CrowdStreet has built a strong reputation as a platform connecting accredited investors with institutional-grade commercial real estate opportunities. However, with a minimum investment that generally starts at $25,000 (though minimums vary by offering) and access restricted to accredited investors only, it excludes a significant portion of Americans looking to build wealth through real estate. For those seeking more accessible entry points into fractional real estate investing, several compelling alternatives exist. This guide examines seven platforms that offer different approaches to real estate investment, starting with mogul, a platform that combines institutional-quality underwriting with accessible entry points and monthly income distributions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making any financial or investment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Accreditation requirements create barriers: CrowdStreet and EquityMultiple generally require accredited-investor status; SEC data estimated that only about 18.5% of U.S. households met the financial criteria to qualify in 2022, meaning roughly 81.5% of households may not qualify
- Minimum investments vary dramatically: Entry points range from $10 (Fundrise) to a general $25,000 minimum (CrowdStreet), with mogul combining accessible entry and property-level control
- Distribution frequency matters for cash flow: mogul and Arrived Homes offer monthly distributions, while Fundrise and RealtyMogul distribute quarterly
- Fee structures impact net returns: Total annual costs range from approximately 1% (Fundrise) to over 10% combined fees on some platforms, so understanding fee structures is essential for comparing real returns
- Property selection rigor varies: mogul accepts less than 1% of properties reviewed, while CrowdStreet says the percentage of opportunities making it through its review process has historically been well below 10%, with both reflecting rigorous deal selectivity
- Risk mitigation features differ: mogul offers first-year protection covering up to $10,000 in losses, a distinctive feature among fractional real estate platforms
1. mogul
mogul delivers a fractional real estate platform that enables investors to build portfolios of income-producing single-family rental properties. Founded by Goldman Sachs real estate alumni, the platform brings institutional-grade underwriting to individual investors without requiring accreditation or six-figure minimums.
How Does mogul Work?
mogul's platform allows investors to purchase fractional ownership in individual properties, each held in a state-registered LLC structure. Key highlights:
- Accessible Entry: Build a portfolio of institutional-quality properties without accreditation requirements or six-figure minimums
- Monthly Distributions: Receive actual rental income distributions monthly, not quarterly projections
- Property Selection: Less than 1% of properties reviewed pass mogul's rigorous diligence process
- Platform Co-Investment: mogul invests alongside investors in every property, aligning interests
Performance and Returns
mogul reports an 18.8% average annual return across platform investments as of April 2025, with a record monthly yield of 2.6%. The platform maintains a minimum 12% IRR hurdle rate for all properties considered.
Risk Protection
mogul offers a first-year protection feature, covering up to $10,000 in losses for new members, a distinctive form of downside protection among fractional real estate platforms. This protection applies to investments made within the first 7 days.
Fee Structure
mogul's current fee disclosures describe a 3% onboarding fee and, where applicable, a 2% setup fee, both capitalized into the deal. mogul also discloses an ongoing 2.5% fee on rental income and states that it does not charge a traditional annual asset-management/AUM fee. mogul states that returns shown on its platform are inclusive of its capitalized deal fees.
Best For: Investors seeking property-level control with institutional-quality underwriting, monthly income distributions, and downside protection, all without accreditation requirements.
2. Fundrise
Fundrise launched what it described as the first eREIT in 2015 and remains one of the best-known low-minimum real estate investing platforms, offering the lowest minimum investment in the industry at just $10.
Key Features
- Ultra-Low Minimum: Start with just $10, making it the most accessible option
- Diversified Funds: Invest in managed eREITs and eFunds rather than individual properties
- Technology Platform: Proprietary systems including RealAI (using 3 trillion data points), Basis™, and Cornice™
- IRA Options: Tax-advantaged investing through retirement accounts
- Industry Recognition: Inc. 5000, Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and CNBC World's Top 250 Fintech Companies
Distribution and Fees
Fundrise distributes returns quarterly. Fundrise's real estate funds charge a 0.85% annual management fee plus a 0.15% advisory fee, making them among the more cost-efficient options for real estate-focused investing; other Fundrise products, such as the Innovation Fund, have different fee structures.
Mobile Experience
The platform offers highly-rated mobile apps with 4.7/5 stars on iOS (35,300+ reviews) and 4.5/5 stars on Android (6,180+ reviews) as of late 2025.
