Best CrowdStreet Competitors

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Written By
Jeremy Biberdorf
Updated
Dec 02, 2024
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Quick Breakdown

Best CrowdStreet Competitors


  • Best for investors focusing on grocery-anchored commercial real estate.

  • Ideal for those seeking a mix of debt, equity, and preferred equity investments in commercial real estate.

  • A great option for nonaccredited investors looking for diverse REIT investments.
In today's dynamic financial landscape, real estate remains a cornerstone for diversified investment portfolios. As the industry evolves, online platforms like CrowdStreet have revolutionized how individuals engage with real estate investments, offering unique opportunities beyond traditional avenues.

In this article, we explore CrowdStreet, understand its strengths and limitations, and examine its competitors. Whether you're an accredited investor or an everyday enthusiast looking to expand your real estate portfolio, understanding these platforms is key to making informed investment decisions.

What is CrowdStreet?

CrowdStreet has emerged as a prominent player in the realm of online real estate investment. Launched in 2014 and based in Portland, Oregon, the platform grants accredited investors direct access to a wide array of commercial real estate projects.

With over 550 investment offerings and a significant number of fully realized investments, CrowdStreet stands out for its institutional-quality opportunities. The platform specializes in diverse real estate deals, ranging from individual properties to comprehensive funds, providing a unique blend of choice and flexibility to investors.

For a comprehensive dive into CrowdStreet, check out my full review.

CrowdStreet Pros & Cons

Pros

● User-friendly interface with a helpful chatbot feature.

● Access to institutional-quality real estate offerings.

● Detailed investment information readily available upon account setup.

Cons

● Exclusively for accredited investors, limiting accessibility.

● High minimum investment requirements.

● No options for early withdrawals, impacting liquidity.

Why Seek Alternatives to CrowdStreet?

While CrowdStreet offers substantial benefits, it's not one-size-fits-all. Its exclusivity to accredited investors and high investment minimums may deter a broader investor base. Additionally, the lack of early withdrawal options poses liquidity concerns for some investors.

These limitations prompt the need to explore alternatives that might offer lower entry barriers, different real estate segments, or varied investment structures. Diversifying across different platforms can also spread risk and open up new opportunities in the dynamic real estate market.

Check out my list of the best real estate crowdfunding platforms – you can explore more options and compare and contrast.

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Top Three CrowdStreet Competitors

First National Realty Partners Logo Learn More

First National Realty Partners

4.9 stars
Minimum Investment $50,000
Best For Commercial real estate
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Clear and consistent property acquisition criteria.
  • Strong relationships with major retail and grocery chains.
  • Simple diversification options through fund investments.
First National Realty Partners, founded in 2015 in New Jersey, caters exclusively to accredited investors. The platform specializes in grocery-anchored commercial real estate, offering a unique niche in the market. Investors can choose between individual properties or Opportunity Funds, with holding periods ranging from three to seven years. The platform's distinct focus on grocery-anchored properties provides a stable income stream, considering the essential nature of these establishments.
As a relatively newer player in the real estate investment sphere, First National Realty Partners has quickly established its credibility. The company's focus on grocery-anchored real estate sets it apart, offering investors a stable and recession-resistant investment option. Their transparent investment criteria and strong tenant relationships highlight their strategic approach to property selection and portfolio management.
Read Full Review
EquityMultiple Logo Learn More

EquityMultiple

4.5 stars
Minimum Investment $10,000
Best For Commercial real estate
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Focus on commercial and institutional real estate.
  • Offers a variety of investment types, including debt and equity.
  • Recently expanded into tax-advantaged real estate investments.
EquityMultiple stands out for its almost exclusive focus on commercial and institutional real estate. The platform offers a mix of investment options, including senior debt, preferred equity, and equity investments, catering to a wide range of investor preferences.

Additionally, the inclusion of tax-advantaged investments like 1031 exchanges and Opportunity Zones broadens its appeal. The platform's distribution frequency, which varies between monthly and quarterly, offers flexibility and regular income potential.

Since its inception, EquityMultiple has positioned itself as a leader in crowdfunded real estate investment, particularly in the commercial sector. The company’s expansion into tax-advantaged investments and fund products reflects its commitment to offering diversified and innovative investment solutions. With a user-friendly platform and a diverse array of investment options, EquityMultiple caters to a broad base of accredited investors.
Read Full Review
Fundrise Logo Learn More

Fundrise

4.6 stars
Account Minimum $10
Best For REIT Investments
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Low entry point suitable for everyday investors.
  • Offers a variety of REIT investment tiers.
  • Capped annual fees and intuitive platform navigation.
Fundrise democratizes real estate investment, making it accessible to a wider audience, including non accredited investors. With an entry point as low as $10, it opens up the real estate market to those who don’t have significant capital.

Fundrise specializes in REITs and offers different membership plans like Starter, Supplemental Income, Balanced Investing, and Long-Term Growth. Each plan is tailored to specific investment goals, offering flexibility and choice to investors.

Since its launch, Fundrise has been a game-changer in the real estate crowdfunding space. Its emphasis on accessibility and affordable entry points has allowed a broader segment of the population to participate in real estate investing. With a track record of solid returns and an easy-to-use platform, Fundrise continues to be a go-to choice for both novice and experienced investors seeking exposure to the real estate market.
Read Full Review

Final Thoughts

CrowdStreet, with its focus on commercial real estate and high entry barriers, suits accredited investors seeking quality and exclusivity. Click here if you believe CrowdStreet is the right platform for you.

However, platforms like First National Realty Partners, EquityMultiple, and Fundrise offer viable alternatives with their distinct investment focuses and structures. While First National Realty Partners and EquityMultiple remain exclusive to accredited investors, Fundrise opens the door for nonaccredited individuals.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual investment goals, capital availability, and risk appetite. Diversifying across these platforms can offer a balanced and robust real estate investment portfolio.

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Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. He’s a father of 2 beautiful girls, a dog owner, a long-time online entrepreneur and an investing enthusiast.

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