Real estate has historically been an excellent investment. It produces competitive returns and passive income with less volatility than stocks. That makes it a great addition to any portfolio. 

You don't need much money to start investing in the sector. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are low-cost, enabling anyone with $1,000 (or less) to add some real estate to their portfolio. Three top options beginners will want to grab are AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB), Realty Income (NYSE: O), and W.P. Carey (NYSE: WPC).

AvalonBay Communities is one of the largest apartment owners in the country. The residential REIT has interests in 299 apartment communities across a dozen states, with another 17 under development. The company primarily focuses on high-cost coastal cities but has started expanding into faster-growing markets across the southeast in recent years. 

Continue reading

Source Fool.com