6 EquityMultiple Alternatives

When evaluating EquityMultiple alternatives for real estate crowdfunding, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you need accredited investor access to commercial properties or accessible fractional ownership of rental homes. While EquityMultiple serves accredited investors with $5,000+ minimums for institutional-grade commercial real estate, many investors seek platforms offering lower entry points, monthly income distributions, and accessibility without accreditation requirements. This comprehensive guide examines the top EquityMultiple alternatives, with particular emphasis on why Ark7 emerges as the superior choice for fractional real estate investing.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 leads as the top EquityMultiple alternative – Offers $20 minimum investment, monthly distributions, secondary market liquidity, and no accreditation requirements
• EquityMultiple focuses on accredited investors – Requires accreditation with $5,000+ minimums for commercial real estate deals
• Monthly income is unique to Ark7 – Only platform offering monthly (not quarterly) passive income distributions
• Accessibility defines Ark7 – Opens real estate investing to everyone with simple 1099 tax forms instead of complex K-1s
• Choose by investor type – Ark7 for everyday investors; EquityMultiple for accredited investors seeking commercial exposure

Understanding EquityMultiple: A powerful but exclusive platform

EquityMultiple positions itself as a commercial real estate investment platform serving accredited investors with access to institutional-quality deals. With strong historical performance and a rigorous 5% deal acceptance rate, the platform combines comprehensive due diligence with professional asset management that appeals to sophisticated investors.

Key EquityMultiple Strengths:

• Institutional-grade commercial deals with only 5% of reviewed deals accepted
• Strong historical performance with targeted double-digit returns
• Multiple investment types including common equity, preferred equity, and senior debt
• Professional asset management with active monitoring throughout investment lifecycle

Significant Limitations:

• Accredited investors only – excludes 90%+ of potential investors
• High minimum investment – $5,000-$25,000+ per deal
• Poor customer service reviews – 2.3/5 Trustpilot rating with communication issues cited
• Tax complexity – K-1 forms often delayed, affecting investor tax filing
• No liquidity options – investments typically illiquid for 2-7+ years

With its focus on institutional commercial real estate and accredited investor requirements, EquityMultiple serves a specific market segment but leaves everyday investors seeking accessible fractional real estate ownership.

Top 6 EquityMultiple Alternatives Ranked

1. Ark7: The best overall alternative for accessible fractional real estate

Ark7 revolutionizes real estate investing by making rental property ownership accessible to everyone with just $20 and no accreditation requirements. With 220,000+ active investors and $23+ million in property value funded, Ark7 enables everyday investors to build wealth through fractional ownership of cash-flowing rental properties.

Key Ark7 Advantages:

• Lowest minimum investment at just $20 per share
• Monthly passive income distributions – only platform offering monthly (not quarterly) payouts
• Secondary market liquidity through PPEX ATS trading after 1-year hold
• No accreditation required – open to all U.S. investors
• Simple 1099 tax reporting instead of complex K-1 forms
• Direct property selection – pick specific rental homes vs. fund-based investing
• Transparent fee structure with 3% acquisition and 8-15% property management fees

Accessibility and Income Focus:

Unlike EquityMultiple’s accredited-only approach, Ark7’s fractional real estate investing model democratizes real estate ownership for everyday investors. The platform’s monthly distribution schedule provides consistent cash flow for income-focused investors, while the $3.5+ million in dividends demonstrates proven rental income generation.

Proven Results:

Ark7’s effectiveness is validated by platform metrics and user feedback:

• 220,000+ active investors as of March 2025
• $23+ million in property value funded across residential rental properties
• $3.5+ million in cash dividends paid to investors
• Trustpilot rating of 4.1/5 based on 235 reviews

Integration Ecosystem:

Ark7 offers comprehensive investment options through its mobile app for iOS and Android, enabling investors to discover properties, track distributions, and manage shares on the go. The platform also supports IRA investing for retirement-focused investors, with partnerships with Inspira Financial Company as custodian.

2. Fundrise: The lowest-fee diversified alternative

Fundrise serves as a comprehensive real estate investment platform combining low fees with automated portfolio diversification. With 385,000+ investors and $3B+ in assets under management, Fundrise offers an accessible entry point for investors seeking hands-off real estate exposure.

Key Fundrise Advantages:

• Lowest entry point at $10 minimum investment
• Longest track record with 12+ years of proven 8-12% historical returns
• Diversified portfolios combining commercial and residential properties to reduce single-property risk
• Hands-off investing with managed portfolios requiring no property selection

Limitations to Consider:

• No direct property selection – fund-based investing only, can’t pick specific properties
• Limited liquidity – quarterly redemptions with penalties and processing delays
• Lower current yields – recent dividend yields vary
• Customer service complaints – email-based support criticized for slow response times

Fundrise represents a solid choice for investors prioritizing low fees and automated diversification, but it lacks the direct property control and monthly income of Ark7.

3. Arrived: The direct property selection alternative

According to a report by CRE Daily, Arrived has over 300,000 users and serves investors seeking direct property selection with vacation rental exposure. With access to both traditional rentals and short-term vacation properties, Arrived offers a unique blend of residential real estate investing options.

