Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated May 5, 2026

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick Roots logo

3.5

Roots offers an unusual win-win structure where renters earn shares of the REIT alongside investors, with $100 minimums, quarterly distributions, quarterly liquidity, and a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return as of April 2026 — but investors hold REIT shares rather than direct property ownership.

2.0

Yieldstreet — now Willow Wealth — is one of the largest alternative-investment marketplaces in the U.S., with $6 billion+ cumulative invested across real estate, private credit, art, and venture. But ~$208M in cumulative investor losses, a 30%+ real estate default rate, and a recent rebrand make it hard to recommend without significant caveats.

At a Glance

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) — Key Stats

$100Minimum$5,000–$10,000 (most direct deals); $25,000 (Willow 360)

1 year minimum to avoid early-redemption penaltyHolding PeriodVaries by deal (typically 1–5+ years, often illiquid)

Penalty applies in first 12 months; no penalty after year oneEarly WithdrawalNo formal early-exit on most offerings

Quarterly distributionsRent PayoutVaries by deal (often quarterly)

12.02% trailing 12 months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26); 17.17% average annual since inception 7/1/2021Avg. Returns~7.4% net annualized (Yieldstreet era, since 2015)

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

$100 minimum, open to non-accredited investors
Roots is open to both non-accredited and accredited investors with a $100 starting minimum, making it one of the more accessible REIT-style platforms for first-time real estate investors.
Quarterly liquidity
Roots offers investors the ability to redeem shares every quarter — meaningfully more flexible than the multi-year lock-ups common at Arrived, CrowdStreet, and Cadre. After the first 12-month holding period there's no early-redemption penalty.
Strong reported track record
Roots reports a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and a 17.17% average annual return since inception in July 2021. Returns are not guaranteed, but the published track record is competitive with peer REIT funds.
Renters build wealth alongside investors
The 'Live in it Like You Own It' program gives Roots renters quarterly equity grants for behaviors that improve property value (paying rent on time, keeping properties in good condition). Roots reports more than $1.7M saved and invested by renters under the program.
Low transaction fees
Only a $5 transaction fee to get started and no penalty to cash out after the first year — light fees compared with Fundrise's 1% AUM or Arrived's variable sponsor markups.
REIT shares, not direct property ownership
You own units of the Roots REIT, not fractional ownership of a specific property. That's simpler and more diversified than per-property models, but it means investors don't pick individual properties or vote on property-level decisions.
Geographically concentrated
Roots is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metro and a small number of additional Sun Belt markets. That focus is part of the brand but means less geographic diversification than national platforms.
Quarterly (not daily) distributions
Distributions are paid quarterly rather than daily or monthly. Investors waiting on real estate income for cash flow may find quarterly cadence inconvenient.
Less property-level transparency than per-property platforms
Because Roots is a fund, individual property underwriting and rent rolls are aggregated rather than fully exposed to investors.

Broad alternative-asset access
Real estate, private credit, art, venture capital, legal finance, and structured products on one platform — useful for accredited investors who want diversification across multiple alt-asset classes.
Institutional fund partnerships
Through Willow 360, accredited investors can access funds from Carlyle, Goldman Sachs, and StepStone in a managed-portfolio format — institutional access typical retail investors can't get directly.
Long track record
The platform has 500,000+ members and $6 billion+ cumulative invested since 2015 — by far the largest alternative-investment retail brand in our comparison set.
Cumulative investor losses reported in the press
CNBC reporting in late 2025 totaled approximately $208 million of cumulative investor losses across the Yieldstreet platform — combining $41M in new Houston/Nashville real estate defaults disclosed in December, $89M in marine-loan wipeouts disclosed in September, and $78M in previously reported losses. The company rebranded to Willow Wealth in October 2025.
Elevated real estate default rate per independent reviewers
Independent reviewers (notably the Real Estate Crowdfunding Review) have estimated the platform's real estate portfolio default rate at roughly 30%, materially higher than the 2–8% range typical of peer platforms. Real estate exposure here has historically been riskier than many peer platforms.
Accredited-only on most offerings
Most direct deals are limited to accredited investors. The Alternative Income Fund (Prism Fund) is the main option for non-accredited investors but represents a small slice of the platform's offerings.
Layered fees
Annual management fees range from 1% to 4% depending on offering. Many deals also charge first-year setup fees ($100–$150 per SPV/note) and administrative fees on top.
Rebrand complicates research
The October 2025 rebrand from Yieldstreet to Willow Wealth means many older reviews still reference the old brand. Some historical performance disclosures were reorganized after the rebrand, making apples-to-apples comparison harder.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

A single REIT — the Roots REIT — focused on residential real estate in Atlanta and select other Sun Belt markets.

