Dear , check some REITs price in 2008-09.
Make some chart or comparison table and check what your are missing.
If you really want less headache or less energy type, just buy property and Hire property management company.
In some big cities , big developer provide this service type of services, just buy property and they rent the property themself and handle all headache, and give your monthly rental income after cutting thier fee and property charges.
When you buy reits, you do not have any︀ control, but when you buy property. You can control every aspect. If property management company︁ do some funny business , you can change them.
It is media propegenda, that brainwash︂ people that reita are better than real property investment. It is myth. People buying this︃ myth. Reits are good concept but there is no comparison with real property investment. Real︄ investment wins always and provide you high return .
Thanks