Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

EquityMultiple vs. Roots 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick EquityMultiple logo

3.5

EquityMultiple is one of the more credible commercial real estate platforms for accredited investors: a selective deal pipeline (roughly 5% of proposed deals accepted), a reported double-digit net IRR on realized equity deals, and genuinely useful short-term Alpine Notes paying 6–7.35% fixed with no investor-level fees. The trade-offs are steep: accreditation is mandatory, most deals require $10,000–$30,000, fees vary deal-by-deal (0.5–1.5% plus origination and admin fees), most investments are illiquid for years, and the platform's customer-service reputation (delayed K-1s, poor communication) is a recurring complaint. Best for accredited investors building a CRE sleeve, not for beginners or income-focused investors.

3.5

Roots offers an unusual win-win structure where renters earn shares of the REIT alongside investors, with $100 minimums, quarterly distributions, quarterly liquidity, and a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return as of April 2026, but investors hold REIT shares rather than direct property ownership.

At a Glance

EquityMultiple vs. Roots, Key Stats

$5,000 (accredited only)Minimum$100

3–9 months for Alpine Notes; typically 3–5+ years for equity and debt dealsHolding Period1 year minimum to avoid early-redemption penalty

No early exit on most deals; capital is committed for the project termEarly WithdrawalPenalty applies in first 12 months; no penalty after year one

Deal-dependent (monthly or quarterly interest on debt; equity distributions as projects perform)Rent PayoutQuarterly distributions

Alpine Notes 6.0–7.35% fixed APY; realized equity deals have reported low-to-mid-teens net IRR (deal outcomes vary widely)Avg. Returns12.02% trailing 12 months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26); 17.17% average annual since inception 7/1/2021

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

Institutional-quality CRE deal flow
EquityMultiple accepts roughly 5% of the deals it screens and offers equity, preferred equity, and senior debt positions in professionally managed commercial projects, exposure most retail platforms simply don't carry.
Strong realized track record
The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity investments since its Investment Committee was formed in 2019, with published target ranges per deal type so investors can benchmark expectations.
Alpine Notes for short-term fixed yield
Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY on 3, 6, and 9-month terms with no investor-level fees, EquityMultiple takes a first-loss position, and the company reports every maturing note has been repaid on time.
Clear product framework
Investments are organized into Keep (short-term notes), Earn (income-focused debt and preferred equity), and Grow (appreciation-focused equity), which makes it easier to match deals to a goal than scrolling an undifferentiated marketplace.
Accredited investors only, with high practical minimums
Every offering requires accredited status, and while the advertised minimum is $5,000, most individual deals require $10,000–$30,000. This platform is structurally out of reach for most retail investors.
Multi-year illiquidity on most deals
Outside Alpine Notes, capital is committed for the life of the project, typically 3–5+ years, with no secondary market and no guaranteed early exit. Distressed deals can extend well past their target hold.
Complex, deal-by-deal fees
Annual asset management fees run roughly 0.5–1.5% depending on the investment, plus origination fees on some deals, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee, and a promote (profit share) on many equity deals. True all-in cost takes work to calculate per deal.
Recurring customer-service and reporting complaints
Independent review sites and investor forums document weak trust scores for EquityMultiple, with recurring complaints about delayed K-1 tax documents, slow communication on troubled deals, and opaque updates when projects underperform.

$100 minimum, open to non-accredited investors
Roots is open to both non-accredited and accredited investors with a $100 starting minimum, making it one of the more accessible REIT-style platforms for first-time real estate investors.
Quarterly liquidity
Roots offers investors the ability to redeem shares every quarter: meaningfully more flexible than the multi-year lock-ups common at Arrived, CrowdStreet, and Cadre. After the first 12-month holding period there's no early-redemption penalty.
Strong reported track record
Roots reports a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and a 17.17% average annual return since inception in July 2021. Returns are not guaranteed, but the published track record is competitive with peer REIT funds.
Renters build wealth alongside investors
The 'Live in it Like You Own It' program gives Roots renters quarterly equity grants for behaviors that improve property value (paying rent on time, keeping properties in good condition). Roots reports more than $1.7M saved and invested by renters under the program.
Low transaction fees
Only a $5 transaction fee to get started and no penalty to cash out after the first year, light fees compared with Fundrise's 1% AUM or Arrived's variable sponsor markups.
REIT shares, not direct property ownership
You own units of the Roots REIT, not fractional ownership of a specific property. That's simpler and more diversified than per-property models, but it means investors don't pick individual properties or vote on property-level decisions.
Geographically concentrated
Roots is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metro and a small number of additional Sun Belt markets. That focus is part of the brand but means less geographic diversification than national platforms.
Quarterly (not daily) distributions
Distributions are paid quarterly rather than daily or monthly. Investors waiting on real estate income for cash flow may find quarterly cadence inconvenient.
Less property-level transparency than per-property platforms
Because Roots is a fund, individual property underwriting and rent rolls are aggregated rather than fully exposed to investors.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

Individual CRE deals (equity, preferred equity, senior debt), Alpine Notes (3/6/9-month terms), and periodic income funds. Deal flow is curated but finite, at any given time only a handful of offerings may be open.

