Real estate is no longer just about buying a home or an office building. Thanks to online platforms, investors now have access to professionally managed property deals that generate income and diversify their portfolios. This is why income property investing is becoming a popular alternative asset class.
In this guide, we’ll review the top income property investing platforms in no particular order. We evaluated them based on fees, reputation, offerings, performance, and investor requirements. We’ll also explain how you can use these platforms within a self-directed IRA with IRA Financial, why that can be a smart move, and how to get started.
Why Income Property Investing Matters
Income property investing, which includes rental homes, commercial buildings, or real estate-backed loans, matters for several reasons:
- It generates passive cash flow through rent or interest.
- It provides diversification away from stocks and bonds.
- It can act as an inflation hedge over time.
- It offers exposure to tangible assets with potential appreciation.
Traditional real estate investing can require a lot of time, expertise, and capital. Online platforms have made it easier to access fractional ownership or crowdfunded opportunities, often with lower minimums and simplified management.
Who This Asset Class Is Best For
Income property platforms work well for several types of investors:
- Beginners who want a simple way to get started in real estate.
- Passive income seekers who want recurring cash flow.
- Investors looking to diversify beyond stocks and bonds.
- Accredited investors or institutions seeking larger commercial deals.
Some platforms are open to non-accredited investors, while others require accredited status. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements before investing.
Top Income Property Investing Platforms for 2026
1. Fundrise
Fundrise is best for broad real estate exposure with low minimums
Minimum Investment: $10
Investor Type: Accredited and non-accredited
Offerings: Diversified real estate portfolios with income and growth strategies
Fees: Around 0.15% advisory plus fund management fees
Why It’s Great: Fundrise is highly accessible, offers diversified funds, and distributes quarterly dividends. Fundrise is an excellent choice for new investors who want exposure to income property without needing to manage physical property.
2. Arrived Homes
Arrived Homes excels in fractional ownership of single-family rentals
Minimum Investment: $100
Investor Type: All investors
Offerings: Shares in individual rental properties, including long-term and vacation rentals
Fees: Property sourcing and management fees apply
Why It’s Great: You can invest in specific homes rather than a pooled fund, earning quarterly rental income. This platform is ideal for investors who want a tangible connection to the property generating their income.
3. Groundfloor
Groundfloor may be the best option for short-term real estate lending
Minimum Investment: $10
Investor Type: All investors
Offerings: Real estate-backed loans for renovation and flip projects
Fees: No investor fees on individual loans; some fees may apply for pooled products
Why It’s Great: Investors can earn interest income over short durations, usually 6 to 12 months, without owning property. Groundfloor works well for income-focused investors who prefer loans to direct property ownership.
4. Willow Wealth
Willow Wealth is a great option for alternative income with diversified strategies
Minimum Investment: $10,000
Investor Type: Accredited and select offerings for non-accredited
Offerings: Real estate debt, REITs, and other alternative assets
Fees: Varies between 0 and 2%
Why It’s Great: Willow Wealth provides broader alternative asset exposure with strong historical returns. This platform is suitable for accredited investors looking for income and diversification beyond traditional real estate.
5. EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple is best for credited investor commercial deals
Minimum Investment: $5,000
Investor Type: Accredited
Offerings: Commercial property equity and debt deals with thorough vetting
Fees: Approximately 0.5% to 1.5% plus origination fees
Why It’s Great: It offers institutional-style offerings with detailed analytics and diverse deal types. EquityMultiple is ideal for experienced investors who want higher-value commercial property exposure.
Risks and Considerations
Before investing, it’s important to be aware of the risks:
- Illiquidity: Many deals require holding capital for years.
- Market risk: Property values and rents can fluctuate.
- Platform risk: Returns depend on the platform’s due diligence and execution.
- Fees: Fees vary and can reduce net returns.
- Accreditation limits: Some platforms are only available to accredited investors.
Book a free call with a self-directed retirement specialist
- Review your self-directed retirement options
- Learn about investing in alternative assets
- Get all of your questions answered
Investing Through a Self-Directed IRA with IRA Financial
A self-directed IRA allows you to hold alternative assets, including income property investments, inside a retirement account. With IRA Financial, you can:
- Invest in real estate platforms like the ones listed above.
- Defer taxes while growing income tax-deferred or tax-free with a Roth IRA.
- Diversify your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.
- Maintain control over alternative investments.
Whether you invest in Fundrise portfolios, Arrived shares, or other real estate income assets, IRA Financial provides the structure to hold them inside a retirement account that aligns with your long-term wealth goals.
Why a Self-Directed IRA Is Smart for Income Property
- Boosts portfolio diversification.
- Helps build tax-advantaged income for retirement.
- Provides access to alternative investments most IRAs do not offer.
- Enables long-term strategic planning for cash flow.
Take the Next Step
If you want to expand your retirement portfolio with income property investing through a self-directed IRA, now is the time to act.
Request a consultation with a New Accounts Specialist at IRA Financial to learn how you can incorporate these platforms into your retirement strategy and start building income-producing wealth for the future.
About the Author
Adam Bergman is a tax attorney and the founder of IRA Financial, one of the largest Self-Directed IRA platforms in the United States. He has helped more than 27,000 clients take control of their retirement savings, overseeing over $5 billion in retirement assets. Adam is also the author of nine books focused on helping investors understand and confidently manage their retirement strategies.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be accredited to invest?
Not always. Platforms like Fundrise, Arrived, and Groundfloor accept non-accredited investors. Yieldstreet and EquityMultiple generally require accreditation.
How do I earn income?
Through rental income distributions, interest payments on loans, or dividends from fund holdings.
Are these platforms better than REITs?
These platforms provide different exposure than publicly traded REITs. They are often less liquid but can offer higher income potential and direct property returns.
Can I lose money?
Yes. Real estate returns are not guaranteed, and principal can be lost, especially during market downturns.
