High-yield 'mousetrap' REITs consistently underperform, with significant risk of dividend cuts and capital loss, as evidenced by recent 12-month returns lagging VNQ by over 1,000 bps. Dividend Safety scores are critical; REITs rated F face a 40% chance of a cut within 12 months, often resulting in sharp share price declines. Key danger signals include high payout ratios, weak revenues, and heavy debt loads.