A single REIT, the Roots REIT, focused on residential real estate in Atlanta and select other Sun Belt markets.

Property Locations

Commercial projects across U.S. markets: multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality, and specialty assets, with deal-by-deal geographic disclosure in each offering's documents.

Primarily Atlanta metro, with select expansion into adjacent Sun Belt markets.

Expected Returns

Varies by product: Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY, debt and preferred equity deals target roughly 8–14% annualized income, and common equity deals target higher total returns with commensurate risk. The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity deals since 2019, but individual deal outcomes range from strong exits to principal impairment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Roots targets 12–15% annual returns and reports 12.02% trailing twelve months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and 17.17% average annual return since inception (7/1/2021). Past performance does not guarantee future results, read the offering circular before investing.

Fees

Roughly 0.5–1.5% annual asset management fee depending on the deal, plus origination fees on some offerings, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee per investment, and a promote (carried interest) on many equity deals. Alpine Notes carry no investor-level fees.

Roots charges a $5 transaction fee to get started and no early-redemption penalty after the first year. There is no investor-facing AUM fee disclosed; the REIT covers operating expenses internally before distributing returns.

Liquidity

Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk.

12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty.

Who Can Invest

Accredited investors only (income of $200K+/$300K joint, or $1M+ net worth excluding primary residence). Individual, joint, entity, trust, and self-directed IRA accounts are supported. This requirement is structural, not a marketing choice, offerings rely on SEC exemptions limited to accredited investors.

Open to both non-accredited and accredited U.S. investors aged 18 or older. International availability is limited.

The Verdict

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

★ Our Pick

3.5

For accredited investors who want curated commercial real estate deals and can genuinely lock up five-figure sums for years, EquityMultiple is one of the stronger platforms in its class: selective underwriting, a credible realized track record, and Alpine Notes that are legitimately competitive for short-term cash. It loses points for complex fees, multi-year illiquidity, and persistent customer-service complaints. Non-accredited investors can't use it at all, and even accredited investors who value liquidity and steady income may prefer per-property fractional platforms. See how Lofty compares: $50 minimums, no accreditation requirement, daily rent payouts, and a 24/7 secondary marketplace.

Full EquityMultiple review →

3.5

Roots is one of the most differentiated REIT options in 2026. The win-win renter-equity model is genuinely unique, the $100 minimum is accessible, quarterly liquidity is meaningfully better than most private real estate platforms, and the published 12% trailing return is competitive. The trade-offs are REIT (not direct property) ownership, a heavy Atlanta concentration, and quarterly (not daily) distributions. A solid hands-off pick for investors aligned with its mission.

Full Roots review →

Bottom Line

EquityMultiple scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out Roots on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

EquityMultiple vs. Roots FAQ

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

Based on our scoring criteria, returns, fees, liquidity, transparency, minimums, and track record, EquityMultiple (3.5/5) scores higher than Roots (3.5/5). EquityMultiple is one of the more credible commercial real estate platforms for accredited investors: a selective deal pipeline (roughly 5% of proposed deals accepted), a reported double-digit net IRR on realized equity deals, and genuinely useful short-term Alpine Notes paying 6–7.35% fixed with no investor-level fees. The trade-offs are steep: accreditation is mandatory, most deals require $10,000–$30,000, fees vary deal-by-deal (0.5–1.5% plus origination and admin fees), most investments are illiquid for years, and the platform's customer-service reputation (delayed K-1s, poor communication) is a recurring complaint. Best for accredited investors building a CRE sleeve, not for beginners or income-focused investors.

What is the minimum investment for EquityMultiple vs. Roots?

EquityMultiple's minimum investment is $5,000 (accredited only). Roots's minimum investment is $100.

How do EquityMultiple and Roots compare on liquidity?

EquityMultiple: Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk. Roots: 12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty.

What returns can investors expect from EquityMultiple vs. Roots?

