Two renters pose in front of their new home that they're renting from Roots, a program that helps renters invest in real estate. Then Hunnicutt found a $1,050-per-month two-bedroom apartment tied to Roots, a real estate investment trust based in the Atlanta area that aims to help renters of the properties in its portfolio build wealth toward homeownership. Will Hunnicutt with his dog Bailey in his Atlanta home that he rented through Roots, a company that helps renters build wealth by investing in real estate. As buyers continue to struggle with home affordability, experts say programs that help with down payments may be worth another look. One barrier toward homeownership is having enough savings for a down payment.

---

Persons: Katie Curran, Will Hunnicutt, Hunnicutt, Bailey, It's, They're, homebuyer Organizations: CNBC, SurveyMonkey, National Association of Realtors, PMI, Mortgage Locations: Atlanta, U.S