Direct deals across real estate equity, real estate debt, private credit, art, legal finance, venture capital, and structured notes. Plus the Alternative Income Fund (open to non-accredited) and Willow 360 managed portfolios (accredited only).

Property Locations

Primarily Atlanta metro, with select expansion into adjacent Sun Belt markets.

Real estate deals are sourced across U.S. markets with a mix of commercial and multifamily exposure. Specific geographies vary deal-by-deal.

Expected Returns

Roots targets 12–15% annual returns and reports 12.02% trailing twelve months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and 17.17% average annual return since inception (7/1/2021). Past performance does not guarantee future results — read the offering circular before investing.

Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) reports a historical net annualized return of approximately 7.4% since 2015 — a figure built primarily during the Yieldstreet era. Realized performance varies dramatically by asset class and individual deal. Independent reviews note a 30%+ real estate default rate that materially increases risk-adjusted return calculations.

Fees

Roots charges a $5 transaction fee to get started and no early-redemption penalty after the first year. There is no investor-facing AUM fee disclosed; the REIT covers operating expenses internally before distributing returns.

1–4% annual management fees, depending on offering. Many deals also carry first-year setup fees (~$100–$150 per SPV or note) plus administrative fees of approximately 0.5%. Originator fees on some deals add another 0.5%.

Liquidity

12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty.

Varies by deal. Notes can mature in months; real estate deals run multiple years; venture capital and legal finance can extend longer. Most offerings are illiquid by design.

Who Can Invest

Open to both non-accredited and accredited U.S. investors aged 18 or older. International availability is limited.

Most direct offerings are limited to accredited investors. The Alternative Income Fund (formerly Prism Fund) accepts non-accredited investors with a $10,000 minimum. Willow 360 managed portfolios require accredited status with a $25,000 minimum.

The Verdict

Which is better — Roots or Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

★ Our Pick

3.5

Roots is one of the most differentiated REIT options in 2026. The win-win renter-equity model is genuinely unique, the $100 minimum is accessible, quarterly liquidity is meaningfully better than most private real estate platforms, and the published 12% trailing return is competitive. The trade-offs are REIT (not direct property) ownership, a heavy Atlanta concentration, and quarterly (not daily) distributions. A solid hands-off pick for investors aligned with its mission.

Full Roots review →

2.0

Yieldstreet — now Willow Wealth — is one of the largest alternative-investment platforms in the U.S. with a genuine breadth of asset classes other platforms can't match. But cumulative investor losses of ~$208 million, a 30%+ real estate default rate, the recent rebrand, and the post-rebrand reorganization of historical performance data make it a platform to approach with significant caution. Investors who want straightforward fractional real estate exposure will find better fit at smaller, more focused platforms.

Full Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) review →

Bottom Line

Roots scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) FAQ

Which is better — Roots or Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

Based on our scoring criteria — returns, fees, liquidity, transparency, minimums, and track record — Roots (3.5/5) scores higher than Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) (2.0/5). Roots offers an unusual win-win structure where renters earn shares of the REIT alongside investors, with $100 minimums, quarterly distributions, quarterly liquidity, and a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return as of April 2026 — but investors hold REIT shares rather than direct property ownership.

What is the minimum investment for Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

Roots's minimum investment is $100. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)'s minimum investment is $5,000–$10,000 (most direct deals); $25,000 (Willow 360).

How do Roots and Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) compare on liquidity?

Roots: 12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth): Varies by deal. Notes can mature in months; real estate deals run multiple years; venture capital and legal finance can extend longer. Most offerings are illiquid by design.

What returns can investors expect from Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

Roots reports average yearly returns of 12.02% trailing 12 months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26); 17.17% average annual since inception 7/1/2021. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) reports average yearly returns of ~7.4% net annualized (Yieldstreet era, since 2015). Past performance does not guarantee future results.

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

View Properties Get started free

Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated May 5, 2026

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick Roots logo

3.5

2.0

At a Glance

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) — Key Stats

$100Minimum$5,000–$10,000 (most direct deals); $25,000 (Willow 360)

1 year minimum to avoid early-redemption penaltyHolding PeriodVaries by deal (typically 1–5+ years, often illiquid)

Penalty applies in first 12 months; no penalty after year oneEarly WithdrawalNo formal early-exit on most offerings

Quarterly distributionsRent PayoutVaries by deal (often quarterly)

12.02% trailing 12 months (4/10/25 – 4/10/26); 17.17% average annual since inception 7/1/2021Avg. Returns~7.4% net annualized (Yieldstreet era, since 2015)

