Real Estate Investing in Costa Mesa
Real estate has long been one of the most reliable paths to building wealth in Southern California. Costa Mesa, with its strong rental demand, limited land supply and central location, has attracted investors of every size. The broader Orange County region, including Newport Beach and Irvine, is also home to a remarkable concentration of real estate investment firms that acquire, develop and manage apartments, industrial buildings, office properties and retail centers across the country.
For individual investors, there are more ways to participate than ever before. You can buy rental properties directly, invest alongside experienced sponsors in private syndications, purchase shares of real estate investment trusts or use online platforms that offer fractional ownership with low minimums.
How We Selected These Firms
We considered track record, investment strategy, transparency, assets under management, local presence, investor communication and accessibility for different types of investors. Our list includes Orange County-based sponsors, national investment managers and online platforms.
The Top 10 Real Estate Investment Firms Serving Costa Mesa
1. The Bascom Group
Based in Orange County, The Bascom Group is a well-known multifamily investment firm specializing in value-add apartment communities. Its strategy focuses on renovating and repositioning properties to improve resident experience and returns.
2. Sares Regis Group
Sares Regis Group is a Newport Beach-based developer and investor with decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate. Its projects range from apartment communities to industrial and office properties throughout the West.
3. Waterford Property Company
Waterford Property Company is a Newport Beach-based firm focused on value-add investments in office, industrial and retail properties. It is known for disciplined underwriting and creative repositioning strategies.
4. Western National Group
Western National Group, headquartered in Irvine, is a vertically integrated multifamily company handling development, construction, investment and property management. Its long history in Southern California gives it deep market insight.
5. The Irvine Company
The Irvine Company is one of the most influential private real estate owners in the nation. While it does not raise capital from the public, its long-term investment approach shapes Orange County's office, retail and apartment markets.
6. Kennedy Wilson
Kennedy Wilson is a global real estate investment company with significant holdings in the western United States. It invests in multifamily, office and real estate debt, and its public listing allows investors to participate through shares.
7. CBRE Investment Management
CBRE Investment Management offers institutional real estate strategies and public funds, giving investors access to diversified portfolios managed by one of the largest real estate organizations in the world.
8. Fundrise
Fundrise is an online real estate investment platform with low minimum investments. It offers diversified funds that hold apartments, industrial properties and real estate debt, making real estate investing accessible to beginners.
9. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul, based in Southern California, provides access to private real estate deals and online REITs. Accredited and non-accredited investors can participate in professionally underwritten opportunities.
10. CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet is a marketplace connecting accredited investors with commercial real estate sponsors. Investors can review individual deals, compare sponsors and build customized portfolios.
Investment Trends
Industrial real estate remains attractive due to e-commerce and logistics demand, while multifamily continues to benefit from housing shortages in coastal California. Higher interest rates have created opportunities for well-capitalized investors to acquire properties at more attractive prices. Private credit and real estate debt strategies have grown in popularity. Online platforms have expanded access, and investors are paying closer attention to sustainability and energy efficiency as drivers of long-term value.
How to Choose an Investment Firm
Evaluate each firm's track record across different market cycles, not just recent performance. Understand fee structures, including acquisition, asset management and performance fees. Review how often investors receive updates and how distributions are paid. Consider liquidity, since many private real estate investments require holding periods of several years. Diversify across property types and sponsors to manage risk, and consult a financial advisor before committing significant capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an accredited investor? Many private syndications require accredited status, but REITs and some online platforms are open to all investors with low minimums.
What returns can real estate investors expect? Returns vary widely by strategy, risk level and market conditions. Value-add and development deals offer higher potential returns with greater risk.
Is direct ownership better than passive investing? Direct ownership offers control but requires time and expertise, while passive investing provides professional management and diversification.
Why Costa Mesa Appeals to Investors
Costa Mesa combines strong fundamentals that investors value. Major employers, a busy regional airport, world-class retail and two colleges create steady demand for housing and commercial space. Limited undeveloped land restricts new supply, supporting rents and property values over time. The city's ongoing efforts to add housing along key corridors also create redevelopment opportunities for experienced sponsors. These factors make Costa Mesa a compelling market for both direct investors and those participating through professional firms.
Final Thoughts
Costa Mesa investors have access to some of the most experienced real estate firms in the nation. Orange County leaders like The Bascom Group, Sares Regis, Waterford and Western National Group bring deep regional expertise, global managers like Kennedy Wilson and CBRE Investment Management offer scale and platforms such as Fundrise, RealtyMogul and CrowdStreet make investing more accessible than ever.