Behringer Harvard (REIT) - trying to find out more

Behringer is a private REIT sponsor. Private REITs raise money from retail investors and pitch themselves as an alternative to public REITs without the volatility. The reality is that real estate values are still volatile, even if you can't actively sell your shares. Illiquid does not equal "not volatile." Private REITs have come under significant scrutiny and criticism in recent years for what critics contend are deceptive marketing practices, conflicts of interest, high fees, and substantial losses in value.

As a result, private REITs are having a harder time raising money in the current environment. I don't think Behringer has any funds that are open to new investment, and I'm not sure how active they are right now making new acquisitions. If you're interested in working in real estate and want a foot in the door, this may not be a bad place to start, but of course any prospective position is best viewed in comparison with your other alternatives...