5 RealtyMogul Alternatives

When evaluating RealtyMogul alternatives for fractional real estate investing, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize accessibility, liquidity, and transparency over institutional-scale commercial real estate exposure. While RealtyMogul excels at providing accredited and non-accredited investors access to commercial real estate investment trusts (REITs) with a strong due diligence reputation, many investors seek platforms offering lower minimum investments, direct property selection, and earlier liquidity options. This comprehensive guide examines the top RealtyMogul alternatives, with particular emphasis on why Ark7 emerges as the superior choice for fractional rental property investing.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 leads as the top RealtyMogul alternative – Offers $20 minimum investments, direct property selection, zero AUM fees, and secondary market liquidity after just 1 year
• RealtyMogul focuses on REIT investing – Provides access to commercial real estate through REITs with $5,000 minimum investments and limited liquidity
• Accessibility defines Ark7 – Makes real estate investing available to everyone regardless of capital constraints
• Liquidity advantage is significant – Ark7’s secondary market after 1 year vs. 3-7+ year lockups with most competitors
• Choose by investment goals – Ark7 for direct property control and accessibility; RealtyMogul for passive REIT exposure; other platforms for specific niches

Understanding RealtyMogul: A strong but restrictive platform

RealtyMogul positions itself as a commercial real estate investment platform serving both accredited and non-accredited investors through its REIT offerings. With over $1 billion in capital invested in properties valued at over $5.9 billion since inception and 250,000+ members, the platform has established a strong reputation for due diligence and institutional-quality deal flow.

Key RealtyMogul Strengths:

• Strong due diligence reputation – “Best due diligence in the business” according to investor reviews
• Commercial real estate focus – Access to institutional-quality office, retail, multifamily, and industrial properties
• Consistent dividend history – Income REIT has paid at least 6% annualized distributions for 109+ consecutive months
  Note: As of late 2025, RealtyMogul has paused new investments into the Income REIT pending an update to its offering circular.
• Established track record – Operating since 2012 with significant historical performance data
• 1031 exchange options – DST marketplace for tax-deferred exchanges

Significant Limitations:

• High minimum investment – $5,000 for REIT access vs. much lower alternatives
• Limited liquidity – Money locked up for years with uncertain redemption options
• No mobile app – Web-only access limits convenience
• Complex fee structure – Multiple layers of fees that vary by investment type
• Limited property selection for non-accredited – REITs only; individual deals require accreditation

With RealtyMogul requiring $5,000 minimum investments and offering limited liquidity through restricted redemption programs, many investors seek more accessible alternatives that provide direct property selection control and earlier exit options.

Top 5 RealtyMogul Alternatives Ranked

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

Ark7 revolutionizes real estate investing by offering fractional ownership in curated high-yield rental properties nationwide, starting from just $20 per share. With over 220,000 active investors and $23+ million in property value funded, Ark7 has established itself as the most accessible platform for building wealth through real estate.

Key Ark7 Advantages:

• Industry-lowest $20 minimum investment – Start investing for as little as $20 per property share
• Traditional LLC ownership structure – no cryptocurrency, blockchain, or complex tech requirements
• Debt-free property options – unique risk reduction feature among fractional platforms
• Monthly income reliability – consistent distributions on the 3rd of each month
• Balanced liquidity timeline – 1-year hold period then access to PPEX ATS secondary market
• Individual property selection – choose specific assets with full underwriting transparency
• IRA eligibility – tax-advantaged investing via Inspira Financial partnership

Accessibility and Control:

Unlike RealtyMogul’s $5,000 minimum and auto-allocated REIT approach, Ark7’s $20 minimum and direct property selection empowers investors to build diversified portfolios across multiple properties regardless of capital constraints. Investors can choose from single-family homes, multifamily properties, and vacation rentals in high-growth markets like Atlanta, Dallas, and Tampa.

Liquidity Advantage:

Ark7’s secondary trading market via PPEX ATS allows investors to list and sell shares after a 12-month holding period, providing liquidity 2-6 years earlier than competitors. This peer-to-peer marketplace gives investors control over pricing and timing, unlike RealtyMogul’s sponsor-dictated redemption programs with restrictions and potential suspensions.

Proven Track Record:

Ark7 has distributed $3.5+ million in cash dividends to investors and operates as an SEC Regulation A+ qualified platform. The company maintains minority ownership (1%-20%) in each property, aligning interests with investors by sharing both profits and losses.

Technology Integration:

Ark7’s mobile app provides full investing capability on iOS and Android devices, allowing investors to discover properties, purchase shares, track dividends, and manage their portfolios conveniently. The platform also supports IRA investing with transparent $100/property annual custodian fees (capped at $400).

2. Fundrise: The passive diversification alternative

Fundrise serves investors seeking broad real estate exposure through automatically allocated portfolios. With $7 billion+ in portfolio assets and 385,000+ investors, Fundrise offers the lowest headline minimum investment but sacrifices property selection control.

