Top 5 Private REITs Investing Platforms 2026

If you’re looking to diversify beyond stocks and bonds, private REITs are one of the most powerful tools you can add to your portfolio. Pairing them with a self-directed IRA can take that strategy even further by adding tax advantages. In this article, we’ll walk through the top platforms for private REITs, what to watch for, and how a self-directed IRA, like one from IRA Financial, can enhance your retirement planning.

What Are Private REITs and Why They Matter

Private REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, are investment vehicles that pool money to buy real estate such as multifamily housing, office buildings, retail centers, or industrial parks. Unlike public REITs, they are not traded on stock exchanges. They offer investors:

• A way to diversify beyond stocks and bonds
• Potential income from property distributions
• Access to institutional-grade real estate typically out of reach for individual investors

These are considered alternative assets, meaning they behave differently than traditional investments and can help reduce portfolio volatility when used strategically.

Who Private REITs Are Best Suited For

Private REITs make the most sense for investors who:

• Have a long-term horizon of five years or more
• Want income along with diversification
• Can tolerate lower liquidity since these aren’t traded daily like stocks
• May qualify as accredited investors, depending on the platform and deal

Risks and Considerations

Before investing, it’s important to understand:

• Liquidity: You usually can’t sell shares instantly, and some platforms require holding periods
• Accreditation: Many private REIT opportunities are only open to accredited investors
• Transparency and regulation: Private REITs don’t have the same reporting requirements as public REITs, so due diligence is essential
• Fees: Management and performance fees vary widely. Always check each platform’s fee schedule

Top 5 Private Real Estate Investing Platforms

Here are the top platforms to consider in 2026, listed in no particular order.

1. Fundrise

Best for: Broad access with low minimums

Fundrise allows investors to participate in private real estate through REIT-like funds with entry points as low as $10. It’s approachable for both accredited and non-accredited investors and offers diversified portfolios of private real estate assets. Annual fees are typically around 1 percent of assets under management.

Why it stands out:

• Very low barrier to entry
• Multiple portfolio strategies including income, growth, and balanced
• User-friendly platform with strong educational resources

Investor suitability: Retail and accredited investors

2. RealtyMogul

Best for: Income-focused private REITs with moderate minimums

RealtyMogul offers both project-level real estate deals and private REITs, including income-focused funds with minimum investments around $5,000. Some opportunities allow redemption after a specific holding period.

Why it stands out:

• Access to individual properties and private REITs
• Monthly or quarterly dividend distributions
• Reasonable investment minimums

Investor suitability: Investors seeking moderate entry points into private real estate

3. Yieldstreet (now Willow Wealth)

Best for: Alternative investment exposure including private REITs

Yieldstreet, rebranded as Willow Wealth, offers private market alternatives across multiple asset classes, including real estate funds that function similarly to private REITs. Some offerings require accredited status, but some managed funds are accessible with lower minimums.

Why it stands out:

• Wide range of alternative investment opportunities
• Managed fund options for diversified exposure
• Established platform with millions invested cumulatively

Investor suitability: Accredited investors seeking diversified alternatives

4. CrowdStreet

Best for: Institutional-grade commercial real estate

CrowdStreet provides accredited investors direct access to commercial real estate deals, including funds resembling private REITs. Minimum investments are typically higher, around $25,000, and the platform focuses on large-scale properties with institutional sponsors.

Why it stands out:

• High-quality institutional property placements
• Transparent underwriting
• Robust reporting tools

Investor suitability: Accredited investors with higher capital to deploy

5. Blackstone BREIT (via Private Placement)

Best for: Large-scale, professionally managed private REITs

BREIT, or Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, is accessed through private placements and financial intermediaries. It is one of the largest private REITs and provides diversified exposure to commercial real estate managed by an experienced team.

Why it stands out:

• Managed by one of the largest alternative asset firms
• Broad property diversification
• Long track record compared with many private REITs

Investor suitability: Accredited and institutional investors comfortable with larger minimums

Real Estate Investing Inside Your Self-Directed IRA

A major advantage that often gets overlooked is placing private REITs inside a self-directed IRA with a custodian like IRA Financial.

Why it matters:

• Tax-advantaged growth: Real estate income and gains can grow tax-deferred in a Traditional IRA or tax-free in a Roth IRA
• Diversification within retirement: You’re diversifying not just your taxable portfolio but also your retirement assets
• Control and flexibility: A self-directed IRA lets you hold private REITs not available through standard brokerages

This approach is particularly useful for investors looking to combine income-producing alternative assets with long-term tax growth.

FAQs About Private REIT Investing

Q: Are private REITs liquid?

A: Generally no. They are less liquid than publicly traded REITs, and redemptions are typically limited to certain periods or minimum holding terms.

Q: Do I need to be accredited?

A: Many private REITs, especially larger deals, require accreditation. Some platform-wide funds, however, are available to non-accredited investors.

Q: What are typical fees?

A: Fees vary by platform and fund structure. They may include management, performance, or organizational fees. Always review each offering’s fee schedule.

Is a Self-Directed IRA Right for You?

If you’re serious about retirement diversification and want to leverage tax advantages, a self-directed IRA through IRA Financial can be a powerful way to hold private REITs alongside other alternative assets. With this structure, you keep control and flexibility while allowing your retirement savings to grow efficiently.

Take Action

Explore how a self-directed IRA can help you invest in private REITs and other alternative assets. Request a consultation with an IRA Financial New Accounts Specialist to understand your options, requirements, and how to get started. Strategic, flexible, and tax-efficient investing could make your retirement look very different.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Any rankings, ratings, or opinions expressed reflect the views of IRA Financial based on internal research, listed criteria, and publicly available data at the time of publication. Rankings are subjective and may not be suitable for all investors. Readers should independently evaluate all options and consult with qualified advisors prior to making financial decisions.