Are Real Estate Investment Trusts a Good Career Path for You?

Are you interested in diverse options for real estate investments? You can explore Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). But, is real estate investment trusts a good career path for you? It does provide great opportunities for investors – whether you’re a real estate agent or an investment analyst.

This blog will explore the benefits and challenges of working in real estate investment through REITs so that you can make an informed decision about this career option.

What are Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITs?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own, manage, and finance real estate properties that generate income. They offer a way for people to invest in commercial real estate without directly owning property. REITs distribute a significant portion of their income to shareholders as dividends, making them attractive for consistent income. They aim to provide investors with opportunities for real estate growth and income while ensuring liquidity and diversification by pooling resources from various investors.

What are the different types of REITs?

REITs vary based on their investments and the types of real estate assets they manage. Understanding the distinctions can help professionals choose their career paths within the REIT industry.

Primary REITs

Equity REITs: They own and operate income-producing properties. These could be offices, shopping centers, hotels, apartments, healthcare facilities, and warehouses. They earn money from leasing these properties to tenants.
Mortgage REITs: Instead of owning properties, these REITs focus on real estate debt by investing in mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. They make money from the interest generated by these investments. Keep in mind that they are more sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Hybrid REITs: These REITs have a mix of both equity and mortgage investments. They provide a balanced approach to real estate investment.

Other REIT types

Residential REITs specializing in residential properties such as apartments, student housing, and single-family homes.
Commercial REITs, focusing on commercial properties such as offices, retail centers, hotels, and industrial facilities.
Retail REITs that own and operate retail properties such as shopping malls, standalone retail spaces, and outlet centers.
Industrial REITs that manage industrial properties such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.
Healthcare REITs specializing in healthcare properties such as medical office buildings, assisted living facilities, and senior housing.
Lodging REITs that own properties in the hospitality sector such as resorts, motels, and hotels.
Data center REITs, managing facilities that house servers and IT equipment for businesses and cloud service providers.

How do REITs work?

REITs have to follow strict regulations, including distributing at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends each year. This rule benefits investors by providing a potential steady income and helps companies by reducing or eliminating corporate taxes. Consequently, REITs often have higher dividend yields than other stocks, which can be appealing to investors seeking income.

REITs work similarly to mutual funds. That is to say, they offer high liquidity compared to physical real estate. Individuals who invest in real estate trusts can earn good dividends without buying or managing properties themselves. This opens up real estate investment to those with less capital or those who prefer not to own property directly.

The bottom line is that the financial appeal of REITs comes from their ability to provide both income and long-term growth potential.

What are the skill requirements for a successful REIT career?

The industry values specialized skills such as asset management, capital markets knowledge, and financial analysis. Furthermore, it’s beneficial to understand financial statements, real estate market trends, the due diligence process in real estate, and possess negotiation and relationship-building skills.

A bachelor’s degree in finance, business, real estate, or accounting is typically needed for a successful REIT career. Advanced positions may require an MBA or a Master’s in Real Estate for a deeper knowledge of investment and portfolio management.

Moreover, certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) are valuable for showcasing specialization and proficiency.

What is the average salary for a REIT career?

Careers in REITs include investment analysis, portfolio management, financial reporting, property management, and investor relations. Each role has specific responsibilities and salary expectations.

Salaries in the REIT industry often match the level of responsibility and company size. For example, entry-level positions such as financial analysts or junior asset managers can offer competitive pay compared to other industries. As professionals advance to higher roles such as senior asset managers, REIT analysts, or portfolio managers, salaries can rise significantly. A REIT analyst in the United States might earn an average salary between $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and location.

How to begin your REIT career?

Starting a career in REITs typically involves pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, real estate, or a related field, with specialized coursework or a minor in real estate offering added advantage. Practical experience through internships or entry-level positions at real estate firms is crucial for understanding industry dynamics and often leads to full-time roles. Building a strong professional network can open doors to investment opportunities within the REIT sector.

Additionally, considering professional financial certifications can enhance one’s credentials and increase chances of success in the field.

Is real estate investment trusts a good career path? What are its pros and cons?

Although pursuing a career in REITs can offer substantial rewards, it does present its own set of challenges. It’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not the career is right for you.

Advantages

Jobs in REITs usually come with stable salaries.
They often offer comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses. This financial security is thanks to the steady rental property income that supports the industry.
There’s ample room for professional growth. REIT professionals can expand their skills, take on new roles, and climb the career ladder to senior management positions.
Working in REITs exposes employees to various property types and real estate ventures, offering a range of experiences. From negotiating leases to managing real estate projects and development projects, professionals gain diverse skills.
Operating across different geographical markets also provides valuable insights into regional and global real estate trends.

Disadvantages

REITs are influenced by fluctuations in the real estate market, which can be affected by broader economic conditions. Economic downturns and changes in interest rates can impact property values and rental income.
The REIT sector is subject to specific regulations governing compliance, corporate governance, and taxation. It requires a deep understanding of current laws. Professionals who are adaptable to navigate through economic cycles have a better chance of becoming successful.
There’s high competition for REIT positions due to the industry’s attractive benefits and growth opportunities.
Breaking into the real estate investment trust industry often requires a solid educational background and practical experience through internships or related jobs.

Last thoughts

A career in REITs offers stability, growth, and diversity. However, challenges such as economic sensitivity and competition exist. Individuals equipped with the right skills may find REITs to be a rewarding career choice. It is especially promising for those interested in both finance and the real estate industry.

Is real estate investment trusts a good career path? was last modified: April 11th, 2025 by Ramona Sinha

Written by Ramona Sinha. March 18, 2024

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.