In today’s digitized world, real estate investing is no longer confined to the traditional methods of knocking on doors or attending local auctions.
With the rapid evolution of technology, there’s an app for almost every facet of real estate investing, offering more efficient, streamlined processes and data-driven insights at your fingertips.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking to expand your portfolio or a novice eager to dive into the lucrative world of property investing, the right app can make all the difference. On the Call Porter blog, we understand the significance of staying updated with the latest tools in the industry. Thus, we’ve curated a list of the top 12 real estate investing apps to consider in 2024. Dive in to discover how these apps can elevate your real estate investing game!
1. Fundrise
Overview:
Fundrise offers a unique approach to real estate investing, focusing on eREITs (electronic Real Estate Investment Trusts) and eFunds. By pooling funds from multiple investors, the platform allows individuals to invest in real estate ventures that might be out of reach for a solo investor. It’s democratizing the real estate investing landscape, making commercial and high-end projects accessible even for those with limited capital.
Key Features:
- Diverse Portfolio: Allows users to invest in a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional-quality real estate.
- Transparency: Detailed insights into properties, performance metrics, and management fees, ensuring users have a clear view of where their money is going.
- Low Minimums: With a relatively low entry point, even beginner investors can start building their real estate portfolio.
- Passive Investing: For those looking to earn returns without the hassle of property management, Fundrise manages the properties and distributes dividends to investors.
Why It Stands Out:
Fundrise’s approach to crowdfunded real estate investing is groundbreaking. It breaks down financial barriers and provides a platform for diverse investment opportunities, which is especially beneficial for those new to the real estate market or those wanting to diversify their portfolio without huge capital outlay.
2. Yieldstreet
Overview:
Yieldstreet is a unique investment platform that offers a variety of alternative asset classes, including real estate. This app strives to provide investors with opportunities that were previously hard to access or required significant capital. By diversifying into assets like real estate, marine finance, and even art, Yieldstreet provides a fresh take on achieving potential high yields.
Key Features:
- Diverse Asset Classes: Apart from real estate, Yieldstreet allows investments in legal, marine, and commercial finance, creating a well-rounded portfolio.
- Short Investment Horizons: Many of their investment options offer shorter durations, typically 1-3 years, allowing for quicker returns.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed to provide a seamless experience, offering clear visuals, easy navigation, and comprehensive investment details.
- Auto-Invest Option: For those looking to automate their investment strategy, the app offers the option to set and forget, ensuring they don’t miss out on potential opportunities.
Why It Stands Out:
What sets Yieldstreet apart is its democratization of alternative investments. The platform not only brings unconventional assets to everyday investors but does so with a clarity and transparency that is often lacking in the alternative investment space. For real estate enthusiasts, this app offers a way to diversify their portfolio and potentially enhance returns.
3. DiversyFund
Overview:
DiversyFund stands out as a real estate crowdfunding platform dedicated to making alternative investments, particularly real estate, accessible to the average investor. Unlike other platforms that may cater primarily to accredited investors, DiversyFund is open to everyone, irrespective of income or net worth.
Key Features:
- No Accreditation Required: One of DiversyFund’s standout features is its commitment to democratize real estate investing by removing the accreditation barrier.
- Vertical Integration: The platform uniquely owns and operates the properties in its portfolio, providing more control over the investment and potentially reducing fees.
- Growth REIT: Their primary offering, the Growth REIT, focuses on multifamily real estate, aiming to deliver passive income and capital appreciation to investors.
- Transparent Reporting: DiversyFund provides regular updates on property performance, construction progress, and other relevant data to keep its investors informed.
Why It Stands Out:
DiversyFund’s vertically integrated model differentiates it from many competitors. By having a hand in every aspect of the real estate investment process, from acquisition to renovation and management, it offers a level of insight and transparency that can be reassuring for new and seasoned investors alike. Plus, the no accreditation requirement ensures that a wider audience can tap into the benefits of real estate investing.
4. Realtor.com
Overview:
Realtor.com, operated by Move, Inc., is one of the most trusted and comprehensive real estate listings platforms. Not only does it serve home buyers and sellers, but it also offers a wealth of resources for investors looking to capitalize on market trends, find investment properties, or simply stay informed about the ever-evolving real estate landscape.
Key Features:
- Extensive Listings: Realtor.com boasts a massive database of properties, ranging from residential to commercial, ensuring investors have a broad spectrum of choices.
- Up-to-Date Information: With a commitment to accuracy, the platform regularly updates listings, ensuring that investors have the latest details at their fingertips.
- Interactive Map Searches: Users can harness the power of map-based searches to zero in on particular neighborhoods, study local market trends, and identify potential investment hotspots.
- Investment Tools: The platform offers a variety of tools and calculators, such as mortgage calculators and property valuation tools, to aid investors in making informed decisions.
