--- title: An Investor’s Guide to REITs, Part 1 description: REITs are often attractive to investors who want to own income-producing real estate but don’t have the resources to invest directly. image: https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/REIT.png --- [info@firstguardiangroup.com](mailto:) [(866)398-1031](tel:(866)398-1031) [![fgg](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/fgg.png)](https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/6470002) [![fgg-871923](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2023/fgg-871923.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-jose/profile/commercial-real-estate/first-guardian-group-1216-887513) [![logo](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/logo.png?width=175&height=56&name=logo.png "logo")](http://fgg1031.com) - [Home](https://fgg1031.com/) - [About Us](https://fgg1031.com/about-us/) - [Current Offerings](https://fgg1031.com/property-listings-directory/) - [Resource Center](https://fgg1031.com/resource-center/) - [Glossary](https://fgg1031.com/glossary/) - [Accommodators](https://fgg1031.com/accommodators/) - [FAQ](https://fgg1031.com/faqs/) - [Tax eBook](https://pages.fgg1031.com/resources/real-estate-tax-deferral-strategies-ebook) - [Real Estate eBook](https://pages.fgg1031.com/real-estate-investing-in-the-new-era2) - [QI eBook](https://pages.fgg1031.com/resources/qualifiedintermediary/ebook) - [Tax Calculator](https://fgg1031.com/tax-calculator/) - [Newsroom](https://fgg1031.com/newsroom/) - [Blog](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog) - [Events](https://fgg1031.com/events/) - [Contact Us](https://fgg1031.com/contact/) ![search-interface-symbol](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/search-interface-symbol.png) ![loader](https://f.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/24949188/Business%20and%20Finance/global/22.gif) ![close](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/close.png) From Pages From Blog Pages Load More Load More **Sorry, we couldn't find a match for  "".** Check your spelling or try a related search term. 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A common approach is by investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT). As defined by the industry’s trade organization, NAREIT: *“A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of real estate assets the same way they invest in other industries – through the purchase of individual company stock or through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF).” -* [*NAREIT*](https://www.reit.com/what-reit)*.* The popularity of REITs cannot be denied. According to NAREIT:  - *Approximately 145 million Americans live in households invested in REITs through their 401(k), IRAs, pension plans, and other investment funds.* - *REITs of all types collectively own more than $3.5 trillion in gross assets across the U.S. * - *U.S. public REITs own approximately $2.5 trillion in assets, representing more than 500,000 properties* REITs are often attractive to investors who want to own income-producing real estate but don’t have the resources to invest directly. REITs are available in publicly traded and non-traded structures, and for this post, we will focus on public REITs. ##### **How REITs Work** Most REITs operate as equity REITs, where they own and manage investment property and where investors purchase shares of the REIT and receive distributions generated from the tenant rents.  Equity REITs own and operate various property types, including retail, office, industrial and multifamily, and derive most of their revenue from tenant rent payments.  While not as common as equity REITs, mortgage REITs (known as mREITs) serve an important role by financing commercial and residential properties. They generate most of their revenue from interest earned on their investments in property mortgages. Investors can also participate in REITs without investing as direct shareholders. REIT mutual funds and ETFs are popular options for investors interested in achieving a greater real estate portfolio diversification by owning shares in many different REITs.  ##### **Benefits** Publicly traded REITs offer investors several benefits that include:  - *Potential for consistent dividend-based income as REITs are required to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income* - *Competitive long-term market performance relative to stocks and bonds* - *Transparency, as independent boards of directors and auditors are required to meet specific reporting requirements* - *Liquidity, as shares of public REITs are traded on most major stock exchanges* - *Inflation protection, as REITs have historically performed well during periods of rising prices* - *Portfolio diversification, as REITs generally have a low correlation to stocks and bonds* - *Retirement planning and income since shares can purchased with retirement funds through 401(k), IRAs, or other pension plans* The income-producing characteristics of REITs and historically competitive long-term returns are why many consider REITs effective complements to traditional stock and bond portfolios. ##### **Risk Considerations** REITs are subject to their own risks, some of which include: - *Portfolio risk, should the properties underperform and experience a drop in valuation * - *Economic risk, should U.S. economic conditions impact occupancy rates or income  * - *Interest rate risk, as most REITs borrow money to acquire properties and higher interest rates could impact returns* - *Sector or geographical risk, as REITs may be concentrated with a particular asset type or in specific locations that could underperform* ##### **Outlook** Undeniably, the commercial real estate market suffered significant disruption during the recent pandemic as lockdowns, business closures, and employment declines impacted virtually every asset type. But, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, by mid-point this year, the broad U.S. real market had recovered quite well: *“****REITs Are Back in Vogue as Real-Estate Market Makes a Comeback*** *The FTSE NAREIT All REITs index—the broadest U.S. REIT index, with a market capitalization of $1.4 trillion—had a total return, including dividends, of 26.05% this year as of July 31, versus 17.99% for the S&P 500 index.”