There are several reasons to like retail-focused real estate investment trusts as long-term investments, such as low turnover and leases that require tenants to cover the variable expenses of property ownership. However, there are several different types of retail real estate, so with that in mind, let’s look at freestanding retail giant Realty Income Realty Income invests primarily in freestanding retail properties; however, in recent years the REIT has branched out into industrial and office properties as well.