Best For: Absolute beginners wanting set-and-forget investing with the lowest possible entry point and transparent fees.
3. Arrived Homes
Arrived Homes focuses on single-family rental properties with an emphasis on accessibility, offering a $100 minimum investment.
Core Capabilities
- Low Minimum: $100 entry point for individual property investments
- Monthly Distributions: Regular cash flow from rental income
- No Accreditation Required: Open to all investors
- Notable Backing: Investors include Jeff Bezos and Marc Benioff
- Secondary Market: Launched in 2025, with monthly trading windows for eligible shares, though liquidity depends on matching buyers and sellers
Fee Considerations
Arrived's fee structure varies by product and offering. Arrived's current fee materials describe AUM fees generally ranging from 0.1% to 0.30% per quarter, with other property-level or transaction fees depending on the specific offering. Fee comparisons are product-specific and vary by transaction stage and fund structure.
Projected Returns
Some third-party reviews report Arrived projected total returns in the 6% to 10% range combining income and appreciation, but actual cash distributions vary by property, fund, and period.
Best For: Investors wanting property-level control at the lowest possible minimum without accreditation requirements.
4. Ark7
Ark7 offers fractional ownership in residential rental properties with one of the lowest entry points in the industry at $20 minimum.
Platform Highlights
- Ultra-Accessible: $20 minimum investment
- Monthly Distributions: Regular income payments
- No Accreditation Required: Open to all investors
- Residential Focus: Single-family rentals and other residential property types such as multifamily
- Mobile App: Available for convenient portfolio management
Investment Structure
Each property is held in an LLC structure, with investors receiving proportional ownership and income distributions based on their share.
Best For: Investors seeking the absolute lowest entry point for individual property investments in residential real estate.
5. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul provides access to commercial real estate through both non-traded REITs and individual deals, serving both accredited and non-accredited investors through different product offerings.
Investment Options
- Income REIT: $5,000 minimum, targeting a 3.0% annualized distribution rate; note that the Income REIT is currently paused for new investors pending an offering-circular update
- Private Placements: Minimums vary by offering and are generally in the tens of thousands of dollars; limited to accredited investors
- Commercial Focus: Office, retail, multifamily, and industrial properties
- Quarterly Distributions: Income paid quarterly
REIT Liquidity
The Income REIT has historically offered a limited share-repurchase program, which RealtyMogul states was paused as of April 2026.
Best For: Investors interested in commercial real estate diversification with options for both accredited and non-accredited participation.
6. EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple focuses on commercial real estate with a variety of investment structures across the capital stack, though access is limited to accredited investors.
Investment Structures
- Equity Deals: Higher risk/return profile targeting above-average returns
- Preferred Equity: Mid-range risk/return profile
- Debt Investments: Lower risk/return profile targeting income-oriented yields
- Fund Options: Diversified exposure across multiple properties
Selection Process
EquityMultiple vets private real estate investments before making them available to investors through its FINRA-licensed screening process, though a precise current public acceptance rate has not been disclosed.
Minimum Investment
EquityMultiple states that vetted investments may be available for as little as $5,000, though minimums vary by offering and can be higher. Annual fees of 0.5% to 1.5% plus deal-level costs apply.
Best For: Accredited investors seeking commercial real estate exposure with flexibility across the capital stack.
7. Willow Wealth, formerly Yieldstreet
Willow Wealth, formerly Yieldstreet, distinguishes itself by offering diversified alternative investments beyond real estate, including private credit, art, and other asset classes.
Multi-Asset Approach
- Diversified Alternatives: Real estate plus credit, art, marine, and legal finance
- Accreditation: Most individual deals require accreditation, while the Alternative Income Fund is available to non-accredited investors
- Minimum Investment: $10,000 for most opportunities, though some deals may require higher minimums
- Income Focus: Emphasis on cash-flowing investments
Beyond Real Estate
For investors seeking portfolio diversification beyond traditional real estate, Willow Wealth provides access to alternative asset classes not available on real estate-focused platforms.
Best For: Accredited investors seeking diversified alternative investments spanning multiple asset classes beyond real estate.
