6 CrowdStreet Alternatives

When evaluating CrowdStreet alternatives for real estate crowdfunding, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you need institutional-grade commercial deals or accessible, liquid residential rental investments. While CrowdStreet excels at connecting accredited investors with high-yield commercial real estate opportunities, many investors seek platforms offering lower entry barriers, individual property selection, and liquidity options. This comprehensive guide examines the top CrowdStreet alternatives, with particular emphasis on why Ark7 emerges as the superior choice for investors seeking fractional ownership of rentals.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 leads as the top CrowdStreet alternative – Offers the lowest investment minimum ($20), secondary trading market for liquidity, and access for non-accredited investors
• CrowdStreet focuses on commercial real estate – Requires $25,000 minimum investment and accredited investor status with no liquidity options
• Accessibility defines Ark7 – Democratizes real estate investing through fractional shares starting at $20 with monthly passive income
• Liquidity is unique to Ark7 – Only platform offering a secondary trading market through PPEX ATS
• Choose by investor profile – Ark7 for accessible residential rentals; CrowdStreet for high-net-worth commercial exposure

Understanding CrowdStreet: A commercial-focused platform for accredited investors

CrowdStreet positions itself as a commercial real estate investment platform connecting accredited investors with institutional-quality deals across office, industrial, and multifamily properties. With over $4.5 billion invested across 790+ deals since 2014, the platform serves high-net-worth individuals seeking direct access to commercial real estate opportunities.

Key CrowdStreet Strengths:

• Impressive historical performance with 19.7% realized IRR and 1.59x equity multiple
• Extensive deal selection with 790+ commercial real estate opportunities
• Institutional-quality assets including office buildings, industrial properties, and multifamily complexes
• Direct sponsor relationships providing transparency into development and management teams

Significant Limitations:

• High investment minimum of $25,000 per deal excludes most retail investors
• Accredited investor requirement only – no access for non-accredited investors
• No liquidity options – typical 3-5 year hold periods with no secondary market
• Complex tax reporting often requiring K-1 partnership returns instead of simple 1099 forms

With its focus on commercial real estate and accredited investors, CrowdStreet serves a specific high-net-worth demographic but leaves significant gaps for everyday investors seeking accessible real estate exposure.

Top 6 CrowdStreet Alternatives Ranked

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

Ark7 revolutionizes real estate investing by offering fractional ownership in individual, cash-flowing rental properties with investment minimums as low as $20 per share. Through SEC Regulation A+ qualification, Ark7 democratizes access to real estate investing for both accredited and non-accredited investors, enabling anyone 18+ to invest in rental homes.

Key Ark7 Advantages:

• Lowest investment minimum in the industry at $20 per share – 1,250x lower than CrowdStreet’s $25,000 minimum
• Secondary trading market through PPEX ATS providing liquidity options unavailable on competing platforms
• Open to non-accredited investors through SEC Reg A+ qualification
• Monthly passive income distributions from rental cash flow
• Simple 1099 tax reporting instead of complex K-1 partnership returns
• Individual property selection with full transparency into specific rental homes
• Debt-free investment options available for conservative investors seeking leverage-free exposure

Accessibility and Liquidity Capabilities:

Unlike CrowdStreet’s accredited-only, illiquid commercial deals, Ark7’s platform enables investors to purchase shares in specific single-family and multifamily rental properties across Sunbelt markets. The Ark7 Mobile App makes investing as easy as stock trading, allowing users to discover properties, track monthly dividends, and manage their portfolio from their smartphone.

Proven Performance and Transparency:

Ark7’s focus on residential rental properties has delivered consistent results for investors:

• $3.5 million+ in cash dividends paid to investors as of March 2024
• $23 million+ in property value funded across 25+ individual properties
• 220,000+ active investors demonstrating strong user adoption
• 4.7/5 App Store rating from 1,300+ reviews highlighting ease of use and transparency

The platform’s commitment to operational transparency means investors have 24/7 access to complete legal and financial disclosure for every property, ensuring informed investment decisions.

IRA Investment Options:

Ark7 also offers IRA investment capabilities through Inspira Financial Company as custodian, allowing investors to use retirement funds to purchase rental property shares. This provides additional tax advantages while maintaining the same accessibility and transparency as regular accounts.

2. Fundrise: The diversified REIT-style alternative

Fundrise serves as a real estate investment trust (REIT) platform offering diversified exposure to residential and commercial real estate through professionally managed funds. With over 400,000 investors and $1 billion+ in annual deployment, Fundrise provides broad real estate exposure through a fund-based approach.

