Crowdfunding has redefined the real estate industry and has quickly become one of the most lucrative ways to earn passive income. In fact, the average capital raised for private properties through crowdfunding is upwards of $63 billion. Aside from being a profitable investment tool, crowdfunding is also quick and easy. Signing up on a crowdfunding site is fast and simple and in a matter of minutes, you can peruse and select your perfect investment opportunity.

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Before taking the plunge into real estate crowdfunding, here are 5 things you need to know:

You don’t have to be a millionaire

Previously, investors had to be recognized and accredited; meaning that they had to have a minimum annual income of $200,000 or a net worth of $1 million. The fact is, only 9 million people in the United States meet these requirements. More recently, real estate professionals have made real estate crowdfunding more available to the general public, thanks to SEC Regulation A+. Most crowdfunding sites only require a $5,000 investing minimum, which is perfect for those with lower financial resources.

Related: What Exactly Real Estate Crowdfunding Is — And Why You Should Care

You can choose different types of properties

Real estate crowdfunding offers a variety of properties, including single and multifamily residences, as well as commercial properties.

According to Dr. Richard Swart, crowdfunding scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, investors prefer not to invest in larger commercial properties due to complex financing. They like going for six- or four-plexes and houses of similar nature.

Danielle Babb, the founder of The Babb Group, recommends investing in commercial real estate because "commercial property helps diversify risk." Should you lose one tenant in a 10-tenant space, you only lose 10% of that income. With real estate crowdfunding, you have the choice to select the property type that you're most comfortable with.

Your investment isn’t pooled

It's a well-known fact that REITs are unpredictable and provide little or no security in the return. However, investing through real estate crowdfunding gives you complete freedom and control over your investment. All an investor has to do is select a property and choose how much they want to invest.. With real estate crowdfunding, many projects secured by first lien position and personal guarantees.

There are lower risk levels in real estate crowdfunding

With any investment, both seasoned and inexperienced investors may incur losses. When investing through a REIT, investors are required to pay 25 percent of the property’s value upfront. For example, if the property were valued at $300,000, the investor would have to pay $75,000. Instead of investing a lump sum in just one property, real estate crowdfunding allows you to spread funds across multiple properties. Since most sites require a $5,000 minimum on each investment, that $75,000 example above would allow you to investment in 15 different properties. Therefore, reducing the risk.

Related: 3 Ways to Invest in Real Estate When You Simply Don’t Have the Time

You’ll earn passive income much quicker

Real estate crowdfunding is one of the most lucrative ways to earn passive income. Choose your investment, help to fund it and watch your wealth accumulate. No need to constantly monitor your investment. If you choose to work with a crowdfunding site that pre-funds their deals, you will start earning passive income immediately.

Crowdfunding has taken the real estate industry by storm and completely changed the way we invest in residential and commercial properties. Increase your wealth and project portfolio by investing through real estate crowdfunding sites. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get started. Sign-up on a site and start investing and making money today!

Have you participated in crowdfunding real estate? What was the most surprising thing you discovered?