How to Build Passive-Income Portfolio From Just $15,000

Canadian investors can build a strong passive-income portfolio with some cash and stocks like Artis REIT (TSX:AX.UN).

Passive income is income that is generated through means other than employment or through money earned as a contractor. Some types of passive income include rental income from an owned property, royalties from a published novel or another creative endeavor, or through online sales of a particular product.

Today, I want to explore how you can build a strong passive-income portfolio through the investment route with just $15,000 to start. In this piece, I want to target real estate investment trusts (REITs) for their dependability and high-income yields. Let’s jump in.

dividends grow over time

Source: Getty Images

Here’s the first REIT I’d target for our passive-income portfolio in 2023

Automotive Properties REIT (TSX: APR.UN) is the first real estate investment trust (REIT) I want to target for our passive-income portfolio. This Toronto-based REIT is focused on owning and acquiring primarily income-producing automotive dealership properties in Canada. Its shares rose 1.22% on Thursday, June 29.

This REIT released its first-quarter (Q1) fiscal 2023 earnings on May 11. Automotive Properties REIT delivered adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per unit of $0.229. Meanwhile, rental revenue increased 12% year over year to $22.8 million. Same-property cash net operating income (NOI) rose 2.4% to $16.1 million.

Shares of this REIT closed at $11.59 on June 29. For our hypothetical, we can purchase 400 shares of Automotive Properties REIT for a total price of $4,636. The stock offers a monthly dividend of $0.057 per share. That represents a tasty 6.9% yield. We can now generate monthly passive income of $26.80 going forward.

This REIT offers a big yield right now

Artis REIT (TSX: AX.UN) is a Winnipeg-based REIT with an extensive portfolio of industrial, office, and retail properties in Canada and the United States. Shares of this REIT rose 0.69% in yesterday’s trading session. The stock is down over 35% in the year-over-year period as of close on June 29.

In Q1 2023, Artis REIT saw revenue dip 3.2% year over year to $90.2 million. Moreover, net operating income declined 6.6% to $48.0 million. This REIT closed at $7.21 on Thursday, June 29. We can snag 700 shares of Artis REIT for a purchase price of $5,047. Artis REIT currently offers a monthly dividend of $0.05, which represents a monster 8.3% yield. This purchase will allow us to churn out monthly passive income of $35.

The final REIT I’d target to churn out big passive income

Allied Properties REIT (TSX: AP.UN) is the third and final REIT I want to snatch up today with the remainder of our $15,000 principle. This REIT is a leading operator of distinctive urban workspace in the country’s top metropolitan areas and network-dense urban datacenter space in Toronto. Its shares rose marginally in Thursday’s trading session.

This REIT closed at $21.61 on Thursday, June 29. We can snatch up 245 shares of Allied Properties REIT for a total price of $5,294.45. This REIT offers a monthly distribution of $0.15 per share, representing an 8.3% yield. The investment means we can generate monthly passive income of $36.75 from here on out.

Bottom line

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCY
APR.UN$11.59400$0.057$26.80Monthly
AX.UN$7.21700$0.05$35Monthly
AP.UN$21.61245$0.15$36.75Monthly

The investments in these high-yield REITs will allow us to generate monthly passive income of $98.55. That works out to an annual passive-income rate of $1,182.60.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Automotive Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

Blocks conceptualizing the Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Dividend Stocks

Which Account Should You Fill First for Retirement?

Not sure whether to fund your TFSA, RRSP or FHSA first? Here's a simple order for Canadians, plus how a…

Read more »

man in business suit pulls a piece out of wobbly wooden tower
Stocks for Beginners

The U.S. Just Cut Lumber Duties: This Producer Got the Lowest Rate

West Fraser's new announced duty rate offers relief, although separate tariffs and weak housing demand remain substantial hurdles.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, October 23

Rising crude oil prices could support TSX energy stocks at the open today, but continued weakness in gold and silver,…

Read more »

A woman shops in a grocery store while pushing a stroller with a child
Dividend Stocks

An Ideal TFSA Stock for Retirees, Paying 5.2% Each Month

Here's why this popular Canadian real estate stock is one of the best picks for retirees inside their TFSAs.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

A 4.8% Dividend Stock for Monthly Retirement Income

Sienna Senior Living pays $0.08 a share every month, about a 4.8% yield. See Q2 2026 growth, payout safety and…

Read more »

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

Is Telus’s New Dividend Safe? What $10,000 Would Earn You Today

Here’s why Telus’s new dividend looks more sustainable and why the cut could make the stock a better long-term investment.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

This 2% Monthly Payer Is the One Stock I’d Never Sell

Supported by strong fundamentals, favourable industry tailwinds, and promising growth prospects, Savaria offers long-term investors the potential for capital appreciation…

Read more »

woman relaxes with phone
Dividend Stocks

BCE Earnings Preview: Is the Dividend Still the Main Event?

BCE’s Q3 2026 results will reveal whether its shift from dividend growth to debt reduction is delivering meaningful financial progress.

Read more »