This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"With fewer people tapping the housing market, apartments are filling up fast. That's one big reason I like Equity Residential (EQR) for 2011," says income specialist Amy Calisti.

The editor of The Daily Paycheck explains, "Equity Residential is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) of its kind.

"All across America, college town populations are rising much faster than practically any other real estate market; that's because enrollments on a national basis are on a steady rise," says income expert Bryan Perry.

In his The Cash Machine, he looks to Education Realty Trust (NYSE: EDR), a real estate investment trust that provides high-quality student housing throughout the U.S.

Perry explains, "While it's still early to call a bottom for real estate in a number of regions -- especially in commercial properties -- one thing is for sure: Parents will give their right arms to send their kids to great colleges.

"There is a stealth bull market for apartment growth in major college towns, and rents are only going to rise in the years to come as the broader economy rebounds.

"With occupancy rates around 95%, apartment REITs appear to be the one bright spot in the REIT sector," says Asif Suria in The SINLetter; he looks at AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB).

"The company generates nearly half its net operating income from the NY/NJ metro area and New England. California represents an additional 32% of net operating income.

"With a management team that is well respected and leverage that is the lowest of any apartment REIT, AvalonBay has traded at a premium over the last few years and the stock was trading at nearly $150 when I first came across the company in early 2007.

"I continued watching the company over the last two years looking for an opportunity to start a position. With a decline of over 70% from its 2007 high and a yield of 8.1%, this apartment REIT is finally at a level that not only offers a fat yield but also the potential of price appreciation.