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

Piggy bank wrapped in Christmas string lights
Dividend Stocks

The $7,000 TFSA Move Most Canadians Leave Until December

An earlier TFSA contribution can simplify your plan, even when the immediate tax saving is smaller than you expect.

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

Diversification 101: How Beginners Can Protect Against Market Shocks

Stocks like TD Bank and Fortis provide an anchor to a well-diversified portfolio for resilient long-term performance.

Read more »

man makes the timeout gesture with his hands
Dividend Stocks

Why Dividend Cuts Happen and How to Spot the Warning Signs

Learn why dividend cuts happen and how to spot warning signs, using BCE and TELUS to examine cash flow, debt,…

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Top TSX Stocks

How to Stay Invested When the Headlines Look Bad

Selling stocks in a panic turns paper losses permanent. Discover how holding Aritzia stock through terrifying headlines delivered over 1,100%…

Read more »

woman stares at chocolate layer cake
Dividend Stocks

Just Turned 50 With Little Saved? Here’s Where to Start

This investing strategy can reduce risk while still delivering decent yield.

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Hit $5.8 Trillion: The Canadian Stock Riding the Same AI Wave

Celestica’s AI exposure is supported by operating results, while cash investment and valuation make the buying decision more demanding.

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Investing

S&P 500 Hits a New High While the TSX Lingers Below Its August Peak: How Much Is Home Bias Costing Your Portfolio?

The S&P 500 just hit a record while the TSX sits 3.5% below its August peak. Here’s what home bias…

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Investing

Aritzia Stock Leaps 20% in a Day After Profit Tripled: Are Shares Still a Buy?

Aritzia’s upbeat outlook, strength in its e-commerce business, and boutique expansion indicate strong growth ahead.

Read more »