The world of real estate investment has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Thanks to the rise of crowdfunded real estate platforms and real estate funds, individuals like you and me now have access to an asset class that was once exclusive to the wealthy. In 2024, owning real estate is no longer limited to a select few.
Whether you are an accredited investor or not, there are several outstanding real estate investing apps available to you. These apps offer a great user experience, high-quality investments, experienced teams, and solid returns. In this article, we will explore the 12 best real estate investing apps and crowdfunding sites that can help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
The Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms Summary
Before we dive into the details of each app, let's take a quick overview of the best real estate crowdfunding platforms available in 2024:
1. Fundrise: The Best Real Estate Investing App Overall
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Fundrise takes the top spot as the best real estate investing app. With its intuitive platform, access to a wide variety of funds, low $10 minimum investment, and well-designed mobile app, Fundrise offers a seamless investing experience. Their proprietary eREITs allow you to invest in multiple commercial and residential real estate projects within a single investment vehicle, providing regular dividends. Fundrise also offers specialized funds, accredited offerings, and even a retirement account (IRA) option.
2. Yieldstreet: The Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Platform for Diversified Investing
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Yieldstreet offers a unique investment platform that goes beyond real estate. With access to multiple types of assets, including real estate, art, crypto, legal, private credit, private equity, short-term notes, transportation, and venture capital, Yieldstreet allows you to diversify your investment portfolio effectively. Their real estate investments include a mix of REIT funds and private real estate deals, catering to a wide range of investors. Fees vary depending on the investment, with management fees taken from the equity of the investment.
3. Percent: The Best Platform for Structured Note Investing
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While Percent is not a platform solely devoted to real estate investing, it offers an exclusive opportunity to access private credit markets. Structured notes, including real estate-backed options, provide predictable and stable income. Percent allows accredited investors to invest in short-term investments with lower volatility than the public markets, offering higher yields and shorter durations. This opens the door to an asset class that was traditionally reserved for non-bank lenders and institutional investors.
4. CrowdStreet: The Best Crowdfunding Real Estate Site for Commercial Properties
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CrowdStreet stands out as the top platform for accredited investors looking to invest in commercial real estate. With a long-standing presence since 2012, CrowdStreet has managed over $4 billion in investments to date. Investors can choose from individual equity and debt deals, REITs, and real estate portfolios. Access to a portfolio manager is available for high-net-worth clients, who can benefit from personalized investment strategies. Minimum investments start at $25,000, with fees varying depending on the project.
5. AcreTrader: The Best Real Estate Investing App for Investing in Farmland
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AcreTrader offers a unique opportunity for investors to directly invest in farmland. By buying shares of equity in land parcels, investors can earn money through rent payments and appreciation. AcreTrader has a strict vetting process for deals, ensuring high-quality investments. With a flat 0.75% management fee and closing fees on each project, AcreTrader provides an affordable entry into the world of farmland investing.
6. Public.com: The Best App for Investing in Real Estate ETFs
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Public.com is a stock trading platform that not only offers fee-free trading for stocks and ETFs but also provides access to real-estate focused funds. While Public.com has a limited selection of real estate investment choices, its simplicity, low fees, and user-friendly mobile app make it a great option for adding real estate funds to your investment portfolio. Public.com also enables you to invest in alternative assets like crypto, fine art, and collectibles.
7. Arrived Homes: The Best Crowdfunding Real Estate App for Investing in Single-Family Homes
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Arrived Homes offers an excellent opportunity for investors to invest in single-family rental homes. With a low minimum investment of just $100 and no accreditation requirements, Arrived Homes makes real estate investing accessible to all. Investors can own a small slice of ownership in multiple properties without dealing with the hassle of property management. Selecting only the highest-quality rental properties, Arrived Homes pays out regular dividends to its investors.
8. Streitwise: The Best Real Estate Investing App for Commercial REITs (The Best Real Estate Investment App for Beginners)
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Streitwise caters to beginners in the real estate investment realm by offering a user-friendly platform and access to commercial REITs. With a track record of paying out an average of over 8% in dividends every year since 2017, Streitwise has proven to be a reliable choice for investors. The fund is invested in commercial properties, and the dividends are distributed quarterly. With a minimum investment of around $5,000 and a flat 2% fee, Streitwise provides an accessible entry point for beginners.
9. EquityMultiple: The Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Platform for Debt Investments
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EquityMultiple presents investors with the opportunity to invest in commercial real estate deals and debt investments. By lending funds to real estate investors, investors can become the bank and enjoy high yield returns within a short timeframe. EquityMultiple charges various fees, but short-term notes are exempt from any fees. With a focus on cash flow or growth, equity investments on EquityMultiple can yield impressive returns of up to 18% per year.
10. Cadre: The Best Digital Real Estate Investing Platform for Institutional-Quality Real Estate
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Cadre offers investors the chance to invest alongside qualified institutions in commercial real estate deals. With Cadre co-investing in each project, investors can trust that their interests are aligned with the platform. Cadre provides two main investment options: The Cadre Direct Access Fund, which offers a diversified mix of properties, and the "Deal by Deal" opportunities, which allow investors to select individual properties. With a net internal rate of return averaging 26%, Cadre delivers high returns on individual deals. Investment on Cadre is available only to accredited investors, with a minimum investment of $25,000.
11. RealtyMogul: The Best App for Real Estate Investing in Non-Traded REITs
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RealtyMogul focuses on investing in commercial real estate through non-traded REITs. Non-traded REITs cannot be traded and require a holding period before they can be sold, offering monthly or quarterly dividends. RealtyMogul provides income-focused and growth-focused funds, with dividends ranging from 6% to 8% annually. Investors also have the option to invest directly in individual properties, although this requires a higher initial investment.
12. Roofstock: The Best Crowdfunding Real Estate Site for Investing in Rental Properties
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Roofstock is a rental property marketplace that allows investors to purchase rental properties or list their own properties for sale. With options to buy or sell tenant-occupied or vacant rental properties, Roofstock provides a transparent fee structure. The marketplace shows annual returns for each property, making it easier for investors to evaluate their potential investments. Additionally, Roofstock offers the unique option to "return" a property within 30 days of purchase, allowing investors to have peace of mind.
In conclusion, investing in real estate has never been more accessible. With a multitude of investing apps and crowdfunding sites to choose from, you can curate your investment portfolio to suit your preferences and financial goals. Whether you are a non-accredited investor or an experienced accredited investor, there is an app or platform that is the perfect fit for you. So, don't hesitate to explore multiple apps and find the one that resonates with you the most. Start investing in real estate now and seize the opportunities that 2024 has to offer!
-- Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.