Why It Stands Out:
Realtor.com differentiates itself with its commitment to accuracy and timeliness. While many platforms aggregate data, Realtor.com’s affiliation with the National Association of Realtors ensures a higher standard of listing integrity. For investors, this translates to reliable information, fewer missed opportunities, and a dependable resource for all things real estate.
5. Auction.com
Overview:
Auction.com is a leading platform dedicated to providing a marketplace for distressed properties, including foreclosures and bank-owned homes (REOs). Catering primarily to real estate investors looking for below-market deals, this app has revolutionized the way distressed properties are bought and sold, making the process transparent and accessible.
Key Features:
- Wide Range of Listings: From residential homes to commercial properties, Auction.com offers a vast array of distressed listings ripe for investment.
- Intuitive Search Filters: Users can tailor their search based on property type, location, auction type, and more, ensuring they find the deals best suited to their investment strategy.
- Live Auctions: Beyond online listings, Auction.com hosts live mega-auctions in various locations, giving investors the thrill of real-time bidding.
- Detailed Property Insights: Every listing comes with comprehensive information, including property details, photographs, neighborhood data, and often a due diligence package to aid informed decision-making.
Why It Stands Out:
Auction.com stands out because of its niche focus on distressed properties, a segment of the market that can offer lucrative returns for informed investors. The platform’s commitment to transparency, with detailed property insights and a seamless bidding process, ensures that investors have a clear understanding of what they’re bidding on, reducing potential risks.
6. Happy Nest
Overview:
HappyNest is an innovative real estate investing app that offers everyday investors a chance to tap into the commercial real estate market through REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). With a focus on simplicity and accessibility, HappyNest aims to demystify the process of investing in real estate, making it as easy as saving spare change.
Key Features:
- Low Entry Point: With an investment threshold as low as $10, HappyNest is perfect for beginners and those looking to dip their toes into real estate without significant capital.
- Passive Income: Invest in dividend-paying commercial real estate properties and enjoy potential returns without the hassle of property management.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app’s clean design and straightforward navigation make it easy even for those new to investing.
- Diversified Portfolio: HappyNest’s REIT approach means investors are pooling funds into a diverse array of properties, spreading risk and maximizing potential returns.
Why It Stands Out:
HappyNest’s strength lies in its simplicity. The platform breaks down barriers, both financial and informational, allowing a broader audience to embrace real estate investing. Whether you’re an experienced investor looking for diversification or a newbie starting your investment journey, HappyNest offers an uncomplicated and accessible avenue to grow your wealth.
7. BiggerPockets
Overview:
BiggerPockets isn’t just an app; it’s a community. As one of the largest online real estate networks, BiggerPockets provides a comprehensive platform for investors, both novice and seasoned, to learn, network, and find deals. It’s the go-to hub for those seeking knowledge, resources, and connections in the real estate investing world.
Key Features:
- Educational Resources: BiggerPockets boasts an extensive collection of articles, podcasts, forums, and webinars, ensuring that members are well-informed about the latest in real estate investing.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow investors, real estate professionals, and service providers to build your network and collaborate on deals.
- Marketplace: A place to find and list investment properties, services, and deals, making it easier for members to take actionable steps in their investing journey.
- Property Analysis Tools: Handy calculators help investors evaluate potential deals, assess profitability, and make informed investment decisions.
Why It Stands Out:
BiggerPockets is more than just a tool—it’s a thriving ecosystem of real estate enthusiasts. The platform’s emphasis on education and community sets it apart. Here, you’re not just accessing resources; you’re becoming part of a supportive network that can be instrumental in driving success in your real estate ventures.
8. Arrived Homes
Overview:
Arrived Homes offers a fresh twist on real estate investing, allowing individual investors to co-own rental homes. Through this fractional ownership model, users can start building their real estate portfolios without needing to buy entire properties. By pooling resources, investors can enjoy the benefits of property ownership and rental income with a much lower barrier to entry.
Key Features:
- Fractional Ownership: Invest in pieces of rental homes, enjoying the benefits of ownership without the full financial burden.
- Passive Income: As properties generate rental income, investors receive their share of the proceeds, providing a passive income stream.
- Curated Properties: The Arrived Homes team selects properties based on a rigorous analysis, ensuring that they offer solid investment potential.
- Transparent Fees: The platform provides clarity on all associated fees, so investors understand the costs and potential returns on their investments.
Why It Stands Out:
Arrived Homes fills a unique niche in the real estate investing app space. By offering fractional ownership of rental properties, they break down financial barriers and open up real estate investing to a much broader audience. For those hesitant about diving fully into property ownership or those looking to diversify their investment across multiple properties, Arrived Homes offers an attractive and accessible solution.
