Recently I've been on the subject of REITs for the average investor's portfolio. An astute investor might look into REITs that invest in foreign properties. Japan's Sapporo Holdings Ltd. has sold some commercial property to Morgan Stanley. Yebisu Garden Place is a posh residential and shopping district in downtown Tokyo, and Morgan Stanley, through one of its real estate funds, will now own 15% of it.

Most readers will know that Sapporo is best known in this country as one of the Japanese beers available at their local sushi restaurant. The company also produces wine and soft drinks. It's even said that Sapporo beer can help with your allergies and asthma.

I don't know about you, but if I can stop sneezing while I count my real estate profits and drink a beer, life is good.