Key Arrived Advantages:

• Vacation rental options in addition to traditional long-term rentals
• Strong backing from notable investors including Jeff Bezos
• Property-level data providing transparency into individual asset performance
• $100 minimum investment making it accessible to moderate investors

Platform Limitations:

• Long hold periods of 5-7 years typical with potential early exit penalties
• Less frequent dividends paid quarterly rather than monthly
• Limited secondary market in development with uncertain liquidity

Arrived excels for investors wanting vacation rental exposure and direct property selection, but it lacks Ark7’s monthly income and secondary market liquidity.

4. CrowdStreet: The commercial real estate alternative

CrowdStreet serves accredited investors with access to large-scale commercial development projects. With extensive commercial real estate options and institutional-quality deals, CrowdStreet provides an alternative path to commercial exposure similar to EquityMultiple.

Key CrowdStreet Strengths:

• Institutional-quality commercial deals – direct access to commercial properties typically unavailable to individuals
• Comprehensive due diligence – extensive offering materials and property analysis
• Accredited investor focus – tailored to sophisticated investor needs and requirements
• Individual deal selection – investors choose specific commercial properties
• Diversified commercial exposure – office, retail, industrial, and multifamily properties

Significant Limitations:

• Accredited investor only – excludes non-accredited investors from participation
• Very high minimum investments – typically $25,000-100,000 minimum per deal
• Limited liquidity – no secondary market trading options available
• Commercial focus only – no residential property exposure
• Complex investment decisions – requires sophisticated real estate analysis capabilities

CrowdStreet represents a viable alternative to EquityMultiple for accredited investors seeking commercial real estate exposure, but it shares the same accessibility barriers.

5. RealtyMogul: The mixed-access commercial alternative

RealtyMogul offers a hybrid approach with both accredited and non-accredited investment options. The platform provides access to commercial real estate through REITs (no accreditation required) and direct deals (accredited only), creating a middle ground between accessibility and institutional exposure.

Key RealtyMogul Advantages:

• Mixed investor access – REITs for non-accredited, direct deals for accredited investors
• Established track record – operating since 2012 with proven performance
• Professional management – experienced team with institutional backing
• IRA support – retirement account investing available

Platform Limitations:

• Higher minimum investments – $5,000+ for most opportunities
• Complex investment structures – REIT and fund options require deeper understanding
• Limited property selection – REITs provide fund-level diversification without individual property choice
• Accreditation requirements – most attractive opportunities require accredited status

RealtyMogul provides a pathway to commercial real estate for both accredited and non-accredited investors, but it lacks the residential rental focus and monthly income of Ark7.

6. Yieldstreet: The alternative assets platform

Yieldstreet serves primarily accredited investors with access to alternative assets including real estate, marine finance, and art. With $10,000+ minimum investments and a focus on high-net-worth individuals, Yieldstreet provides diversified alternative exposure beyond just real estate.

Key Yieldstreet Strengths:

• Alternative asset diversification – real estate, marine, art, and other non-traditional assets
• Institutional-quality deals – vetted opportunities with professional management
• Multiple asset classes – diversification beyond just real estate
• Professional underwriting – comprehensive due diligence on all opportunities

Significant Limitations:

• Primarily accredited investors – limited options for non-accredited investors
• High minimum investments – $10,000+ for most opportunities
• Complex fee structures – costs vary by asset class and investment type
• Limited real estate focus – real estate is just one of many alternative assets
• K-1 tax forms – complex reporting for most investments

Yieldstreet serves sophisticated investors seeking alternative asset diversification, but it doesn’t provide the focused residential real estate approach of Ark7.

Why Ark7 stands out for accessible fractional real estate

Ark7’s dominance in accessible fractional real estate stems from several unique advantages. The platform’s ultra-low entry point of just $20 per share makes real estate ownership possible for investors with very limited capital, while the monthly distribution schedule provides consistent cash flow unmatched by quarterly-paying competitors.

Accessibility and inclusivity represent Ark7’s core mission, enabling all U.S. investors to participate regardless of accreditation status. The platform’s secondary market liquidity through PPEX ATS provides the best exit option in fractional real estate investing, allowing investors to sell shares after a 1-year minimum hold period rather than waiting for property sales.

The proven track record of $3.5+ million in cash dividends paid to 220,000+ investors validates Ark7’s effectiveness in generating rental income. The platform’s focus on residential rental properties provides stable, predictable cash flow compared to the higher volatility of commercial real estate or alternative assets.

Tax simplicity through 1099 forms instead of complex K-1s reduces filing complexity and eliminates the delays often experienced with EquityMultiple and other K-1 platforms. This streamlined tax reporting makes year-end filing more manageable for investors and reduces accountant fees.

