Real estate crowdfunding platforms
Crowdfunding lowers the entry minimum from $50K+ (private funds) to as little as $10. You give up liquidity (3–7 year holds) and accept platform risk. Reasonable for diversification but vet the platform like you'd vet a sponsor.
Major platforms in 2026: Fundrise (~$7B AUM, $10 minimum), CrowdStreet (accredited only, $25K+), RealtyMogul (mixed), Yieldstreet (broader alternatives), Roofstock (single-family marketplace), Arrived (fractional SFR, $100 minimums), Republic (broad crowdfunding).
Advantages: low minimums, access to specific deals (not blended portfolios), professional underwriting on good platforms. Disadvantages: platform risk (Cadre, formerly a major institutional platform, restructured in 2024), illiquidity (most deals are 3–7 year holds), variable sponsor quality, fees can be opaque.
Before investing: read the offering circular, look at the sponsor's track record, ask whether they're investing their own money alongside yours (5–15% co-invest is normal; under 1% suggests insufficient alignment), and read the risk factors section.