Mortgage from an REIT

[Ben Walhood]

I've read about using Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT's) for a mortgage when purchasing additional investment properties. Something like a 50% LTV with higher interest rates than the bank, but fewer loan qualifications. I'd like to use such a loan to purchase my 3rd investment property, because my income no longer supports another mortgage (despite the fact that my first 2 properties are cashflow positive). Then I could use some of my own cash to improve the property and get it rented.
Does anyone know if REIT's still do these types of deals on residential income properties? If so, how would I find one? I'm in the Chicago area, but I would think a long-distance deal could be worked out.
Thanks for any ideas.