* - [wsj.com August 8, 2021](https://www.wsj.com/articles/reits-are-back-in-vogue-as-real-estate-market-makes-a-comeback-11628280620) As the economy continues to recover, this could be an excellent time to evaluate your current portfolio holdings and discuss how investing in REITs might improve your overall portfolio performance.  In our next post, we will take a closer look at the various types of REIT investment, including the private REIT industry. For more information of REIT investments, please contact us at [info@FGG1031.com](mailto:info@FGG1031.com)or via phone at 408 392-8822.  --- ##### **Help Save 1031 Exchanges** Write to your Member of Congress and Senators urging them to oppose restricting Section 1031 like-kind exchanges. As part of the American Families Plan, the Biden Administration has proposed eliminating the application of Section 1031 for gains greater than $500,000. Like-kind exchanges have been part of the U.S. tax code since 1921 and are one of the tax code’s most powerful economic tools. It is critical that we all vigorously and visibly oppose this proposal. Make your voice heard with a pre-filled letter, which you can customize to add personal anecdotes or powerful client stories to highlight the positive impact of Section 1031 like-kind exchanges. Take action today by clicking [HERE](https://p2a.co/XLBiUYT)[**.**](https://p2a.co/XLBiUYT) --- **[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5468919/60c88fab-3361-40dd-9cab-769d1eb620de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5468919/60c88fab-3361-40dd-9cab-769d1eb620de)** ### [Paul Getty](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/author/paul-getty) Paul M. Getty is one of the most experienced 1031 exchange specialists in the United States, with a career in real estate that spans over 35 years and more than $5 billion in commercial transactions across every major asset class. His work covers single-family rentals, apartments, retail, office, multifamily, and student and senior housing, giving him a practical understanding of how different property types perform across market cycles and how investors can move between them using tax-deferred exchange strategies. As President and CEO of FGG1031 | First Guardian Group, Paul advises investors through the full 1031 exchange process, from identifying qualifying replacement properties to structuring acquisitions through Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and wholly owned real estate. His guidance covers both the compliance requirements of a valid exchange and the investment decisions that determine long-term portfolio outcomes – a combination that is difficult to find in a single advisor. Paul holds a California and Texas real estate broker license and carries Series 22, 62, 63, and 82 securities licenses as a registered representative with Emerson Equity LLC, member FINRA /SIPC. He has represented buyers and sellers across complex commercial transactions, sourced and structured debt and equity, and worked alongside nationally recognized firms including Marcus Millichap, CBRE, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. Before founding FGG1031, he co-founded Venture Navigation, a boutique investment banking firm whose M&A and IPO activity generated over $700 million in investor returns. Paul holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wayne State University. He has also completed coursework in artificial intelligence at Stanford University. He is the author of four books on real estate investing and tax deferral strategy, including Tax Deferral Strategies Utilizing the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and Real Estate Investing in the New Era, both available on Amazon. A frequent speaker on 1031 exchanges, DST investing, and real estate tax strategy, Paul Getty is a recognized voice for investors and advisors seeking guidance on capital preservation through tax-deferred real estate investment. ## Your Comments : This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [Partial 1031 Exchange: How It Works, What Gets Taxed, and When It May Make Sense](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/partial-1031-exchange-how-it-works) [ 1031 Exchange](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/1031-exchange) [721 UPREIT Options in DST Programs (Part 3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/721-upreit-options-in-dst-programs) [ Real Estate Investors](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/real-estate-investors) [ DST](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/dst) [ 721 Exchange](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/721-exchange) [ UPREIT](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/upreit) [ New featured](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/new-featured) [Can a 9% Taxable Return Beat a 4.5% Tax Advantaged DST?](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/can-a-9-taxable-return-beat-a-4.5-tax-advantaged-dst) [ Real Estate Investors](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/real-estate-investors) [ DST](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/dst) [ New featured](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/topic/new-featured) ### Categories - [1031 Exchange (143)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/1031-exchange) - [DST (59)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/dst) - [Real Estate Investors (43)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/real-estate-investors) - [Blog (41)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/blog) - [New featured (36)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/new-featured) - [Taxes (18)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/taxes) - [Estate Planning (10)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/estate-planning) - [Investor (8)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/investor) - [REIT (7)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/reit) - [Capital Gains (6)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/capital-gains) - [Qualified Intermediary (6)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/qualified-intermediary) - [721 Exchange (4)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/721-exchange) - [Featured (4)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/featured) - [Opportunity Zones (4)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/opportunity-zones) - [1031 Exchange Funds (3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/1031-exchange-funds) - [Inflation (3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/inflation) - [Retirement Planning (3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/retirement-planning) - [Reverse 1031 Exchange (3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/reverse-1031-exchange) - [TIC (3)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/tic) - [Apartment Market (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/apartment-market) - [Boot (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/boot) - [CA Landlords (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/ca-landlords) - [Covid-19 (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/covid-19) - [Depreciation (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/depreciation) - [Depreciation Recapture (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/depreciation-recapture) - [IRS (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/irs) - [NNN (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/nnn) - [UPREIT (2)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/upreit) - [1033 Exchange (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/1033-exchange) - [1099A (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/1099a) - [AB1771 (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/ab1771) - [CPA (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/cpa) - [Cost Segregation (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/cost-segregation) - [Mortgage (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/mortgage) - [PPM (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/ppm) - [Rent Relief (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/rent-relief) - [Retail (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/retail) - [The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (1)](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/tag/the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act) see all ### Read more of what you like. ## [Public or Private Real Estate? Your Investment Portfolio May Need Both](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/public-or-private-real-estate-your-investment-portfolio-may-need-both) ## [Taxation of REITs vs DSTs - Which is More Tax Efficient?](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/taxation-of-reits-vs-dsts) ## [Can You 1031 Exchange Into a REIT?](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/can-you-1031-exchange-into-a-reit) [![FGG_Footer_White](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/FGG_Footer_White.png?width=300&height=95&name=FGG_Footer_White.png "FGG_Footer_White")](http://fgg1031.com) 97 East Brokaw Road, Suite 350, San Jose, CA 95112 [(866) 398 1031](tel:(866)%20398%201031) [info@firstguardiangroup.com](mailto:info@firstguardiangroup.com) ## Recent Blogs - [Investing in Senior Housing October 20, 2022](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/investing-in-senior-housing) - [A Closer Look at the 7 Deadly Sins October 20, 2022](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/a-closer-look-at-the-seven-deadly-sins) - [What is a Springing LLC? October 20, 2022](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/what-is-a-springing-llc) ## Useful Links - Home - About Us - Blogs - Testimonials from Past Customers - Resource Center - Current Offerings Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives. All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments. This material does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can be made only by the confidential Private Placement Memorandum (the “Memorandum”). Please be aware that this material cannot and does not replace the Memorandum and is qualified in its entirety by the Memorandum. This material is not intended as tax or legal advice so please do speak with your attorney and CPA prior to considering an investment. This material contains information that has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, FGG1031, First Guardian Group, LightPath Capital, Inc., and their representatives do not guarantee the accuracy and validity of the information herein. Investors should perform their own investigations before considering any investment. There are material risks associated with investing in real estate, Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and 1031 Exchange properties. These include, but are not limited to, tenant vacancies, declining market values, potential loss of entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results: potential cash flow, potential returns, and potential appreciation are not guaranteed in any way and adverse tax consequences can take effect.  The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner’s income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities. All financed real estate investments have a potential for foreclosure. Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) investments are commonly offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. There is no secondary market for these investments. Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions. Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors’ returns and may outweigh the tax benefits. IRC Section 1031, IRC Section 1033, and IRC Section 721 are complex tax codes; therefore, you should consult your tax and legal professional for details regarding your situation. DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (generally described as having a net worth of over one million dollars exclusive of primary residence) and accredited entities only (generally described as an entity owned entirely by accredited individuals and/or an entity with gross assets of greater than five million dollars). If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity, please verify with your CPA and Attorney prior to considering an investment. Securities offered through registered representatives of [LightPath Capital, Inc.](http://www.lightpathcapital.com/) Member [FINRA](http://www.finra.org/) / [SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/). FGG1031, First Guardian Group, and LightPath Capital, Inc. are separate entities. Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved, FGG1031 [![FGG_Footer_White](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2022/FGG_Footer_White.png?width=300&height=95&name=FGG_Footer_White.png "FGG_Footer_White")](http://fgg1031.com) 97 East Brokaw Road, Suite 350, San Jose, CA 95112 [(866) 398 1031](tel:(866)%20398%201031) [info@firstguardiangroup.com](mailto:) [![Bitmap](https://blog.fgg1031.com/hubfs/FirstGuardianGroup_2023/Bitmap.png)](https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/6470002) ## Recent Blogs - [Understanding the Difference Between Inheritance and Estate Tax August 3, 2023](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-inheritance-and-estate-tax) - [Public or Private Real Estate? Your Investment Portfolio May Need Both July 27, 2023](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/public-or-private-real-estate-your-investment-portfolio-may-need-both) - [How to Use 1031 Exchange Funds to Improve Your Replacement Property July 20, 2023](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog/how-to-use-1031-exchange-finds-to-improve-your-replacement-property) ## Useful Links - [Home](http://fgg1031.com/) - [About Us](https://fgg1031.com/about-us/) - [Blogs](https://blog.fgg1031.com/blog) - Testimonials from Past Customers - [Resource Center](https://fgg1031.com/resource-center/) - [Current Offerings](https://fgg1031.com/property-listings-directory/) FGG1031 | First Guardian Group and Emerson Equity LLC do not provide legal or tax advice. Securities offered through [Emerson Equity LLC](http://www.emersonequity.com/) Member [FINRA/SIPC](http://finra.org/) and MSRB registered. Emerson Equity LLC is unaffiliated with any entity herein. 1031 Risk Disclosure: - There is no guarantee that any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives; - Potential for property value loss – All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments; - Change of tax status – The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner’s income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities; - Potential for foreclosure – All financed real estate investments have potential for foreclosure; ·Illiquidity – Because 1031 exchanges are commonly offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. There is no secondary market for these investments; - Reduction or Elimination of Monthly Cash Flow Distributions – Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions; - Impact of fees/expenses – Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors’ returns and may outweigh the tax benefits No offer to buy or sell securities is being made. Such offers may only be made to qualified accredited investors via private placement memorandum. Risks detailed in a private placement memorandum should be carefully reviewed, understood and considered before making such an investment. Prospective strategies and products used in any tax advantaged investment planning should be reviewed independently with your tax and legal advisors. Changes to the tax code and other regulatory revisions could have a negative impact upon strategies developed and recommendations made. Past performance and/or forward looking statements are never an assurance of future results. Many of the investments offered will be only available to those investors meeting the definition of an Accredited Investor under SEC Rule 501(A) and offered as Regulation D private placement securities via a Private Placement Memorandum (“PPM”). Prospective investors must receive, read and understand all of the risks associated with buying private placement securities. Investments are not guaranteed or [FDIC](http://fdic.org/) insured and risks may include but are not limited to illiquidity, no guarantee of income or guarantee that all tax advantages or objectives will be met and complete loss of principal investment could occur. **Risk Disclosure:** Alternative investment products, including real estate investments, notes & debentures, hedge funds and private equity, involve a high degree of risk, often engage in leveraging and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss, can be highly illiquid, are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors, may involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information, are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds, often charge high fees which may offset any trading profits, and in many cases the underlying investments are not transparent and are known only to the investment manager. Alternative investment performance can be volatile. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his or her investment. Often, alternative investment fund and account managers have total trading authority over their funds or accounts; the use of a single advisor applying generally similar trading programs could mean lack of diversification and, consequently, higher risk. There is often no secondary market for an investor's interest in alternative investments, and none is expected to develop. There may be restrictions on transferring interests in any alternative investment. Alternative investment products often execute a substantial portion of their trades on non-U.S. exchanges. Investing in foreign markets may entail risks that differ from those associated with investments in U.S. markets. Additionally, alternative investments often entail commodity trading, which involves substantial risk of loss. NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION: The contents of this website: (i) do not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy of securities, and (ii) may not be relied upon in making an investment decision related to any investment offering by FGG1031 | First Guardian Group, Emerson Equity LLC, or any affiliate, or partner thereof. FGG1031 | First Guardian Group does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Copyright 2026, All Rights Reserved, FGG1031