For years, real estate investing felt out of reach for most people. You needed large savings, bank approvals, and time to manage tenants and repairs. But that’s no longer the case.

In 2026, real estate has quietly become one of the easiest side-income options—not through buying houses, but through apps that let you invest in small pieces of real estate directly from your phone.

These platforms are changing how everyday investors build passive income.

Why Real Estate Apps Are Trending Now

Rising home prices, high interest rates, and busy lifestyles have pushed investors toward fractional ownership. Instead of owning an entire property, you can now:

Invest with low starting capital Earn rental income distributions Avoid landlord responsibilities Diversify across multiple properties

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Build passive income through real estate without buying property. These 3 apps let beginners invest with low capital and earn rental income.

Here are three apps gaining serious attention.

1. Fundrise

Fundrise is one of the most beginner-friendly real estate investing platforms in the U.S. It allows investors to start with as little as $10 by investing in diversified portfolios of residential and commercial properties. Instead of selecting individual homes, your money is spread across professionally managed eREITs and real estate funds. Investors earn through quarterly dividends and long-term appreciation, making Fundrise ideal for those seeking hands-off, long-term passive income.

2. Arrived

Arrived focuses on fractional ownership of single-family rental homes and vacation properties. With minimum investments typically around $100, users can buy shares of rental properties and receive rental income distributions. Arrived handles everything—from tenant screening to maintenance—so investors can enjoy passive income without landlord responsibilities. This app is well-suited for those who want exposure to real rental properties without full ownership.

3. Ark7

Ark7 allows investors to buy shares in U.S. residential rental properties and earn monthly rental income. The platform offers transparency into property performance and also manages all operational tasks. Ark7 is appealing for investors looking for steady cash flow, low entry barriers, and flexible portfolio diversification.

Updated for 2026: Real estate investing has become easier than ever thanks to fractional investment apps.

These apps prove that you no longer need hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in real estate. Whether your goal is monthly passive income, diversification, or long-term wealth, platforms like Fundrise, Arrived, and Ark7 make real estate investing accessible as a side income stream for modern investors.

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Personal Finance Passive Income Real Estate Investing Side Hustles Beginner Investing