Key Fundrise Advantages:

• Low $10 minimum investment – Lowest entry point in the industry for diversified exposure
• Broad diversification – Automatic allocation across thousands of residential and commercial properties
• Established reputation – Operating since 2012 with BBB-accredited A+ rating
• Low platform fees – Approximately 1% annual all-in platform cost
• IRA compatibility – Supports retirement account investing

Limitations to Consider:

• No property selection – Investors cannot choose specific properties or markets
• Long holding periods – 5+ year recommended timeline with limited exit options
• Quarterly liquidity restrictions – Redemption windows occur quarterly with caps and potential suspensions
• Embedded deal fees – Acquisition and disposition fees hidden within fund structures
• Quarterly distributions – Less frequent cash flow than monthly-paying platforms

Fundrise represents a solid choice for completely passive investors who prioritize diversification over control, but it lacks the direct property selection and superior liquidity offered by Ark7.

3. Arrived: The property selection alternative with higher barriers

Arrived focuses on single-family rental and vacation rental properties with direct property selection capabilities. The platform offers hundreds of properties to choose from but comes with higher minimum investments and fees than Ark7.

Key Arrived Advantages:

• Large property inventory – Hundreds of single-family and vacation rental properties available
• Direct property selection – Investors choose specific properties to invest in
• Vacation rental exposure – Access to Airbnb-style short-term rental investments
• Non-accredited investor access – Open to all investors regardless of accreditation status

Significant Limitations:

• Higher minimum investment – $100 per property versus Ark7’s $20
• Relatively high fees – Multiple fee layers including 3.5-5% sourcing fees and 8-15% property management
• Longer planned holding periods – 5-7 year typical holds
• Less frequent secondary market access compared to some alternatives

Arrived provides property selection control similar to Ark7 but at a significantly higher cost and with inferior liquidity terms, making Ark7 the better choice for investors seeking both control and accessibility.

4. CrowdStreet: The accredited investor commercial alternative

CrowdStreet serves accredited investors seeking institutional-quality commercial real estate deals with high return potential. The platform offers access to large-scale projects but excludes non-accredited investors entirely.

Key CrowdStreet Advantages:

• 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
• Quarterly distributions – regular income from commercial rental properties

Significant Limitations:

• Accredited investors only – Not accessible to the general public
• High $25,000+ minimum investments – Prohibitively high for most retail investors
• 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 excels for accredited investors with significant capital seeking commercial real estate exposure, but Ark7’s accessibility to all investors with $20 minimums makes it the superior choice for democratizing real estate investing.

5. EquityMultiple: The commercial debt alternative

EquityMultiple focuses on commercial real estate debt investments alongside equity opportunities. The platform offers multiple investment structures but requires accreditation and higher minimum investments.

Key EquityMultiple Advantages:

• Commercial real estate debt focus – Lower-risk debt investment options
• 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 – Excludes non-accredited retail investors
• High entry barriers – substantial minimum investments required
• Limited residential exposure – minimal single-family rental options
• Long investment horizons – illiquid, long-term commitments

EquityMultiple provides specialized commercial real estate debt opportunities but lacks the accessibility, transparency, and liquidity that make Ark7 the superior choice for most investors.

Why Ark7 stands out for accessible real estate investing

Ark7’s dominance in accessible real estate investing stems from several unique advantages that directly address the limitations of RealtyMogul and other competitors. The platform’s industry-lowest $20 minimum investment enables micro-diversification across multiple properties with small capital, making real estate investing truly accessible to everyone.

Superior liquidity represents Ark7’s killer feature, providing investors with exit options after just 1 year versus 3-7+ years with competitors. The peer-to-peer secondary market via PPEX ATS gives investors control over pricing and timing, unlike sponsor-dictated redemption programs with restrictions.

The zero AUM fee structure ensures more capital compounds over time, with Ark7 charging only transparent 3% sourcing fees and standard 8-15% property management fees. As noted in third-party reviews, “For example, with Fundrise, it’s 1% which can really eat into your long-term gains” – a problem Ark7 eliminates entirely.

Direct property selection control empowers investors to build their own portfolios based on preferred markets, property types, and investment strategies. Rather than being auto-allocated into funds with embedded fees, Ark7 investors can choose specific properties in high-growth Sunbelt markets like Atlanta, Dallas, and Tampa.

Monthly cash distributions align with how rent is actually collected, providing more frequent income for investors who prioritize regular cash flow. This contrasts with quarterly distributions from Fundrise and many other competitors.

