Private Real Estate Lending & Investing from Red Tower

Private Real Estate Mortgage REITs vs. Stocks, Bonds & More

Written by Red Tower Capital | September 16 2025

Private Real Estate Mortgage REITs vs. Stocks, Bonds & More

Private Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have become an increasingly popular investment option for those seeking steady income and diversification. These investment vehicles allow investors to pool their capital to invest in real estate debt, such as commercial and residential properties. With their potential for higher yields and stable cash flow, private mortgage REITs are attractive alternatives to more traditional investments.

What Are Real Estate Private Mortgage REITs?

A private mortgage REIT (mREIT) is a privately held real estate investment trust that specializes in financing real estate by originating or purchasing mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, earning income primarily from interest payments on these loans, rather than owning the properties themselves. Unlike public mREITs traded on stock exchanges, private mREITs are not registered with the SEC, are not publicly traded, and are typically restricted to accredited investors and institutions. 

  • A private mortgage REIT raises capital from investors to make loans (usually short- to mid-term) secured by real estate.
  • Instead of owning property directly, it earns interest income from borrowers
  • Consistent, high-yield returns are distributed to investors

Private REITs differ from public REITs in several ways: they typically have lower liquidity, are subject to fewer regulations, and cater to more specific investment strategies. While public REITs must follow strict SEC guidelines, private REITs can offer greater flexibility in terms of property selection, risk management, and investment strategies. Private REITs often invest in both residential and commercial real estate, including multifamily properties, retail, office, and industrial buildings, generating income through mortgage payments and loan fees.



Comparison to Other Investment Options

Private real estate mortgage REITs are a distinct type of investment compared to stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles. Here's a breakdown of how Red Tower Capital’s, RTC VI, a real estate private mortgage REIT compares to other investments:

 

Investment Type

Typical Yield

Liquidity

Market Exposure

Security

RTC VI 

9+%

Moderate/Low

Low

Real Estate Debt

Public Equity REIT

3-6%

Moderate

High

Real Estate Equity

Stocks

7-10%

High

Moderate

Unsecured

Municipal Bonds

3-5%

High

Moderate

Tax-Payer Secured

Corporate Bonds

4-6%

High

Moderate

Mostly Unsecured

How Do Private Mortgage REITs Perform in Different Market Conditions?

Private mortgage REITs can often perform well in various market conditions, especially when compared to more volatile investments like stocks.

Economic Downturns

During times of economic uncertainty, stocks often experience substantial volatility. While bonds are generally more stable, they may not provide returns that keep pace with inflation. Private mortgage REITs, on the other hand, are backed by real estate assets, which tend to be less volatile. The income from mortgage payments remains steady, offering investors reliable cash flow, even in tough economic times.

Real Estate Booms

During periods of economic expansion and rising property values, private mortgage REITs can benefit from increased property values and higher mortgage interest income. Private mortgage REITs that focus on high-quality real estate investments tend to perform well when the real estate market is booming, providing higher returns for investors.

Private Real Estate Mortgage REITs: A Smart Investment

Private Real Estate Mortgage REITs offer unique investment opportunities for those seeking passive income and diversification outside traditional stock and bond markets. While they may carry some risks associated with real estate markets and loan performance, they also provide higher potential returns and the stability of real estate-backed assets. 

Interested in learning more about private mortgage REITs? Red Tower Capital offers tailored investment solutions to help you navigate these opportunities. Contact us to explore how these investments can benefit your portfolio.