# 6 Ways to Invest in Real Estate with Limited Capital
Real estate investing no longer requires a six-figure down payment. You can build wealth in property with as little as $10,000 or grow a portfolio with $100,000. The method you choose depends on your time availability, risk tolerance, and capital.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer the lowest barrier to entry. You buy shares like stocks through a brokerage account, starting with just $10 to $100. REITs hold apartment complexes, office buildings, or shopping centers. You earn dividends quarterly, typically yielding 3 to 5 percent annually. The trade-off: you own no physical property and have no control over management decisions.
Crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise or RealtyMogul let you pool money with other investors for specific projects. Minimum investments range from $500 to $5,000. You receive returns when the project sells or refinances, usually within 5 to 10 years. These platforms vet deals and handle all property management, but liquidity is limited.
Peer-to-peer lending through platforms such as LendingClub lets you loan money to real estate developers. Minimums start at $25 per loan. Returns average 5 to 8 percent, though default risk exists.
House hacking requires $15,000 to $40,000 down on a two-to-four-unit property under FHA loans, which allow 3.5 percent down payments. You live in one unit and rent others, covering your mortgage from tenant income.
For $50,000 to $100,000, you can partner with a wholesaler to purchase your first investment property outright or make a substantial down payment. This gives you direct control and tax deductions for