FinanceWrite Tests The Best Real Estate Investing Platforms
We ❤️ real estate. We test and compare the top real estate platforms so anyone can start building passive income.
See the latest rankings for February 2026 ↓
Side-by-Side Comparison
Tap any platform to see how it stacks up.
| Feature | Fundrise | Arrived | Ark7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $10 | $100 | $20 |
| Annual Fees | 1% total | 0.15% AUM + 8% mgmt | 3% sourcing + 8-15% |
| Avg. Annual Returns | 4.8% income | 3.7% – 5.4% dividends | ~4% – 6% dividends |
| Accreditation | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Payout Frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Property Types | Commercial, Residential | Single-Family Rentals | SFH, Multi-Family, STR |
| Liquidity | Quarterly Redemption | 5-7 Yr Hold | Secondary Market |
| IRA Available | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Our Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Our Top Picks for 2026
Fundrise is the gold standard for beginner-friendly real estate investing. With just $10, you get instant access to a diversified portfolio of private real estate and venture capital investments. The platform handles everything — sourcing deals, managing properties, and distributing returns. Their Flagship Fund has no early redemption penalty, and the 1% total fee is among the lowest in the industry.
What We Like
- Lowest minimum at just $10
- Simple, transparent 1% fee structure
- No accreditation required
- IRA accounts available
- Quarterly redemption with no penalty (Flagship Fund)
Watch Out For
- Investments are illiquid by nature
- 1% early withdrawal fee on eREITs held <5 years
- Returns are not guaranteed
Arrived lets you browse and invest in actual single-family rental properties and vacation homes — it feels like shopping on Zillow but with a "buy shares" button. Backed by Jeff Bezos, Marc Benioff, and the CEO of Uber, this platform has serious credibility. In Q2 2025 alone, investors collected over $2.39 million in dividends. They also launched a secondary market and City Funds in 2025, giving investors more flexibility.
What We Like
- Pick specific rental properties to invest in
- Backed by Jeff Bezos and top VCs
- $100 minimum is very accessible
- Both long-term & vacation rental options
- New secondary market for liquidity
Watch Out For
- 5-7 year typical holding period
- Early redemption fees in first 2 years
- Still a newer platform (founded 2019)
Ark7 stands out with its $20 per share entry point and monthly dividend payouts — you get paid on the 3rd of every month. Founded by an ex-Google engineer, the platform covers properties across 10 states including California, Texas, and Illinois. The built-in secondary market lets you sell shares after a minimum holding period, giving you more control than most competitors.
What We Like
- Just $20 per share to get started
- Monthly dividend payments
- Secondary market for selling shares
- IRA accounts supported
- Properties across 10+ states
Watch Out For
- 3% sourcing fee on each property
- 8-15% management fee is higher than peers
- 1-year minimum holding period on most deals
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Complete Beginner
Start with Fundrise — just $10 to begin, simple interface, diversified portfolio, and the lowest fees in the space.
Want to Pick Properties
Go with Arrived — browse actual rental homes, pick the ones you like, and own fractional shares starting at $100.
Monthly Income Focus
Choose Ark7 — monthly dividends on the 3rd, shares from $20, and a secondary market to sell when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
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