Doug makes a convincing case for REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) for people wanting to invest in real estate. REITs may be a good alternative for people who want to own real estate but want to avoid the "mess" of being a landlord. Doug explains what a REIT is and its potential benefits. He also discusses the problems of doing business outside of the U.S. with "packaged products." Listeners will learn what a "packaged product" is and why it is considered a PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Corporation) by the U.S. government. How can new investors get started? Jane Barratt, the founder of Goldbean, an education platform for beginning investors, shares her company educational programs to help new investors. She outlines some of the common hang-ups and problems beginning investors have, and then offers the solutions her company can provide. Jane emphasizes the importance of attitude and the willingness to learn. She explains how the Goldbean platform is able to teach and mentor, in order to help investors reach their fullest investment potential. Visit the Goldbean website or go to their Twitter and Facebook. Goldbean also has tons of useful content on Lynda.com. If you're not already receiving updates on new episodes, sign up now, and as a special bonus, receive Doug's free ebook The Retirement Planning Book. Opinions of the guest are not necessarily the opinions of Doug Goldstein, CFP®) or of Portfolio Resources Group. Mentioning a product or company is not necessarily an endorsement of the product.