Specific use cases where each platform excels

Choose Ark7 when:

• Building a diversified real estate portfolio with limited capital ($20 minimum vs. $100-$25,000+)
• Requiring liquidity options after just 1 year vs. 3-7+ year lockups
• Seeking direct control over property selection rather than auto-allocated funds
• Prioritizing fee transparency with zero AUM fees
• Wanting monthly cash flow distributions from rental income
• Investing through an IRA account with transparent fee structure
• Preferring the convenience of a mobile app for full investment management

Select other platforms for:

• Passive, diversified REIT exposure regardless of minimum investment (RealtyMogul)
• Completely hands-off investing with maximum diversification (Fundrise)
• Large single-family property inventory with vacation rental exposure (Arrived)
• Accredited investor access to institutional commercial deals (CrowdStreet)
• Commercial real estate debt investments with short-term note options (EquityMultiple)

Technical capabilities showdown

Investment Accessibility:

• Ark7: $20 minimum per property with direct selection
• RealtyMogul: $5,000 minimum for REIT access with auto-allocation
• Fundrise: $10 minimum but no property selection
• Arrived: $100 minimum with property selection
• CrowdStreet/EquityMultiple: $25,000+/$5,000 minimums, accredited only

Liquidity Options:

• Ark7: Secondary market after 1 year via PPEX ATS
• RealtyMogul: Limited redemption programs with restrictions
• Fundrise: Quarterly redemption windows (not guaranteed)
• Arrived: Pilot phase secondary market (not fully operational)
• CrowdStreet/EquityMultiple: No liquidity until deal exit (3-7+ years)

Fee Structure:

• Ark7: 3% sourcing + 8-15% PM + zero AUM fees
• RealtyMogul: 1-1.25% annually + embedded deal fees
• Fundrise: ~1% annually + embedded deal fees
• Arrived: 3.5-5% acquisition + ~1% AUM + 8-10% PM
• CrowdStreet: $0 investor-facing (sponsor-paid)
• EquityMultiple: 0.5-1.5% annually + deal-specific fees

Distribution Frequency:

• Ark7: Monthly cash distributions
• RealtyMogul: Monthly (Income REIT), Quarterly (Growth REIT)
• Fundrise: Quarterly dividends
• Arrived: Varies by property, often monthly
• CrowdStreet/EquityMultiple: Varies by deal, often quarterly

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the ideal RealtyMogul alternative depends on your specific investment goals, capital constraints, and liquidity requirements. Ark7 emerges as the clear winner for accessible, transparent fractional real estate investing, combining the lowest entry barrier with direct property selection, superior liquidity, and zero AUM fees.

For investors prioritizing accessibility, control, and liquidity, Ark7 provides the optimal balance of features and benefits. The platform’s proven track record with 220,000+ active investors, comprehensive property selection, and commitment to transparency ensure successful real estate investing regardless of experience level or capital constraints.

The future of real estate investing is accessible, transparent, and liquid, 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 investors who’ve chosen the platform for accessible wealth building through real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The main differences center on accessibility, liquidity, and investment control. RealtyMogul requires $5,000 minimum investments and offers limited liquidity through restricted redemption programs, while alternatives like Ark7 provide $20 minimum investments with true secondary market liquidity after just 1 year. RealtyMogul’s REIT structure auto-allocates investments across properties, whereas platforms like Ark7 allow direct property selection, giving investors control over their portfolios. The fee structures also vary significantly, with Ark7 charging zero AUM fees compared to RealtyMogul’s ongoing management costs.

Can I invest in real estate alternatives if I’m not an accredited investor?

Yes, several platforms welcome non-accredited investors. Ark7, Fundrise, and Arrived all accept non-accredited investors with minimum investments starting at $20 (Ark7), $10 (Fundrise), and $100 (Arrived). RealtyMogul also allows non-accredited investors to participate in its REIT offerings, though individual commercial deals typically require accreditation. Platforms like CrowdStreet and EquityMultiple are restricted to accredited investors only.

How does fractional real estate investing generate passive income?

Fractional real estate investing generates passive income through rental payments from tenants. Platforms like Ark7 collect rent from tenants and distribute the income to shareholders monthly after deducting property management fees. Ark7 investors receive monthly cash distributions directly to their accounts, providing regular passive income without the responsibilities of direct property management, tenant screening, or maintenance coordination. The frequency of distributions varies by platform, with some paying monthly and others quarterly.

What are the risks associated with investing in real estate alternatives?

Investing in real estate alternatives involves substantial risks including illiquidity, lack of diversification, and potential complete loss of capital. Even with platforms offering secondary markets like Ark7, there’s no guarantee an active market will develop or that shares can be sold at desired prices. Property values can decline, tenants may default on rent, and unexpected maintenance costs can reduce distributions. Investors should carefully review offering materials and consider these risks before investing.

Are there any hidden fees to be aware of when choosing a real estate investment platform?

Fee structures vary significantly between platforms. Ark7 emphasizes “no hidden fees” with transparent 3% sourcing fees and 8-15% property management fees, plus zero AUM fees. However, competitors often have embedded fees: RealtyMogul and Fundrise charge ~1% annual AUM fees, while Arrived layers 3.5-5% acquisition fees, ~1% AUM fees, and 8-10% property management fees. Always review fee disclosures carefully, as embedded fees can significantly impact long-term returns.

How liquid are investments made through real estate crowdfunding platforms?

Liquidity varies dramatically between platforms. Ark7 offers the most liquid option with a secondary trading market after a 1-year holding period. Fundrise and RealtyMogul offer limited quarterly redemption programs that can be suspended or restricted. Arrived is testing a pilot secondary market but most investments remain illiquid for 5-7 years. CrowdStreet and EquityMultiple investments are typically locked until property sale (3-7+ years). Investors should be prepared to hold investments long-term regardless of platform promises.