EquityMultiple reports average yearly returns of Alpine Notes 6.0–7.35% fixed APY; realized equity deals have reported low-to-mid-teens net IRR (deal outcomes vary widely). Roots reports average yearly returns of 12.02% trailing 12 months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26); 17.17% average annual since inception 7/1/2021. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

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Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

EquityMultiple vs. Roots 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick EquityMultiple logo

3.5

At a Glance

EquityMultiple vs. Roots, Key Stats

$5,000 (accredited only)Minimum$100

3–9 months for Alpine Notes; typically 3–5+ years for equity and debt dealsHolding Period1 year minimum to avoid early-redemption penalty

No early exit on most deals; capital is committed for the project termEarly WithdrawalPenalty applies in first 12 months; no penalty after year one

Deal-dependent (monthly or quarterly interest on debt; equity distributions as projects perform)Rent PayoutQuarterly distributions

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

Institutional-quality CRE deal flow
EquityMultiple accepts roughly 5% of the deals it screens and offers equity, preferred equity, and senior debt positions in professionally managed commercial projects, exposure most retail platforms simply don't carry.
Strong realized track record
The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity investments since its Investment Committee was formed in 2019, with published target ranges per deal type so investors can benchmark expectations.
Alpine Notes for short-term fixed yield
Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY on 3, 6, and 9-month terms with no investor-level fees, EquityMultiple takes a first-loss position, and the company reports every maturing note has been repaid on time.
Clear product framework
Investments are organized into Keep (short-term notes), Earn (income-focused debt and preferred equity), and Grow (appreciation-focused equity), which makes it easier to match deals to a goal than scrolling an undifferentiated marketplace.
Accredited investors only, with high practical minimums
Every offering requires accredited status, and while the advertised minimum is $5,000, most individual deals require $10,000–$30,000. This platform is structurally out of reach for most retail investors.
Multi-year illiquidity on most deals
Outside Alpine Notes, capital is committed for the life of the project, typically 3–5+ years, with no secondary market and no guaranteed early exit. Distressed deals can extend well past their target hold.
Complex, deal-by-deal fees
Annual asset management fees run roughly 0.5–1.5% depending on the investment, plus origination fees on some deals, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee, and a promote (profit share) on many equity deals. True all-in cost takes work to calculate per deal.
Recurring customer-service and reporting complaints
Independent review sites and investor forums document weak trust scores for EquityMultiple, with recurring complaints about delayed K-1 tax documents, slow communication on troubled deals, and opaque updates when projects underperform.

$100 minimum, open to non-accredited investors
Roots is open to both non-accredited and accredited investors with a $100 starting minimum, making it one of the more accessible REIT-style platforms for first-time real estate investors.
Quarterly liquidity
Roots offers investors the ability to redeem shares every quarter: meaningfully more flexible than the multi-year lock-ups common at Arrived, CrowdStreet, and Cadre. After the first 12-month holding period there's no early-redemption penalty.
Strong reported track record
Roots reports a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and a 17.17% average annual return since inception in July 2021. Returns are not guaranteed, but the published track record is competitive with peer REIT funds.
Renters build wealth alongside investors
The 'Live in it Like You Own It' program gives Roots renters quarterly equity grants for behaviors that improve property value (paying rent on time, keeping properties in good condition). Roots reports more than $1.7M saved and invested by renters under the program.
Low transaction fees
Only a $5 transaction fee to get started and no penalty to cash out after the first year, light fees compared with Fundrise's 1% AUM or Arrived's variable sponsor markups.
REIT shares, not direct property ownership
You own units of the Roots REIT, not fractional ownership of a specific property. That's simpler and more diversified than per-property models, but it means investors don't pick individual properties or vote on property-level decisions.
Geographically concentrated
Roots is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metro and a small number of additional Sun Belt markets. That focus is part of the brand but means less geographic diversification than national platforms.
Quarterly (not daily) distributions
Distributions are paid quarterly rather than daily or monthly. Investors waiting on real estate income for cash flow may find quarterly cadence inconvenient.
Less property-level transparency than per-property platforms
Because Roots is a fund, individual property underwriting and rent rolls are aggregated rather than fully exposed to investors.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

A single REIT, the Roots REIT, focused on residential real estate in Atlanta and select other Sun Belt markets.

Property Locations

Commercial projects across U.S. markets: multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality, and specialty assets, with deal-by-deal geographic disclosure in each offering's documents.

Primarily Atlanta metro, with select expansion into adjacent Sun Belt markets.

Expected Returns

Fees

Liquidity

Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk.

12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty.

Who Can Invest

Open to both non-accredited and accredited U.S. investors aged 18 or older. International availability is limited.

The Verdict

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

★ Our Pick

3.5

Full EquityMultiple review →

3.5

Full Roots review →

Bottom Line

EquityMultiple scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out Roots on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

EquityMultiple vs. Roots FAQ

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

What is the minimum investment for EquityMultiple vs. Roots?

EquityMultiple's minimum investment is $5,000 (accredited only). Roots's minimum investment is $100.

How do EquityMultiple and Roots compare on liquidity?

What returns can investors expect from EquityMultiple vs. Roots?

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

View Properties

About Lofty

EquityMultiple vs. Roots 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

EquityMultiple vs. Roots, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

EquityMultiple vs. Roots FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

EquityMultiple vs. Roots 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

EquityMultiple vs. Roots, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, EquityMultiple or Roots?

EquityMultiple vs. Roots FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty