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How to choose your REIT
Similar to common stocks, REITs can be purchased through any securities broker. One of the easiest way to obtain a REIT is to buy shares in a mutual fund that specializes in REITs and let the professional fund manager. Most large fund management companies have REIT mutual funds. If you are interested in making your own selections, a good place to start is a website maintained by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts® (NAREIT).
Fundamental of REITs
A REIT is similar to a mutual fund. Many investors can pool their assets to own a participation in a number of real estate investments. However, unlike a stock or bond, mutual fund REITs are operating companies and they generally do more than just own the properties. This means the REIT finds the tenants, receives the rents, pays the bills and handles all other matters associated with owning real estate.