While most investors are familiar with stocks, many might not be fully aware of REITs, or real estate investment trusts. These are companies that own and operate income-producing properties, structured to pay out the bulk of their profits as dividends. They have long appealed to investors seeking both diversification and additional income. By law, REITs distribute the majority of their taxable income back to shareholders as dividends, making them a reliable source of passive cash flow. They also offer expos ...