If you want to invest in real estate, yet you don't want the responsibilities of being a land lord nor do you want to be involved with a real estate management company, then a real estate investment trust (REIT) may be your best choice.

REITs are groups of real estate properties such as shopping centers, apartments, commercials buildings or other rental establishments.  REITs can be found on the major stock exchanges and can be purchased through mutual funds.

Before investing, do your homework.  Lots of people have lost lots of money due to the "pie in the sky concept"  If you don't understand all the "jargon" find a trusted advisor the DOES NOT work on a commission.

Since REITs are required to pay a high dividend stream and income tax rates are higher for dividend income than for capital gains, REIT shareholders pay a lot of taxes, offsetting much of the savings associated with eliminating corporate tax payments. Consequently, taxes paid on all REIT-generated income must be calculated to estimate the net tax saving associated with the structure. Consult your favorite CPA for detailed information.