Invest with Roots vs Realbricks

Compare Invest With Roots and Realbricks side-by-side. See differences in property choice, dividend returns, fees, liquidity, and investment structure to find the platform that fits your real estate investing goals.

Invest With Roots vs Realbricks: Which Real Estate Investment Platform Is Right for You?

When it comes to passive real estate investing, two platforms — Invest With Roots and Realbricks — offer accessible entry points and promising returns. But while they may look similar at first glance, their structures, transparency, and investor experience differ significantly.

1. Structure & Investment Model

Invest With Roots operates as a Reg A+ private REIT. Investor money is pooled into a portfolio of over 88 residential properties mainly in the Greater Atlanta and Augusta, GA areas. Investors do not choose individual properties — instead, they own shares in the overall portfolio.

Realbricks, also SEC-regulated, allows investors to buy shares of individual long-term rental properties. Each property is vetted carefully, and investors see all property-level details before investing.

2. Minimum Investment

  • Invest With Roots: $100 per transaction + $5 transaction fee for one-time investments and a $3 fee for recurring investments.
  • Realbricks: $100 minimum investment + $2.50 transaction fee— with shares starting at $10.

3. Transparency & Control

  • Invest With Roots: No property-level choice. The portfolio is managed entirely by the Roots team, making it feel more like a traditional REIT.
  • Realbricks: Investors select specific properties and can diversify across multiple homes. Full financial breakdowns, photos, and projections are available before investing.

4. Liquidity

  • Invest With Roots: Quarterly liquidity, up to $100,000 per quarter. 12-month minimum hold period; early withdrawals incur a steep 8% penalty.
  • Realbricks: Planned for release in the first half of 2026, the Realbricks secondary market is planned to allow investors to sell shares once a property moves to the secondary market (after all initial offering shares sell). This will create an opportunity for liquidity.

5. Dividend Returns & Distributions

  • Invest With Roots: Delivers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of approximately 4.1%, based purely on rental income distributed quarterly.
  • Realbricks: Offers an estimated 6% annual dividend yield, supported by property-level performance data. As reported for Q4 2024, Realbricks distributed 2.25% in that quarter alone, which annualizes to 9%, showcasing an ability to exceed baseline expectations.

Dividend yields are estimates or based on past performance and are not guaranteed. Actual distributions may vary, and past results do not predict future performance. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal.

6. Fees

  • Invest With Roots: $5 fee per one-time investment; $3 per recurring investment. No AUM fees, but the 8% penalty for early withdrawals can significantly reduce returns if funds are accessed before 12 months.
  • Realbricks: Platform Fee: $2.50 per transaction. AUM Fee: 0.75% quarterly (based on the property’s original purchase price). Property Management Fee: 8% of gross rental income monthly.

Comparison Table

Feature Invest With Roots Realbricks
Structure Reg A+ REIT (bundled portfolio) SEC-regulated fractional ownership of individual properties
Minimum $100 $100
Property Choice No Yes
Liquidity Quarterly, 12-mo hold, 8% early withdrawal penalty Scheduled for release in the first half of 2026, the Realbricks secondary marketplace will allow users to list shares they own for sale to other interested investors. When a sell order is filled, liquidity will be created through the completion of that transaction.
Dividend Yield Varies quarterly Estimated 6%
Distributions Quarterly Quarterly
Transaction Fees $5 one-time, $3 recurring per order $2.50 per order
Other Fees None beyond transaction fees; early withdrawal penalty of 8% AUM + property management fees (disclosed)
Markets Greater Atlanta & Augusta, GA Omaha, NE (expanding)

Download the Realbricks mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play

Final Take

If you want complete control over which properties you invest in and the opportunity to benefit from both consistent cash flow and appreciation on specific homes, Realbricks offers more transparency, flexibility, and lower transaction fees.

If you prefer a bundled portfolio approach similar to a REIT and can commit to longer hold periods without needing liquidity, Invest With Roots might be appealing.

Both platforms make real estate investing accessible at just $100 — but they differ greatly in control, fee structure, and liquidity flexibility.

Disclaimer: Investing in real estate involves risks, including the potential loss of capital. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Investors should perform their own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.