Benefits in investing in REITs include:

• Income yields usually surpass the yields of other income investments.
• Steady flow of rental revenues even in "soft" economic periods.
• Tangible assets and conservative management styles.
• If interest rates go down, REITs may look more attractive as sources of income and possible capital gains.

Risks in investing in REITs include:

• Income yields are not guaranteed and subject to availability of distributable earnings.
• Earnings may be negatively affected by business and tenant failures.
• Asset valuations may suffer from a weak real estate market.
• If interest rates go up, REITs may be less attractive if other investments have equal or better yields. May result in a capital loss.