Key Fundrise Advantages:

• Lowest minimum investment at $10 entry point
• Diversified portfolios reducing property-specific concentration risk
• Professional portfolio management eliminating individual property selection
• Quarterly dividend payments from rental income and appreciation
• IRA accounts available with $1,000 minimum initial investment

Significant Limitations:

• Blind pool model with no individual property selection
• Quarterly (not monthly) distributions limiting cash flow frequency
• ~1% annual fees reducing net returns
• 5+ year recommended holding period limiting short-term liquidity

Fundrise represents a solid choice for investors prioritizing diversification and low fees over individual property control and higher potential returns.

3. Arrived Homes: The single-family rental specialist

Arrived Homes focuses exclusively on single-family residential rental properties, offering fractional ownership in both long-term and vacation rental homes. Founded in 2019, the platform specializes in residential real estate with a particular emphasis on short-term rental (Airbnb-style) properties.

Key Arrived Advantages:

• Individual property selection allowing investors to choose specific homes
• Low entry point at $100 minimum investment
• Quarterly dividend payments from rental income
• Large user base with tens of thousands of active investors and strong adoption

Platform Limitations:

• Quarterly (not monthly) distributions limiting cash flow frequency
• 5-7 year typical holding periods reducing short-term liquidity
• 1% annual fee plus property management costs from rental income
• No IRA investment option limiting tax-advantaged opportunities

Arrived serves investors specifically interested in single-family residential rentals but lacks the liquidity and lower minimum investment of Ark7.

4. RealtyMogul: The hybrid REIT and private placement platform

RealtyMogul offers a hybrid model combining REIT investments for non-accredited investors with private placement opportunities for accredited investors. The platform provides access to both residential and commercial real estate through multiple investment structures.

Key RealtyMogul Strengths:

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

Significant 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 middle ground between fully accredited platforms and accessible options but still maintains higher barriers to entry than Ark7.

5. EquityMultiple: The accredited investor commercial platform

EquityMultiple serves accredited investors with access to commercial real estate debt and equity investments across multiple structures. The platform offers diverse investment options including senior debt, preferred equity, and common equity positions.

Key EquityMultiple Advantages:

• Commercial real estate focus – specialized exposure to business properties
• Institutional underwriting standards – rigorous deal selection process
• Professional asset management – experienced operators managing properties
• Diverse investment structures – debt and equity opportunities

Platform Limitations:

• Accredited investors only – no access for non-accredited investors
• High entry barriers – substantial minimum investments required
• Limited residential exposure – minimal single-family rental options
• Long investment horizons – illiquid, long-term commitments

EquityMultiple serves sophisticated accredited investors seeking commercial real estate exposure but maintains the same accessibility barriers as CrowdStreet.

6. Landa: The mobile-first micro-investment platform

Landa offers a mobile-first approach to fractional real estate investing with a focus on micro-investments in residential rental properties. The platform emphasizes user-friendly mobile experiences and very low investment minimums.

Key Landa Advantages:

• Mobile-first design optimized for smartphone investing
• Low investment minimums making real estate accessible to small investors
• User-friendly interface designed for beginner investors
• Residential rental focus with emphasis on single-family homes

Platform Limitations:

• Limited property selection compared to established platforms
• Newer platform with less operational history and track record
• Uncertain liquidity options with limited secondary market capabilities
• Smaller scale with fewer properties and investors than major competitors

Landa represents an emerging option for mobile-focused investors but lacks the proven track record, liquidity options, and operational transparency of Ark7.

Why Ark7 stands out for accessible real estate investing

Ark7’s dominance in accessible real estate investing stems from several unique advantages. The platform’s democratized access model ensures that real estate investing isn’t limited to high-net-worth individuals, with investment minimums starting at $20 compared to CrowdStreet’s $25,000 barrier.

Secondary market liquidity represents Ark7’s killer feature, providing investors with the ability to sell shares after the minimum holding period through the PPEX ATS. This addresses the traditional illiquidity of real estate investments and provides flexibility unavailable on competing platforms.

The proven residential rental focus has delivered consistent monthly passive income to investors, with properties professionally managed to ensure stable cash flow. Unlike commercial real estate platforms that require sophisticated evaluation of complex assets, Ark7’s residential rental properties are straightforward, understandable investments.

Operational transparency ensures investors have complete access to legal and financial disclosure for every property, enabling informed decision-making. The mobile app experience makes managing real estate investments as convenient as stock trading, with real-time portfolio tracking and dividend monitoring.

