Real estate investments trusts (REITs) like Realty Income and Digital Realty usually grab the attention of investors because of the their hefty dividend yields. But should every investor own REITs? What are the advantages and growth opportunities in owning this asset class?

In the follow video, Motley Fool banking analyst sits down with Fool contributor Brad Thomas to discuss the REIT industry, how Realty Income has been able to maintain its healthy dividend throughout the Great Recession, and how he evaluates risk in the mREIT sector.