Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate properties. REITs are often publicly traded on major stock exchanges, which allows investors to buy and sell shares in the same way as other publicly traded companies.

One of the main benefits of investing in REITs is that they provide exposure to the real estate market without requiring investors to directly own or manage property. Instead, REITs allow investors to participate in the ownership and management of a portfolio of properties, which can include office buildings, shopping centers, apartment buildings, and other types of commercial and residential real estate.

REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends, which makes them an attractive investment option for income-seeking investors. Additionally, REITs can provide portfolio diversification and potential for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying properties increases over time.

However, like any investment, there are also risks associated with investing in REITs, including interest rate risk, credit risk, and market volatility. It's important to do your due diligence and carefully research any REIT you're considering investing in, including its track record, management team, and underlying properties