Specific use cases where each platform excels

Choose Ark7 when:

• Seeking the lowest possible entry barrier ($20 minimum)
• Requiring liquidity options through secondary market trading
• Wanting individual property selection with full transparency
• Prioritizing monthly passive income from residential rentals
• Needing access as a non-accredited investor
• Seeking IRA investment capabilities for tax-advantaged real estate exposure

Select other platforms for:

• Institutional commercial real estate deals with highest potential returns (CrowdStreet for accredited investors only)
• Maximum diversification through REIT-style funds with lowest fees (Fundrise)
• Single-family rental specialization with vacation rental exposure (Arrived)
• Hybrid REIT and private placement access for different investor types (RealtyMogul)
• Commercial real estate debt and equity structures for sophisticated accredited investors (EquityMultiple)
• Mobile-first micro-investing in emerging platforms (Landa)

Technical capabilities showdown

Investment Minimums:

• Ark7: $20 per share – lowest in the industry
• Fundrise: $10 but fund-only approach
• Arrived: $100 per property
• RealtyMogul/EquityMultiple: $5,000+ for individual deals
• CrowdStreet: $25,000 per deal

Liquidity Options:

• Ark7: Secondary trading market through PPEX ATS
• Fundrise: Limited quarterly redemptions (not guaranteed)
• Other platforms: No secondary market – typical 3-7 year hold periods

Investor Accessibility:

• Ark7: Open to non-accredited investors (18+, U.S. residents)
• Fundrise: Open to non-accredited investors
• RealtyMogul: REITs for non-accredited, private placements for accredited only
• CrowdStreet/EquityMultiple: Accredited investors only

Tax Reporting:

• Ark7: Simple 1099 forms
• CrowdStreet: Complex K-1 partnership returns
• Fundrise: 1099-DIV forms
• Other platforms: Varies by structure, often K-1 forms

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the ideal CrowdStreet alternative depends on your specific requirements, investment goals, and accessibility needs. Ark7 emerges as the clear winner for accessible, liquid residential real estate investing, combining the lowest entry barrier with unique liquidity options and full operational transparency.

For investors seeking to build real estate wealth without the traditional barriers of high minimums, accreditation requirements, and illiquidity, Ark7 provides the optimal balance of accessibility and performance. The platform’s proven track record with 220,000+ investors, $3.5 million+ in dividends paid, and 4.7/5 app ratings validates its effectiveness for retail investors.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between CrowdStreet and Ark7?

The primary differences between CrowdStreet and Ark7 center on accessibility and asset focus. CrowdStreet requires a $25,000 minimum investment and is restricted to accredited investors only, while Ark7 offers shares starting at $20 and is open to all U.S. investors 18+. CrowdStreet focuses on commercial real estate with 19.7% realized IRR, while Ark7 specializes in residential rental properties with monthly passive income. Most importantly, Ark7 provides a secondary trading market for liquidity, while CrowdStreet investments are typically illiquid for 3-5 years.

How does fractional real estate investing work on Ark7, and what are the minimum investment amounts?

Fractional real estate investing on Ark7 works by allowing investors to purchase shares representing ownership in specific rental properties. Each property is structured as a separate series LLC, and investors own shares proportional to their investment. The minimum investment amount is $20 per share, making it the most accessible real estate crowdfunding platform in the industry. Investors receive monthly cash distributions from rental income and have the potential for property appreciation.

Can I invest in real estate through an IRA on Ark7?

Yes, Ark7 offers IRA investment capabilities through Inspira Financial Company as the custodian. Investors can open both Traditional and Roth IRAs to purchase rental property shares, providing tax-advantaged real estate exposure. The annual custodian fee is $100 per property (capped at $400 annually) but is waived for accounts with average balances exceeding $100,000. There is no opening fee from Ark7, making it an accessible option for retirement-focused real estate investing.

What fees are associated with investing in real estate crowdfunding platforms?

Ark7 maintains a transparent fee structure with 3% sourcing fees on property acquisition and 8-15% of rental income for property management and platform services. This compares favorably to competitors: Fundrise charges 1% total fees, Arrived charges 3.5-5% sourcing fees plus 0.15-0.30% quarterly AUM fees, and RealtyMogul charges up to 4.75% annually on REITs. Importantly, Ark7 has no hidden fees, with all costs clearly disclosed upfront as part of their commitment to operational transparency.

How can I ensure transparency and liquidity when choosing a real estate crowdfunding alternative?

Ark7 addresses both transparency and liquidity concerns directly through its platform features. For transparency, the platform provides 24/7 access to complete legal and financial disclosure for every property, ensuring investors can make fully informed decisions. For liquidity, Ark7 is the only major platform offering a secondary trading market through PPEX ATS, allowing investors to sell shares after the minimum holding period. This combination of full transparency and liquidity options makes Ark7 uniquely positioned to address the traditional concerns of real estate crowdfunding investments.