Why mogul Stands Out as the Top CrowdStreet Alternative
Institutional Expertise Made Accessible
mogul was founded by Goldman Sachs real estate alumni who brought over $10 billion in institutional deal experience to build a platform accessible to everyday investors. This pedigree translates into rigorous property selection where less than 1% of reviewed properties make it onto the platform, selectivity comparable to CrowdStreet's institutional standards.
The Right Balance of Accessibility and Control
mogul pairs accessible entry with genuine property-level control, giving investors the ability to make meaningful, asset-level investment decisions without the six-figure minimums or accreditation requirements common to institutional commercial real estate platforms.
Monthly Income Without the Headaches
Unlike platforms that distribute quarterly, mogul provides monthly rental income distributions. The platform handles all property management, tenant coordination, and operational responsibilities, delivering headache-free ownership where investors receive actual rental income, not projections.
Aligned Interests Through Co-Investment
mogul invests alongside platform investors in every property offered. This co-investment model ensures the platform's success is directly tied to investor outcomes, a level of alignment that sets mogul apart.
Distinctive Risk Protection
mogul's first-year protection covering up to $10,000 in losses is a distinctive feature in the fractional real estate space. This feature provides meaningful downside protection for new investors while they build familiarity with the platform.
Tools for Informed Decision-Making
mogul provides free investment calculators that analyze any U.S. property address, including a specialized Airbnb calculator for short-term rental analysis. These tools use the same data and underwriting models employed by institutional investors, empowering individuals to make informed investment decisions.
Strong Performance Track Record
mogul reports an 18.8% average annual return across platform investments, a strong track record that compares favorably with the S\&P 500's 9.8% over comparable periods.
For investors who want the institutional-quality deal selection of CrowdStreet without the high minimum and accreditation requirements, mogul offers the most compelling combination of accessibility, performance, and investor protection. Browse available properties to see current investment opportunities, or learn more about how mogul works.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making any financial or investment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fractional real estate investing and how does it differ from traditional ownership?
Fractional real estate investing allows multiple investors to own portions of a single property, typically through an LLC structure. Unlike traditional ownership where you need a full down payment (often $50,000 to $250,000 or more), fractional platforms let you invest with as little as a few hundred dollars. You receive proportional rental income and appreciation without managing tenants, maintenance, or property operations.
How do real estate investment platforms generate returns for investors?
Platforms generate returns through three primary mechanisms: monthly or quarterly rental income distributions, property appreciation over time, and tax benefits including depreciation deductions. mogul offers monthly distributions from actual rental income, while platforms like Fundrise say most funds offer quarterly liquidity, subject to limitations. Hold periods and liquidity vary by platform, fund, and offering; many private real estate investments should be treated as long-term and illiquid, even where limited redemption or secondary-market options exist.
What are the typical risks associated with investing through real estate platforms?
Key risks include property value decline, vacancy periods reducing income, illiquidity (most investments are locked for extended periods), and platform-specific risks. mogul addresses some of these concerns with its first-year protection covering up to $10,000 in losses. All platforms require due diligence, and mogul's less than 1% acceptance rate reflects rigorous property vetting.
Are there specific requirements or accreditation needed to invest in these platforms?
Requirements vary significantly. CrowdStreet and EquityMultiple require accreditation, which typically means $200,000+ annual income or $1 million+ net worth (excluding primary residence), or meeting certain professional-credential criteria; SEC data estimated that roughly 18.5% of U.S. households met the financial criteria in 2022. mogul, Fundrise, Arrived Homes, and Ark7 are open to all investors regardless of accreditation status.
How do platforms like mogul provide liquidity to investors in fractional real estate?
Most fractional real estate investments are illiquid for the property hold period. mogul is developing a secondary market where investors can sell shares at fair market value, calculated monthly through third-party appraisal data. Fundrise says most funds offer quarterly liquidity, subject to limitations, while Arrived launched a secondary market in 2025, with monthly trading windows for eligible shares and no guarantee of liquidity.
What kind of due diligence do these platforms conduct on properties?
Due diligence rigor varies by platform. mogul accepts fewer than 1% of properties reviewed, using proprietary underwriting models developed from institutional real estate experience. CrowdStreet says all deals undergo review by a FINRA-licensed screening team, and historically well below 10% of opportunities make it through the process. EquityMultiple vets private real estate investments before making them available to investors, though a precise current public acceptance rate has not been disclosed.