9. Mashvisor
Overview:
Mashvisor is a robust real estate analytics platform geared towards helping investors find lucrative rental properties across the U.S. With a strong focus on data-driven insights, Mashvisor streamlines the property search and analysis process, making it easier for investors to make informed decisions and maximize returns.
Key Features:
- Rental Property Analysis: Instantly get insights on potential rental income, costs, cash flow, cap rate, and more for any property, saving hours of manual calculations.
- Interactive Property Finder: Utilize heat maps and customizable search filters to identify the best neighborhoods and properties based on your investment criteria.
- Comparative Market Analysis: Understand local real estate trends, compare potential investments, and get a clearer picture of the market dynamics.
- Airbnb Data: Mashvisor offers insights not just on traditional rentals but also provides data on Airbnb rental income, occupancy rates, and more, catering to short-term rental investors.
Why It Stands Out:
Mashvisor’s power lies in its data-centric approach. Rather than sifting through countless listings and manually crunching numbers, investors can use Mashvisor to instantly gauge the potential of a property or area. The platform’s blend of traditional and Airbnb data also provides a comprehensive view, catering to varied rental strategies. For investors aiming to optimize their real estate decisions based on hard data, Mashvisor is a game-changer.
10. Crowdstreet
Overview:
CrowdStreet is a premier online commercial real estate investing platform, providing individual investors access to institutional-quality deals. By connecting investors directly with real estate sponsors and developers, CrowdStreet democratizes access to high-caliber investment opportunities that were traditionally reserved for the very wealthy or large institutions.
Key Features:
- Curated Investment Opportunities: CrowdStreet’s team meticulously vets each opportunity, ensuring that only the top-tier deals make it to the platform.
- Diverse Offerings: Investors can choose from a broad range of commercial real estate projects, including multifamily, retail, office, industrial, and more.
- Transparent Process: The platform offers a wealth of information about each investment, including detailed project descriptions, financial projections, and risk assessments.
- Investor Dashboard: Users can track their investments, monitor project updates, and manage their portfolio through a streamlined dashboard.
Why It Stands Out:
CrowdStreet’s standout feature is its commitment to democratizing commercial real estate investing. By offering direct access to institutional-quality deals, the platform ensures that individual investors can play in the big leagues. Additionally, CrowdStreet’s rigorous vetting process and transparent approach mean that investors can participate with confidence, knowing they have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
11. Arrived Homes
Overview:
Arrived Homes is a real estate investing app that allows individuals to invest in rental properties by purchasing shares in individual homes. It is designed to make the process of investing in rental properties accessible and straightforward, even for those who may not have substantial capital to invest in real estate directly.
Key Features:
- Minimum Investment: $100, making it accessible to a broader range of investors.
- Investment Type: Single-family rental property.
- User-Friendly Platform: The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Passive Income Stream: Provides a steady cash flow for investors through rental properties.
Why It Stands Out:
Arrived Homes stands out for its unique model of allowing investors to own fractions of rental properties, lowering the barrier to entry in the real estate market. It offers potential for income through both rental yields and property appreciation. This app is particularly appealing to investors looking for a passive income stream and those interested in the real estate market without the high capital usually required.
12. Groundfloor
Overview:
Groundfloor is a real estate investing platform that specializes in short-term, high-yield real estate debt investments. It focuses on providing real estate loans for renovation projects, making it an excellent option for those interested in fix-and-flip projects.
Key Features:
- Minimum Investment: $10, allowing for broad accessibility.
- Investment Type: Fix and flip individual properties.
- No Fees for Investors: The borrowers pay the fees associated with the loans.
- Open to Non-Accredited Investors: Making it accessible to a wider audience.
Why It Stands Out:
Groundfloor is notable for its low minimum investment requirement, which democratizes access to real estate investing. Its focus on short-term, high-yield debt investments is appealing for those looking for potentially higher returns in a shorter time frame. The platform’s specialization in renovation projects offers a niche opportunity for investors interested in this particular area of real estate.
Final Thoughts
The digital age has brought a revolution to the world of real estate investing. With the array of apps available today, opportunities once reserved for the well-connected or the elite are now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and a dream. From fractional property ownership to data-driven property analytics, these platforms are democratizing the playing field, offering new and seasoned investors alike the tools they need to succeed.
Choosing the right app depends largely on your investment goals, preferred property types, and your appetite for risk. Some platforms are better suited for passive income seekers, while others cater to those who relish the thrill of a live auction or the challenge of property flipping. What’s undeniable is that these tools, when used wisely, can open doors to financial growth and portfolio diversification.
As with any investment, it’s crucial to do your due diligence, educate yourself, and remain informed about market trends. Fortunately, with apps like the ones listed in this article, that task is made significantly easier. Dive in, explore, and let the exciting world of real estate investing unfold at your fingertips.
