This is a reply to a reader's comment on REITs and how I process them in my mind. If you are interested, see reader's comment: HERE. My reply: What we look out for will depend on our motivation. As an investor for income, I am more interested in whether my investments are able to pay me a meaningful and sustainable dividend. This is especially important for a retiree like me with no earned income. When it comes to REITs, I pay attention to whether money is being put in my pocket. I would ask if what the management is doing would be beneficial or detrimental over time? If beneficial, we want to make sure the benefits are bona fide for the longer term. We want to make sure that the benefits are not illusionary or temporary. Of course, there are other things to consider because we don't want to put money in an Eagle Hospitality Trust, for example.