# 6 Ways to Invest in Real Estate With Limited Capital
Real estate investing doesn't require a seven-figure net worth or years of experience. You can build property exposure starting with just $10,000 and scale up to $100,000 investments using six distinct approaches.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer the lowest barrier to entry. You buy shares like stocks through your brokerage account, starting with as little as $10 to $100. REITs hold portfolios of commercial or residential properties and distribute rental income as dividends. The tradeoff: you own shares, not physical real estate, and you don't control management decisions.
Crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise and RealtyMogul let you pool money with other investors to fund development projects or buy properties. Minimum investments typically range from $500 to $5,000. Returns come from appreciation and rental income, though these platforms carry liquidity risk. You may not access your capital quickly if you need it.
House hacking involves buying a multi-unit property and renting out units while living in one yourself. Your tenants help pay your mortgage. This approach requires larger capital ($20,000-$50,000 for a down payment) but builds equity faster than REITs.
Partnering with other investors to purchase rental properties splits both capital requirements and management work. You might invest $25,000-$50,000 as a passive partner while someone else handles tenant relations and repairs.
Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect you with real estate developers and flippers seeking short-term loans. You earn interest rather than ownership stakes. Minimum investments typically start at $500.
Finally, self-directed IRAs let you use retirement account funds for real estate purchases, keeping gains tax-sheltered. Custodian fees apply, and you face