.png)
Let’s talk about something that catches a lot of new investors off guard—your investor status determines what opportunities you have access to.
If you’ve ever looked at a real estate deal and seen the words "accredited investors only," you might have wondered:
✅ What does it mean to be accredited?
✅ How does it affect my ability to invest?
✅ What are my options if I’m not accredited?
I get these questions all the time, and here’s the deal: both accredited and non-accredited investors can invest in real estate—you just have to know how.
What is an Accredited Investor?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sets the rules on who qualifies as an accredited investor—basically, someone they believe has enough financial cushion and experience to handle riskier private investments.
To be accredited, you must meet at least one of these:
✔ Income Requirement: Earn at least $200,000 per year ($300,000 if married) for the past two years, with a reasonable expectation of the same income this year.
✔ Net Worth Requirement: Have a net worth of $1 million or more, excluding your primary home.
✔ Professional Certification: Hold a Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 financial license.
If you meet one of these, congratulations—you have access to exclusive real estate deals that non-accredited investors can’t touch.
But don’t worry if you don’t qualify yet—there are still plenty of ways to invest (and I’ll show you how).
What Are the Perks of Being Accredited?
Access to Off-Market & Private Real Estate Deals – Accredited investors can invest in real estate syndications, private equity funds, and other high-return opportunities that aren’t open to the general public.
Potential for Higher Returns – Private real estate deals often offer better returns than publicly traded investments because they’re not subject to stock market swings.
More Investment Options – Accredited investors can participate in 506(c) syndications, private hedge funds, and venture capital, which are off-limits to non-accredited investors.
But it’s not all upside.
Higher Investment Minimums – Many private deals require $50,000–$250,000 minimum investments.
Less Liquidity – You can’t just sell your investment like a stock—it’s tied up for years until the project exits.
Higher Risk – With fewer regulations, you need to vet deals carefully—not every private offering is a good one.
What If You’re Not Accredited?
Good news—you can still invest in real estate even if you don’t meet the SEC’s accredited requirements. Here’s how:
✔ Publicly Traded REITs – Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) let you invest in real estate just like stocks—you can buy and sell them through your brokerage.✔ Real Estate Crowdfunding (Reg A+) – Platforms like Fundrise and RealtyMogul allow non-accredited investors to invest in institutional-quality real estate with as little as $500.
✔ Some Private Syndications (506b Deals) – Certain syndications allow up to 35 non-accredited investors—but you must have a pre-existing relationship with the sponsor to qualify.
✔ Private Mortgage Notes & Hard Money Lending – You can loan money to real estate investors and earn interest, but options for non-accredited investors are more limited.
The reality? There are still great opportunities for non-accredited investors—you just have to be strategic.
How Investor Status Affects Real Estate Investment Opportunities
Investment Type | Accredited Investors | Non-Accredited Investors |
Private Real Estate Syndications | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited to 506(b) deals |
Real Estate Private Equity Funds | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Publicly Traded REITs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Real Estate Crowdfunding (Reg A+) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Private Mortgage Notes & Debt Funds | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited Options |
Venture Capital & Private Hedge Funds | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
How to Break Into Private Real Estate if You’re Not Accredited
If you’re not accredited yet, here are four ways to gain access to private deals:
1. Invest in Regulation A+ (Reg A+) Offerings
Reg A+ crowdfunding platforms allow non-accredited investors to pool funds and invest in larger real estate projects. Minimum investments are often as low as $500.
2. Look for 506(b) Private Syndications
Under SEC Rule 506(b), some real estate syndications allow up to 35 non-accredited investors—but only if they already have a relationship with the sponsor.
Translation: Start networking with real estate sponsors NOW. If they know and trust you, you might get into a private deal.
3. Partner with an Accredited Investor
One workaround is to team up with an accredited investor in a joint venture or LLC. This allows you to participate in private deals while staying compliant with SEC rules.
4. Increase Your Net Worth & Income to Qualify as Accredited
If your long-term goal is to get into exclusive syndications and private equity deals, focus on growing your income and assets. Ways to do that:
✔ Scale a real estate portfolio (buy & hold rentals, flip properties).
✔ Invest in businesses or income-producing assets.
✔ Maximize earnings in your career or business to hit the income threshold.
It’s not an overnight process, but with the right strategy, you can reach accredited status faster than you think.
Final Thoughts: The Right Strategy for You
At the end of the day, whether you’re accredited or not, you can still build wealth through real estate.
✅ Accredited investors get access to exclusive, high-return opportunities.
✅ Non-accredited investors can still invest in REITs, crowdfunding, and select syndications.
✅ The key is knowing where to start and structuring your investments wisely.
Want to learn more about how to invest in real estate based on your investor status?
📞 Schedule a Call Today and let’s figure out the best strategy for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. All investments carry risks, and you should consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.