Investment Company Registration Question

[Wit Wang]

Hi, I have a question about fundraising. I am an international student myself, and I have been learning about real estate for awhile. A few other international students who would also like to give me their money to invest for them. I thought that was a great way to raise money. I am thinking about raising $250K from 10 - 25 people.

Would this consider as an investment company and require me to register with SEC? 

all of these international students are on F1 or J1 visas, and they all live in the same state as I am and only want to invest in the same state.

Anybody has any ideas about my situation from a company registration perspective?