Either way, they are going to pay others to manage their investment ... but with the REIT they have world class investment teams, diversification, economies of scale, smaller buy-in amounts, and better asset protection.So, if you are willing and able to stay hands on and local (at least at first), then I think direct ownership is the way to go ... if you want totally hands off and remote, then I agree with the basic premise of the article, that REITs are a superior vehicle for this purpose.

As part of portfolio diversification we are considering investment in syndication fund invested in multifamily and apartment.

(IRA returns will not be magnified by leverage.)Benefits:1)  The assets in the IRA grow tax free.2)  Diversification.  

With $100K, you will not have that much ability to invest in real estate AND other conventional assets, but if your retirement plan that is tied to your W-2 job is in the financial markets, then that is a form of diversification.  

I feel drawn to diversification, at least for now.

I have some investments in stocks already and am seeking real estate for diversification.

s phasing into the world I live inAccumulation is accomplished by using 1031 to tap into equity and do diversification exchanges - sell one and use the proceeds to buy 2 or more.  

Diversification could come in taking a limited partner role in value add MF apts, self storage and mobile home parks as examples. 

If you’re looking to take a more passive role in your real estate and want the benefits of diversification there are funds available to accredited investors that are designed to allow investors the opportunity for ownership of institutional investment grade property that is occupied by regional, national, and Fortune 500 credited companies. 

I learned early on and still agree today that diversification of income is the most important requirement to eliminate unnecessary risk.