"The consistency of REITs' earnings and their high dividend yields, together with the low correlation of REIT stock prices with prices of other asset classes, make real estate investment trusts a unique opportunity for investors.Drawing on more than thirty years of successful investing experience with REITs, Ralph L. Block has created the ultimate REIT guide. This fully updated fourth edition explains the ins and outs of this attractive asset class for investors, as well as financial planners and investment advisers, to find what they need to know. The new edition covers the changes in the real estate market and how the volatility of commercial real estate prices can affect REITs. This new edition offers the following: How to spot blue-chip REITs and control investment risk How REITs compare with other investments How to build a diversified REIT portfolio, directly or with REIT mutual funds Understanding the risk-and-reward dynamics of commercial real estate How to invest in non-US REITs Important new developments and strategies in the REIT industry "--