"With the new school year underway, we're adding an attractive REIT to our portfolio that specializes in campus housing: American Campus Communities (ACC)," says Stephen Leeb.

The growth & income specialist and editor of The Complete Investor explains, "The real estate investment trust, which went public in 2004, has been providing housing for college students since 1993, and is now one of the nation's largest developers, owners, and managers of high-quality student housing communities.

"The REIT has grown both through internal development and via acquisitions, most notably its 2008 purchase of the student housing division of GMH Communities Trust for around $1.4 billion.

"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.