Actual real estate vs REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust)

[Jeff G.]

RE investors usually put down what 10-25% and finance the rest when purchasing real estate.

Why not do the same in a REIT (or two)? There are some paying dividends of 10%+ right now.

Do you make a higher % than that on your actual real estate investments?

I'm asking because I'm having a hard time finding positive cash flow deals in my area. Well positive enough to surpass that 10% mark anyway. And I feel like, "Dang, why not just put the down payment cash in a REIT, sit back and relax?" i.e. Should I be willing to take a risk on a property, deal with tenants, spend time & money on repairs & maintenance & evictions, for 0%, 1% or 2% over a REIT? What am I missing?

Thanks, y'all ...