I don't know of any web sites specifically used as a meeting place for small unit investors, though I'd think you could post blogs or questions in Trulia Voices, or similar forums, saying you are looking for partners.
When selling a multi-family property off-market (not putting it on the MLS), it's common to market the property by contacting owners of similar buildings in the area and asking them if they want to increase their holdings. That same process may work for you.
You may also want to search for "syndicates" (a very specific legal term in real estate) that are operating in your area. In their most simple definition, these are typically groups that look at deals and offer them to their mailing list of investors. Anyone can start a syndicate, though most are led by real estate professionals or experienced investors, since their operation is subject to Department of Real Estate regulation.

Hi Jepson and thanks for your post.

I find that the best source for this information tends to come from mortgage brokers and hard money lenders. These professionals routinely work with individuals who are eager to make good real estate investments are are also fairly liquid to make investments now.

However, and I will caveat this greatly, most investors tend to work with other investors they know personally or with individuals who have a proven, verifiable track record. They seldom work with individuals outside of a specific group, and will typically deal only with the following as the "lead" for their investment organization--attorneys, CPAs, financial analysts, developers--and only with other similary cash liquid investors. If you are not blessed with lot of money and don't have a proven investment track record to present, it's very difficult to attract these people to come join you in your investment. More likely what happens is that they will take your idea and tend to find an even better one that they'll exercise without you.

Your best bet is to work with friends and family members to obtain the money you need to make an investment. Contact an attorney to find out how to set up a corporation where everyone buys stock and invests in buildings. These are called REIT or Real Estate Investment Trusts, and they work for a large number of investors. Also, consider having a professional run your investment by joining a fund where the lead person is an investor who understands the market and selects the properties for investment by the group.

Especially now and without experience, the investors will simply not invest in any building or home you suggest. Again, they'll likely work around you and cut you out of the deal, if its a good one.

Good luck!

Grace Morioka
Area Pro Realty

My experience has shown that buying property with three or four other people can be a very complicated and different arrangement. There are so many issues that can come up? How long do you want to own property? What if one person wants to sell in 3 years? Or have different opinions on how property should be managed? I believe in general you will be happier owning something by yourself. Of course, prices are very high in our area. I wish you luck but be careful. I have started to invest in Austin TX. You can buy newer properties there that will cash flow with $50,000 to $75,000 investments. Generate 6% returns, far better than what you can find here in properties under $2M.

I would agree with what Oggi said. It's funny that you specifically mention Mountain View too because I know of a specific property there that is looking for a shared investment. So if you would like to know more about it, let me know.

The best way is to ask your agent to reach out to the realtor community for such partnerships. They can also possibly advertise for such a scenario. Clients buying TIC's do it all the time. You may call me for more info.

Best,

Oggi Kashi - 415.690.3792 direct
Broker Associate, Paragon Real Estate Group CA DRE 01844627
All data from sources deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions, and not warranted.