Investing $300 in Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) five years ago would have resulted in a 18% growth, with the initial investment growing to $354. Robert Stepleman, a seasoned investment advisor, has been recommending REITs for above-average dividends and potential price appreciation for the past two decades. However, in 2020, his prediction on the performance of REITs compared to the S&P 500 was proven wrong due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate sector. Despite the challenges faced by REITs in 2020, historically, they have provided higher annualized total returns than the S&P 500 over several years. This indicates that REITs can still be a favorable option for investors looking for dividend income and potential growth. The unique aspect of REITs lies in their regulated status as companies. Investors should consider the resilience and long-term performance of REITs, especially during uncertain economic conditions. Looking ahead, potential indicators to consider for the future performance of REITs include the recovery of the real estate market post-pandemic, interest rates, and regulatory changes affecting the real estate sector. As of 2024-03-13, with the current price of REIT at $26, further monitoring of market trends and economic conditions will be crucial for predicting the direction of REIT prices.