We all don't care how much Apple profits on our iPhone... what really matters is the product or value we get or in this terms the ROI on our principal.The fees can be broken down in the three main fees (so you might have to combine some of the above fees under one of the categories below):Acquisition fee (paid % of the asset price) - normally 1-3%Asset management (paid % of the income the asset produces) - normally 1-3%Distribution or exit fee (paid % of the sold asset price) - normally 1-3%Development fees (this is present in development deals) - exampleNOTE: Just because these fees are high or the split structure has too much going to the GP does not disqualify it.

Quote from @Curtis Cutler: Hello all, I'm trying to rethink my retirement plans.

Hello all, I do interior design and I am an active real estate investor.

The perceived benefit to the investor is they either get the inflated price, or if the deal goes "bad" and the tenant defaults they get to keep all the deposit money and rent and all that.

All of their products are Dutch-interest and their highest leverage option is a 1st position with a 2nd position loan wrapped with it to get to higher leverages.  

@Annwar MataniA few comments that I don't think have been mentioned among all of the replies that are worth considering:1.

Both of those websites charge the tenants more than $25 and we require all adults living in our units to pay and fill out an application. 

When they presented the opportunity to me, they showed me what countries want it licensed, what companies are interested and all of that.

I keep a spreadsheet for each property with these Q&A recorded for all prospects. 

Take detailed notes and don't be afraid to ask any and all questions until you feel like you understand the process 100%.