Diversified real estate ventures can help to breathe new life into your portfolio of stocks with commercial and residential investments that can bring you good dividends. In a real estate investment trust (REIT), the capital is managed by a fund that studies the market and makes real estate purchases based on this research. Diversified real estate investment firms sell you partial ownership in the various properties they buy.

As an investor, you will receive regular dividends while the diversified property fund does not have to pay corporate taxes on the profits they make. Diversified real estate investment trusts must pay out at least 90% of the profits they see from the purchases. Find a number of ways to profit from diversified real estate investments.

1. Look for an older, stable diversified property investment trust in which to invest.

2. Take a risk with a new diversified REIT to earn higher dividends.

3. Find diversified property trust investments through industry experts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay safe with diversified real estate services

Research the REIT before you buy into the firm. If you want to be sure that you will receive regular dividends, look for a REIT that has been performing solidly for a long period of time. While there is never a guarantee when investing in stock, you have a better chance of remaining on top when you go with proven properties.

I recommend: Developers Diversified Realty is one of the country’s largest diversified real estate services. Invest in the diversified portfolio that is offered by Duke Realty.

Look for diversified investment properties for bigger gains

The bigger the risk, the bigger your return will be. The same goes for REIT investments. If you have the opportunity to buy in early when a new REIT is being formed, you can get a larger piece of the diversified real estate capital and possibly bigger payoffs. If you can't get in on the ground floor, make sure that you consider global diversified REITs, as they could provide the portfolio variance you desire.

I recommend: Centered in the upper Midwest, IRET (Investors Real Estate Trust) has decades of experience in managing diversified real estate investments in residential, commercial, medical and industrial properties in 13 states. Cousins Properties is a US-based diversified REIT that is consistently adding new properties.

Use consultants to identify diversified property fund opportunities

Look for advisors in the real estate investment field to guide you through the various options to help diversity your portfolio. After you begin adding REITs to your strategy, you will need a good resource to help keep up with your investments and to make you aware of new opportunities as they arise.

I recommend: Altruist is a firm that can help you sift through all the options in diversified REITs to find the ones best suited for you. Go to Vanguard for expert advice in establishing REIT investments for your portfolio.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Analysts charge for unbiased detailed reports on real estate investment trusts. Consider subscribing to a report or two to keep track of your investments.