Share

Investment Fundamentals

Investment Fundamentals

Back

Back

Top 4 Things to Look for in a CRE Crowdfunding Marketplace

So, how do you choose the best crowdfunding marketplace? At Crowd Street, we believe it comes down to the following 4 'must-haves.'

1 Deal Flow

Volume

As a commercial real estate investor, you need access to deals. Thus, a high deal flow on an online CRE investment platform is critical.

Strong deal flow can equate to a diversity of offerings that can help balance your portfolio over time and can help you to achieve flexibility. Look for:

  • A variety of asset types, including office, multi-family, and others

  • A variety of deal types and risk options, from core to value-added to opportunistic, ground-up developments

  • Offerings across a range of geographic areas

  • A range of options in hold periods

Bonus: Once you've evaluated your first few dozen offerings on a tier-one platform, you'll learn to assess strengths and opportunities more effectively.

Quality

It's not just about volume or breadth. A deal that's golden on paper can spiral downward in the wrong hands.

Choose a platform with transparency into the Sponsor vetting process, and look for a partner that is rigorous in their vetting standards. Gain insight into their methodologies and track records and make sure you have the opportunity to ask questions.

2 Full-spectrum Expertise

When identifying a platform for online CRE crowdfunding, consider both sides of the equation:

  • The level of CRE expertise the management teambrings to the table

  • The technical expertise inside the company to bring the platform to life

On lower-tier platforms, you'll often find the company's background is heavier on one side than the other. Your resources are too valuable to squander on someone else's learning curve. Go with a vendor that hits on all cylinders and has the expertise to give you confidence.

3 User Experience

A platform should be intuitive, informative, and move you smoothly from evaluation to investment, then beyond. It should provide:

  • Education about both the industry and specific assets

  • Automation to invest with just a few clicks

  • In-platform reporting, analysis, and access to project documents and details

  • Firewall protection for transmission and storage of your sensitive data

If you click the 'invest' button inside an online platform only to receive a call or email asking for more information, that platform has missed the mark. Crowd Street, for example, provides online investor rooms, multi-deal portfolio management, and other features for a turnkey online investing process.

4 Maturity

Does the platform you're evaluating have tenure? While online CRE crowdfunding is still a relatively young industry, look for companies that have been around the block and risen to the top.

Additionally, consider a company that's received Venture Capital (VC) funding from experienced and well-known organizations.

Why? A company typically needs stable leadership and a strong business model to gain backing. It's jumped through the hoops and answered the tough questions. VC firms also require vigilant oversight, reporting, and an upward growth curve.

Transparency Is Key

With a plethora of CRE crowdfunding platforms out there, it is important that you do your research. At Crowd Street, we are committed to transparency so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your investments. You can email our investor relations team.

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Investment Fundamentals

Exploring 401(k) and Private Markets: New Possibilities Ahead

Jul 28, 2025

Private markets may soon appear in 401(k) plans. Explore what these possibilities could mean for investors and how Crowd Street empowers informed choices.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Exploring 401(k) and Private Markets: New Possibilities Ahead

Jul 28, 2025

Private markets may soon appear in 401(k) plans. Explore what these possibilities could mean for investors and how Crowd Street empowers informed choices.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Making Sense of CRE Valuations in Real Estate Deals

Jul 28, 2025

Not all CRE valuations are equal. Learn the difference between broker opinions and appraisals, plus key questions to ask when evaluating property value.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Making Sense of CRE Valuations in Real Estate Deals

Jul 28, 2025

Not all CRE valuations are equal. Learn the difference between broker opinions and appraisals, plus key questions to ask when evaluating property value.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Crowd Street's Private Equity Guide: Understanding the Basics

Jun 25, 2025

Discover how private equity works, some key risk factors, and ways individual investors can explore this space with Crowd Street's private equity guide.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Crowd Street's Private Equity Guide: Understanding the Basics

Jun 25, 2025

Discover how private equity works, some key risk factors, and ways individual investors can explore this space with Crowd Street's private equity guide.

Read now

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved