transactions.
Get invested in just four steps with RealtyMogul, whether you are accredited or not. First, create your account by answering a few questions about your goals and providing basic personal information. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to peruse properties, including key financial details.
When you are ready to invest, RealtyMogul gets it done quickly and online. According to SEC regulations, you may have to demonstrate accreditation for some investments, which will require submitting some additional financial documentation. Once all your information and funding details are submitted, the investment is approved within two days.
With a wealth of educational resources, new investors will also find plenty of information to help them decide how to achieve their financial goals. RealtyMogul’s Knowledge Center hosts a broad range of resources across various topics, helping investors better understand and assess where their money would work the hardest. The FAQs also provide helpful answers, so you can save the time and effort of contacting a customer service representative for every question.
For any additional questions, investors can access customer service by phone or by email. While there is no live chat option, customer service is responsive, and you can often find answers in the site’s resources.
» MORE: Open a RealtyMogul account or read our full RealtyMogul review
DiversyFund
DiversyFund makes investing in real estate accessible to almost anyone by crowdsourcing investments in their REIT. DiversyFund directly purchases properties, eliminating the middleman and lowering costs, renovating properties, and renting them out for steady passive income.
This website is my personal favorite in terms of both content and visuals. You can give the landing page a quick glance and immediately get an idea about the dividends, offerings, and benefits of investing in real estate. With an emphasis on making real estate investment accessible to the 99%, DiversyFund creates a seamless, user-friendly browsing experience and the same goes for the easy-to-understand and appealing dashboard for members.
The investor dashboard gives you instant access to your invested value, investment reports, tax documents, distribution updates, and other relevant information about your portfolio.
Like most of the platforms included on this list, you can open a DiversyFund account with just basic information such as name and email before you will be required to provide more personal details once you’ve decided to invest. At that stage, you will be asked how much money you want to invest. With the lowest investment minimum on this list, you can get started with only $500 and no surprise fees. This makes DiversyFund an attractive option for investors with any budget.
Once you’ve decided to invest, you will be asked to provide additional personal details for tax purposes and to confirm a funding source. After completing sign up, DiversyFund will direct you to your personal dashboard where you will be able to monitor your investments.
It’s easy to learn about real estate investment, REITs, and personal finance with DiversyFund’s wide range of resources. The fund’s founders also regularly contribute, personalizing the platform, and delivering unique content. Whether you are a first-time or advanced investor, you will find interesting articles that enhance your knowledge base. Investors can access customer support by email, by chat, or by filling out the ‘Help’ pop up form. Representatives are responsive and the company is active on social media, so this is another way to reach out.
» MORE: Learn more from DiversyFund or read our full DiversyFund review
Small Change
This unique real estate crowdsourcing investment platform gives investors of every type of socially responsible real estate projects to put their money into with absolutely no fees. Reputable developers list vetted projects and minimum investment amounts on Small Change – all you have to do is choose.
As a real estate investment platform focused on impact investment and generating positive social change, Small Change’s website features listings and information about how these offerings are propelling this mission. Users can easily access informational resources, such as how the ‘Change Index’ determines the impact of specific properties, and other property data. However, since it is a very new platform there is less historical financial data than some of the other picks on this list.
Small Change offers limited access to customer service, with only an email option. You can also contact the company via social media channels.
Signing up for Small Change is free and users can check out property listings without even providing basic information. To sign up, just fill in the form and when you are ready to invest, click this option, and follow the instructions. You’ll be asked for personal and financial information, and to sign off on an Investment Agreement before you can put any actual money down. Small Change is a marketplace for real estate investment crowdsourcing so investors directly invest in vetted opportunities displayed on the site.
The site hosts a range of informational articles, calculators, and FAQs so that you can learn more before taking the plunge. This creative platform is focused on propelling social change with real estate investment for every level of investor, so for younger investors seeking to make an impact as well as profits, this is a great place to start.
» MORE: Learn more from Small Change
How did we pick the best real estate investment websites?
When choosing the platforms on this list, I looked at a few main features, including minimum investment amounts, fees, and investment types, and included a variety of options for investors of every ilk. Another thing I was looking for is website usability.
Almost all of the sites offer three steps for registration. First, the initial sign up to view properties, second to open an investor account, including providing funding information, and third is becoming an active investor. These processes have become increasingly seamless as technology facilitates investor onboarding and transactions in just a few clicks of a button.
Each of my picks is easy to use and offers frictionless sign-up, lots of well-designed resources and FAQs, and accessible customer support. Whether you have only a few dollars or tens of thousands, you’ll find a good fit among these vetted online real estate investment options.
Understanding real estate investment apps
Real estate investment apps have transformed the approach investors use to access and manage their real estate investments. These platforms provide a range of features and services designed to help investors diversify their portfolios, manage their assets, and maximize their returns. By leveraging technology and the growing popularity of real estate crowdfunding platforms, investors can access a wide array of investment opportunities that cater to various investment goals and preferences.
One of the key benefits of using real estate investment apps is the ability to invest in a diverse range of properties and projects, from single-family rental homes to commercial real estate projects and alternative investments. This diversification can help investors mitigate risk and potentially achieve higher returns over the long term. Additionally, many real estate investment apps provide educational resources and support to help investors make informed decisions about their investments.
As the real estate market evolves, these real estate investing apps present a dynamic and user-friendly gateway for investors to engage in this profitable sector. By understanding the features and benefits of these platforms, investors can make informed decisions about which real estate investing app is best suited to their individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.
Who are the best real estate investment websites for?
Those interested in real estate investing
These real estate investing websites provide both options for accredited and nonaccredited investors–beginners to experts–to enter the area of real estate investment online while avoiding the typical high barrier and costs for entry.
Investors skeptical of the stock market
Investing in real estate can sometimes offer a number of benefits over the stock market, including diminished risk and volatility, tangible assets, tax benefits, and the ability for greater diversification. This has positioned the real estate sector as a preferred investment among some Millennials who may be increasingly skeptical about stocks.
What is real estate investing online?
Real estate investment platforms connect developers and investors. Investors receive distributions based on what they put in, and the platform generally collects a fee, either from the developer, the investor, or both.
Some platforms are only going to be available to accredited investors, but others have lower barriers and requirements, making them available to anyone looking to get into real estate investing. There is a range of investment types, including rental units, REITs, and 1031 exchanges.
What should you look for in online real estate investing platforms?
Whenever you are putting your hard-earned money into an investment, it is vital to check the credentials and security of the platform. Each of the sites on my list offer vetted investment opportunities and comprehensive customer service.
Some other things to look for are whether you need to be an accredited investor to invest, what the terms are of investment, and types of properties offered. Many real estate investments are illiquid, keeping your money locked up for longer periods of time. If you think you’ll need that money soon, find platforms offering shorter terms.
Make sure you meet the minimum investment threshold and accreditation requirement before signing up to a platform. While many sites require significant initial investments, others can get you into the real estate game for a low amount. Our top pick, Fundrise, requires only a $10 minimum.
When signing up for a real estate investment platform, aside from the technical financial details, it’s important to make sure that the site and investor dashboard are easy to navigate. Look at how property offerings are laid out and how much information is included on the listings to help you decide where to put your money. Many of the sites on this list provide historical performance, which will give you a good idea of how the platform will make you money.
You will likely be checking in on your portfolio frequently, so having a user-friendly and attractive dashboard makes all the difference. It’s also helpful for the site to either have a dedicated mobile app or be optimized for mobile browsing. All of my picks for this list offer this benefit so you will be able to keep on top of your portfolio anywhere, anytime.
How to choose the right app for your investment goals
In selecting the appropriate real estate investment app for your personal goals, it’s essential to weigh multiple factors. First, determine your investment objectives and risk tolerance. Are you looking for long-term capital appreciation, passive income, or a combination of both? Understanding your goals will help you select a platform that aligns with your investment strategy.
Next, consider the types of investments you’re interested in. Some platforms specialize in specific types of real estate, such as residential properties, commercial properties, or alternative investments like farmland. By identifying your investment preferences, you can narrow down your options and choose a platform that offers the types of investments you’re most interested in.
Another important factor to consider is the minimum investment requirements and fees associated with each platform. Some real estate investment apps cater to small-scale investors with low minimum investments, while others require a larger initial commitment. Be sure to also pay attention to any management fees or other costs associated with using the platform, as these can impact your overall returns.
Finally, research the platform’s reputation and track record. Look for user reviews and expert opinions to gauge the reliability and performance of the platform. By considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right real estate investment app to help you achieve your investment goals.
Navigating the risks and rewards of real estate investing apps
Despite the exciting opportunities offered by real estate investment apps, investors should remain cognizant of the risks and rewards tied to these platforms. Like any investment, real estate carries inherent risks, such as market fluctuations, tenant vacancies, and property damage. However, the potential rewards can far outweigh these risks, especially for investors who take the time to conduct thorough due diligence and diversify their portfolios.
Diversification is a key strategy for mitigating risk in real estate investing. By investing in a variety of properties and projects across different markets, investors can spread their risk and potentially achieve higher returns over the long term. Real estate investment apps can provide a convenient and accessible way for investors to diversify their portfolios, offering a range of investment options and features designed to help manage and optimize their real estate investments.
In conclusion, real estate investment apps provide a dynamic and user-friendly avenue for investors to engage in the profitable real estate market. By understanding the risks and rewards associated with these platforms and taking the time to conduct thorough due diligence, investors can make informed decisions and potentially achieve significant returns on their investments.
Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the best real estate investment apps of 2023, each catering to different investment goals and preferences. From buying and selling rental properties to investing in commercial real estate projects and alternative investments, these platforms provide a wealth of opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors. As the real estate market continues to evolve, these apps offer an exciting and accessible way for investors to participate in this lucrative industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting on your journey, finding the right platform can make all the difference in your success. By carefully evaluating each app’s features, investment options, and track record, you can choose the best real estate investment app to help you achieve your investment goals and build a diverse, profitable real estate portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Do real estate investment apps work?
Real estate investing apps can offer investors a useful tool for tracking investments, researching properties, and managing portfolios. With the help of these apps, investors can better manage their real estate investments.
What is the best digital real estate app?
Trulia is the best digital real estate app, as it offers a user-friendly experience with free access to comprehensive Zillow data. With multiple ways to view a property, users can be sure to make an informed decision.
What types of real estate investments can I access through these apps?
Real estate investment apps offer you access to investments in residential and commercial properties, rental homes, and alternative investments such as farmland. Take advantage of these investment opportunities now!
Are these platforms only for accredited investors?
Platforms are available for both accredited and non-accredited investors, so they are not solely exclusive to accredited investors.
What are the minimum investment requirements for these apps?
Investment requirements range from as low as $10 to larger initial commitments, depending on the app.