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

$100 minimum, open to non-accredited investors
Roots is open to both non-accredited and accredited investors with a $100 starting minimum, making it one of the more accessible REIT-style platforms for first-time real estate investors.
Quarterly liquidity
Roots offers investors the ability to redeem shares every quarter — meaningfully more flexible than the multi-year lock-ups common at Arrived, CrowdStreet, and Cadre. After the first 12-month holding period there's no early-redemption penalty.
Strong reported track record
Roots reports a 12.02% trailing twelve-month return (4/10/25 – 4/10/26) and a 17.17% average annual return since inception in July 2021. Returns are not guaranteed, but the published track record is competitive with peer REIT funds.
Renters build wealth alongside investors
The 'Live in it Like You Own It' program gives Roots renters quarterly equity grants for behaviors that improve property value (paying rent on time, keeping properties in good condition). Roots reports more than $1.7M saved and invested by renters under the program.
Low transaction fees
Only a $5 transaction fee to get started and no penalty to cash out after the first year — light fees compared with Fundrise's 1% AUM or Arrived's variable sponsor markups.
REIT shares, not direct property ownership
You own units of the Roots REIT, not fractional ownership of a specific property. That's simpler and more diversified than per-property models, but it means investors don't pick individual properties or vote on property-level decisions.
Geographically concentrated
Roots is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metro and a small number of additional Sun Belt markets. That focus is part of the brand but means less geographic diversification than national platforms.
Quarterly (not daily) distributions
Distributions are paid quarterly rather than daily or monthly. Investors waiting on real estate income for cash flow may find quarterly cadence inconvenient.
Less property-level transparency than per-property platforms
Because Roots is a fund, individual property underwriting and rent rolls are aggregated rather than fully exposed to investors.

Broad alternative-asset access
Real estate, private credit, art, venture capital, legal finance, and structured products on one platform — useful for accredited investors who want diversification across multiple alt-asset classes.
Institutional fund partnerships
Through Willow 360, accredited investors can access funds from Carlyle, Goldman Sachs, and StepStone in a managed-portfolio format — institutional access typical retail investors can't get directly.
Long track record
The platform has 500,000+ members and $6 billion+ cumulative invested since 2015 — by far the largest alternative-investment retail brand in our comparison set.
Cumulative investor losses reported in the press
CNBC reporting in late 2025 totaled approximately $208 million of cumulative investor losses across the Yieldstreet platform — combining $41M in new Houston/Nashville real estate defaults disclosed in December, $89M in marine-loan wipeouts disclosed in September, and $78M in previously reported losses. The company rebranded to Willow Wealth in October 2025.
Elevated real estate default rate per independent reviewers
Independent reviewers (notably the Real Estate Crowdfunding Review) have estimated the platform's real estate portfolio default rate at roughly 30%, materially higher than the 2–8% range typical of peer platforms. Real estate exposure here has historically been riskier than many peer platforms.
Accredited-only on most offerings
Most direct deals are limited to accredited investors. The Alternative Income Fund (Prism Fund) is the main option for non-accredited investors but represents a small slice of the platform's offerings.
Layered fees
Annual management fees range from 1% to 4% depending on offering. Many deals also charge first-year setup fees ($100–$150 per SPV/note) and administrative fees on top.
Rebrand complicates research
The October 2025 rebrand from Yieldstreet to Willow Wealth means many older reviews still reference the old brand. Some historical performance disclosures were reorganized after the rebrand, making apples-to-apples comparison harder.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

A single REIT — the Roots REIT — focused on residential real estate in Atlanta and select other Sun Belt markets.

Property Locations

Primarily Atlanta metro, with select expansion into adjacent Sun Belt markets.

Real estate deals are sourced across U.S. markets with a mix of commercial and multifamily exposure. Specific geographies vary deal-by-deal.

Expected Returns

Fees

Liquidity

12-month minimum holding period to avoid an early-redemption penalty. After year one there is no exit penalty.

Varies by deal. Notes can mature in months; real estate deals run multiple years; venture capital and legal finance can extend longer. Most offerings are illiquid by design.

Who Can Invest

Open to both non-accredited and accredited U.S. investors aged 18 or older. International availability is limited.

The Verdict

Which is better — Roots or Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

★ Our Pick

3.5

Full Roots review →

2.0

Full Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) review →

Bottom Line

Roots scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) FAQ

Which is better — Roots or Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

What is the minimum investment for Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

Roots's minimum investment is $100. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)'s minimum investment is $5,000–$10,000 (most direct deals); $25,000 (Willow 360).

How do Roots and Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth) compare on liquidity?

What returns can investors expect from Roots vs. Yieldstreet (Willow Wealth)?

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

View Properties Get started free