Should I buy REITs instead of my own SFHs?

[Greg Smith]

This article just came up on my feed and I found it compelling. If you really can get 8% dividends and equity appreciation with less risk and less work, why wouldn’t I do this?  I haven’t verified the guys specific claims, but generally, is he right?  It seems like what I can do to come out ahead and achieve greater gains involve leverage and finding great deals for instant equity.  Thoughts?

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4228231-buy-real-estate-buy-reits-instead