According to CNBC, real estate developers found a manageable way to utilize crowdfunding, the act of soliciting funds from the public, most recently via the Internet.

Thanks to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or JOBS, passed in April 2012. Now developers can advertise and market their projects to so-called, "accredited" investors, or those with a net worth of at least $1 million and an annual income of at least $200,000.