Specific use cases where each platform excels

Choose Ark7 when:

• Seeking the lowest possible entry point at $20 per share
• Requiring monthly passive income distributions for cash flow needs
• Wanting secondary market liquidity after 1-year hold period
• Needing accessibility without accreditation requirements
• Preferring simple 1099 tax forms instead of complex K-1s
• Desiring direct control over specific rental property selection
• Wanting to invest IRA funds in real estate for retirement

Select other platforms for:

• Accredited investor access to commercial real estate (EquityMultiple, CrowdStreet)
• Lowest fees with automated diversification (Fundrise)
• Vacation rental property exposure (Arrived)
• Mixed accreditation access to commercial deals (RealtyMogul)
• Alternative asset diversification beyond real estate (Yieldstreet)

Investment features comparison

Minimum Investment:

• Ark7: $20 per share – industry’s lowest
• Fundrise: $10 – lowest overall but fund-based only
• Arrived: $100 – accessible for direct property selection
• EquityMultiple: $5,000+ – accredited only
• CrowdStreet: $25,000+ – accredited only

Distribution Frequency:

• Ark7: Monthly – only platform offering monthly income
• Fundrise: Quarterly – standard industry frequency
• Arrived: Quarterly – standard industry frequency
• EquityMultiple: Varies by deal – typically quarterly or less frequent
• CrowdStreet: Varies by deal – typically quarterly or less frequent

Investor Requirements:

• Ark7: No accreditation required – open to all U.S. investors
• Fundrise: No accreditation required – open to all U.S. investors
• Arrived: No accreditation required – open to all U.S. investors
• EquityMultiple: Accredited only – excludes most investors
• CrowdStreet: Accredited only – excludes most investors

Tax Reporting:

• Ark7: 1099 forms – simple, straightforward reporting
• Arrived: 1099 forms – simple, straightforward reporting
• EquityMultiple: K-1 forms – complex, often delayed
• Fundrise: K-1 forms – complex reporting
• CrowdStreet: K-1 forms – complex reporting

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the ideal EquityMultiple alternative depends on your specific investor status, capital availability, and investment goals. Ark7 emerges as the clear winner for everyday investors seeking accessible fractional real estate ownership with monthly income and liquidity options.

For non-accredited investors, those with limited capital, or income-focused investors seeking monthly distributions, Ark7 provides the optimal balance of accessibility, income generation, and liquidity. The platform’s proven track record with 220,000+ investors, comprehensive mobile app, and IRA investment options ensure successful real estate investing for everyday investors.

The future of real estate investing is accessible, and Ark7 leads the charge in democratizing rental property ownership for every investor. Start building your real estate portfolio today with Ark7’s $20 minimum investment and join the growing community of successful investors who’ve chosen the platform for their fractional real estate needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between EquityMultiple and other real estate crowdfunding platforms?

The main differences center on accessibility and investment focus. EquityMultiple requires accredited investor status with $5,000+ minimums for commercial real estate, while platforms like Ark7 offer $20 minimums with no accreditation requirements for residential rentals. EquityMultiple focuses on institutional commercial deals with complex K-1 tax forms, while Ark7 provides accessible fractional ownership with simple 1099 reporting and monthly income distributions. These differences make Ark7 more suitable for everyday investors, while EquityMultiple serves accredited investors seeking commercial exposure.

Can I invest in an EquityMultiple alternative with a small amount of money?

Yes, several EquityMultiple alternatives accept small investments. Ark7 offers the lowest entry point at just $20 per share for fractional ownership of rental properties. Fundrise accepts investments as low as $10 for diversified real estate funds, while Arrived requires $100 minimum investments for direct property selection. These platforms make real estate investing accessible to investors with limited capital, unlike EquityMultiple’s $5,000+ minimum.

Are there EquityMultiple alternatives for non-accredited investors?

Yes, several strong alternatives exist for non-accredited investors. Ark7 is specifically designed for everyday investors with no accreditation requirements, offering $20 minimum investments in residential rental properties. Fundrise and Arrived also accept non-accredited investors with $10 and $100 minimums respectively. These platforms democratize real estate investing by removing the accreditation barrier that limits access to EquityMultiple and similar commercial real estate platforms.

How does fractional real estate investing compare to REITs?

Fractional real estate investing through platforms like Ark7 provides direct ownership in specific properties with transparent property details and monthly rental income distributions. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) offer fund-based investing with automated diversification across multiple properties but less direct control. Ark7’s fractional model allows investors to buy shares in specific rental properties with full transparency into property details, while REITs like those offered by Fundrise provide broader exposure with less granular control over individual investments.

What are the risks associated with alternative real estate investments?

Alternative real estate investments carry substantial risks including illiquidity, lack of diversification, and potential complete loss of capital. While Ark7 offers secondary market liquidity after a 1-year hold period, there’s no guarantee an active market will develop for any shares. All real estate investments are subject to market fluctuations, property-specific risks, and economic conditions that can affect rental income and property values. Investors should carefully review offering materials and consult with financial advisors before investing.

How can I ensure liquidity for my real estate crowdfunding investments?

Liquidity in real estate crowdfunding is limited by nature, but Ark7 provides the best option through its PPEX ATS secondary trading platform. After a 1-year minimum holding period, Ark7 investors can sell shares to other investors on this regulated marketplace. Most competitors offer limited or no liquidity: Fundrise provides quarterly redemptions (not guaranteed), Arrived requires 6-month holds with limited liquidity, while EquityMultiple and CrowdStreet offer no secondary market options, requiring investors to hold until property sales or investment maturity.