Chances of it happening might be lower, but piece of mind in your operations can be a fine line between success and failure.Don't forget you'll have closing costs, marketing costs, repairs, etc., off the bat.

Have not yet operated though sorry.

I know the relationships between a real estate investor, their team and mentor should be organically established, and honestly I would not have it any other way.  

As an operator I think that knowing/liking/trusting the people I've invested with is paramount, so the jury is out on whether Fundrise is truly less risky. 

It's critical that you follow the rules.Another constraint would be whether the operator is accepting only accredited investors to the offering. 

Properties have operating expenses.

The first one won't be great, but if you've got the skill and can build the network, no reason you can't do well operating your own money.Good luck.

Now, if you're very organized/detailed person and you want to be a landlord yourself, you can invest that money in a single family rental.

Note that once you "stabilize" a property... replace the older stuff in the first couple of years... then your average operating costs are going to go down significantly.

I also just came across another 4plex in the same area that is cashflowing just over $1000 after all operating costs.