HappyNest

HappyNest is a Rhode Island-based real estate crowdfunding platform founded in 2020 by Jesse Prince, targeting retail investors who want entry-level exposure to commercial real estate. The platform structures its offering as a single non-traded REIT (the HappyNest REIT I), open to non-accredited investors with a $10 minimum investment — one of the lowest minimums in the industry, and notably below competitors like Fundrise ($10), Arrived Homes ($100), or Cadre ($25,000+). HappyNest positions itself as a "starter REIT" for first-time real estate investors, with a goal-based savings interface designed to feel more like a savings app than a traditional investment platform.

The REIT invests exclusively in triple-net lease commercial properties, primarily single-tenant industrial and retail assets leased to creditworthy corporate tenants under long-term contracts (typically 10–20 years). This structure aims to produce stable, predictable rental income with minimal operational responsibility for the REIT — the tenant pays property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. As of early 2026, the REIT's portfolio includes a small handful of properties, reflecting the platform's modest assets under management (under $10M). Dividends are paid quarterly, with the REIT historically targeting a 6% annualized distribution rate, though actual distributions have varied based on portfolio performance.