| Type | Cost | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $500 | DIY / basic | Low-fee option |
| Mid-range | $1,000–$5,000 | Standard service | Good value |
| Premium | $10,000+ | Full-service | Highest quality available |
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| REIT Type | Avg Dividend Yield | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Publicly traded REIT (broad index) | 3.5–5% | VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) |
| Residential REITs | 3–4% | AvalonBay, Equity Residential |
| Healthcare REITs | 4–6% | Welltower, Ventas |
| Data center REITs | 2–3% | Equinix, Digital Realty |
| Non-traded REIT (private) | 5–8% | Fundrise, RealtyMogul |
| Mortgage REIT | 8–14% | Annaly, AGNC (higher risk) |
The minimum to invest in a publicly traded REIT is just the price of one share ($20–$300) through any brokerage. REIT ETFs like VNQ (0.12% expense ratio) give instant diversification across 150+ real estate companies. Non-traded REITs (Fundrise, $10 minimum) offer higher yields but less liquidity — your money is locked up for 1–5+ years. REITs are required to distribute 90%+ of taxable income as dividends, making them excellent for income investors.
The true cost of reit extends well beyond the sticker price. Fees, tax implications, opportunity costs, and time horizons all factor into the real cost of any financial decision. Evaluating only the upfront cost without considering long-term impact leads to consistently poor financial outcomes.
Individual circumstances drive the right choice more than general advice. Your tax bracket, timeline, risk tolerance, and existing financial picture all influence which option delivers the best outcome. What works for someone in their 20s with decades of compounding ahead is very different from what makes sense for someone approaching retirement.