I want to invest in property/properties, but I don't want the responsibility of managing it or incurring all the costs. Are there property investment groups to join? Like a pool of investors that all buy property and share the profit or loss? If these exist, how can I find one?
Asked by Gabron | Prescott, AZ| 05-15-2023| 1,051 views|Investing|Updated 2 years ago
REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate properties. Investors can purchase shares in these publicly traded companies.
National Real Estate Investors Association (NREIA), offer membership opportunities for property investors.
Yes, they exist and there are several ways to get into real estate investing without being a landlord or carrying the full load yourself.
The most common version of what you're describing is a real estate investment group or club. These are typically local groups where investors pool money to buy properties together, share the costs, and split the profits. Your local REIA, which stands for Real Estate Investors Association, is the best place to find these. Most cities have one and they hold monthly meetings where investors network, share deals, and form partnerships. Search for your city's REIA chapter or check meetup.com for local real estate investing groups.
If you want something more hands-off, real estate syndications are another option. A syndicator or sponsor finds and manages a property, usually a larger asset like an apartment complex or commercial building, and raises capital from passive investors. You invest a set amount, the sponsor handles everything, and you receive a share of the cash flow and profits. These are typically structured as LLCs and require you to be an accredited investor in many cases, meaning you meet certain income or net worth thresholds. You can find these through real estate investing platforms, networking at REIA events, or through brokers who specialize in syndication deals.
Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, CrowdStreet, and RealtyMogul let you invest smaller amounts into diversified real estate portfolios or specific deals without managing anything. Minimum investments can be as low as $500 to $1,000 depending on the platform. These are the easiest entry point if you want exposure to real estate without any of the hands-on work.
REITs are another option. A Real Estate Investment Trust is a company that owns and operates income-producing real estate. You buy shares like a stock and receive dividends from the rental income. You can buy publicly traded REITs through any brokerage account. It's the most liquid and passive way to invest in real estate, though you're investing in the company, not a specific property.
Whichever route you choose, do your due diligence on the people managing the money. Read the operating agreement or prospectus, understand the fee structure, know how and when you can get your money out, and never invest more than you can afford to tie up for several years. The biggest risk in group investing isn't the real estate, it's the people running the deal.
Barrett Henry
Broker Associate | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Collective · The NOW Team
Tampa Bay, Florida
nowtb.com
Yes, exactly what you are describing exists in a few different forms. REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, are the most accessible option. You buy shares like a stock, the trust owns and manages a portfolio of properties, and you receive a share of the income. No management responsibility and you can start with as little as a few hundred dollars through any brokerage account.
Real estate syndications and crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, CrowdStreet, and RealtyMogul pool investor money to buy larger properties like apartment complexes or commercial buildings. Returns and distributions are shared among investors. These typically require a minimum investment ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the platform.
For more local hands on groups, search for your city's REIA, Real Estate Investors Association. These bring together active investors and sometimes organize joint ventures or introduce you to people running private investment pools. Just do your homework on anyone asking you to invest privately and make sure any offering is properly structured and compliant with securities law.
Delaware statutory Trusts (DST) can be a great option. When you search the web, you can find several through out the nation. Returns will vary depending on location.
Yes — there are ways to invest in real estate without taking on full ownership, full risk, or full management. These options let you pool money with other investors and share profits (and losses) based on your contribution.
🏘️ 1. Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs)
These are private groups of investors who buy properties together.
They typically:
- Pool funds to purchase one or more properties
- Hire professional management
- Share profits proportionally
- Focus on long‑term rental income
They’re more hands‑on than REITs but less work than owning solo.
📈 2. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are essentially “real estate mutual funds.”
You can invest with:
- Low minimums
- No landlord responsibilities
- Monthly or quarterly dividends
They’re the easiest entry point, but you don’t own a specific property — you own shares in a portfolio.
🤝 3. Private partnerships or syndications
These are groups led by a sponsor who finds the deal, raises capital, and manages the project.
Investors contribute money and receive:
- Equity
- Cash flow
- A share of profits at sale
Minimum investments are usually higher, and due diligence is essential.
🧭 4. How to find legitimate groups
Look for:
- Local real estate meetups
- Investor associations
- Accredited syndicators
- Referrals from trusted professionals
- Groups with transparent track records and clear fee structures
Avoid anyone who can’t show past performance or who promises “guaranteed returns.”
🤓 5. Work with an informed Realtor who understands investing
A knowledgeable agent — someone who works with investors, understands deal structure, and knows how to vet opportunities — can help you identify reputable groups and avoid risky ones. This is exactly where having an experienced Realtor like me becomes a major advantage.
🎯 Bottom line
Yes, yOu can invest in real estate without being a landlord. REIGs, REITs, and private partnerships all offer ways to pool money, reduce responsibility, and share returns. The key is choosing a reputable group and understanding the structure before you invest.