Lazy Landlords: Start a Real Estate Empire With These REITs

You can create a real estate empire quickly and easily, without even buying up one property.

| More on:

If there’s one thing investors likely don’t want to get into right now, it’s real estate. Sure, it sounds great being a landlord that’s able to rake in cash. But that’s not what’s happening right now. In fact, being a landlord isn’t great at the best of times. It becomes a full-time jobs, dealing with damage, insurance, tenants and more. There’s a much easier way to bring you passive income and that through real estate investment trusts (REITs).

If you have the cash on hand, then consider investing in REITs as your next dividend stock. These passive income stocks are perfect for investors looking for a lazy way to make returns. If you choose right, the stocks can be an easy, safe and sustainable choice that will see you bring in passive income for decades.

But you need to be smart. Right now REITs can be volatile. So let’s look at two REITs that fit the bill.

WPT Industrial

WPT Industrial REIT (TSX:WIR.UN) is the perfect option for a lazy landlord wanting to take on the benefits of the e-commerce boom. WPT Industrial owns over 100 light industrial properties across the United States. These properties are used to store and ship merchandise for several e-commerce giants.

Shares in WPT Industrial have grown by about 12% as of writing in the last year. The company is relatively new, so that’s why shares haven’t soared like we’ve seen with other e-commerce companies. Instead, investors are likely to see a lot of share change during earnings season.

So let’s look at earnings. I don’t like to focus in on every line item, but those that matter for long-term investors. In this case, that’s revenue and gross margin. Revenue continues to grow by leaps and bounds year over year, most recently by 41%. Its gross margin, meanwhile, is at an incredible 77%.

The company has plenty of cash on hand to continue its acquisition strategy, so investors should continue to see strong growth for years to come. Meanwhile, they’ll have access to a 4.91% dividend yield as of writing.

NorthWest

NorthWest Healthcare REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) is another perfect option for lazy landlords looking to take on benefits of the healthcare industry. But NorthWest is also a great option for its diversity. It has an international portfolio of income-producing healthcare properties ranging from office buildings to hospitals.

The company had another incredible earnings report recently, with the average lease jumping to 14.5 years! That’s on top of its stable 97% occupancy rate. So if there’s one thing you’ll get from this stock its stability for years if not decades.

Shares in the company have grown 17% in the last year, and 125% in the last five years. Meanwhile it offers a dividend yield of 6.17% as of writing. All of this could explode, however, as the company officially inked a European joint venture for $3 billion during the last quarter.

Foolish takeaway

If there are two industries that will continue to thrive even after the pandemic, its healthcare and e-commerce. But you don’t have to take on risk to see returns. Instead, you can invest in REITs like these two and get the best of both worlds. You’ll have stable dividends coming in for years, with returns right alongside.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe owns shares of NORTHWEST HEALTHCARE PPTYS REIT UNITS. The Motley Fool recommends NORTHWEST HEALTHCARE PPTYS REIT UNITS.

More on Dividend Stocks

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn Losing TSX Telecom Stock Picks Into Tax Savings

Telecom stocks could be a good tax-loss harvesting candidate for year-end.

Read more »

Business success of growth metaverse finance and investment profit graph concept or development analysis progress chart on financial market achievement strategy background with increase hand diagram
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Growth Stocks Look Like Standout Buys as the Market Keeps Surging

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock and another standout name to watch closely in the new year.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

For Passive Income Investing, 3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

Don't look now, but these three Canadian dividend stocks look poised for some big upside, particularly as interest rates appear…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Got $7,000? Where to Invest Your TFSA Contribution in 2026

Putting $7,000 to work in your 2026 TFSA? Consider BMO, Granite REIT, and VXC for steady income, diversification, and long-term…

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Dividend Stocks

A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Passive Income Portfolio

Are you a new investor looking to earn safe dividends? Here are some tips for a beginner investor who wants…

Read more »

container trucks and cargo planes are part of global logistics system
Dividend Stocks

Before the Clock Strikes Midnight on 2025 – TSX Transportation & Logistics Stocks to Buy

Three TSX stocks are buying opportunities in Canada’s dynamic and rapidly evolving transportation and logistics sector.

Read more »

some REITs give investors exposure to commercial real estate
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal Canadian Stock for Dividends and Growth

Want dividends plus steady growth? Power Corporation offers a “quiet compounder” mix of cash flow today and patient compounding from…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Easy Ways to Boost Your Income (Including Buying Telus Stock)

Telus (TSX:T) and another timely dividend play that's worth checking out for a yield boost!

Read more »