I want to talk about an interesting REIT that caught my eye – Armada Hoffler Properties (NYSE: AHH). First off, real estate is still a top way for regular folks like us to build wealth and generate income. And when you don’t have millions to invest in individual deals, REITs can be a great alternative. They come with a professional management team that works to bring in positive returns for you.

Now, AHH is not as popular as some other REITs like Realty Income (O), but it definitely has some intriguing qualities. One of the most attractive features is its juicy 6.5% yield. And let’s not overlook its strong fundamentals – a 97% occupancy ratio across its portfolio during the second quarter, with impressive lease renewal spreads. That’s a solid sign of healthy demand.

What sets AHH apart is its diversified portfolio, covering high-quality multifamily, office, and retail properties in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern parts of the U.S. But that’s not all – the company also provides general construction and property development services to third-party clients, adding an interesting dimension to its business.

Sure, a diversified portfolio can come with some complexity risks, but successful companies like AHH can turn that into an advantage. It gives them the flexibility to invest in higher growth areas without being tied down to a single property type.

The company’s growth story is impressive too. Its asset base has grown over 5x since its IPO in 2013. And management has some exciting plans for the future, with new investments in the growing multifamily segment in Atlanta and Coastal Virginia markets.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Every investment comes with risks. For AHH, execution risk related to developments is something to watch out for. And although its debt service and fixed charge coverage ratios are reasonable, there’s room for improvement.

But don’t worry, AHH has plenty of liquidity and doesn’t have any significant debt maturities in the near term. It’s a well-managed ship, and the management has faith in the company’s future, as evidenced by their $50 million buyback authorization.

At the current price of $12.05, AHH is trading at an attractive valuation with a forward P/FFO of 9.6. With its strong occupancy and healthy lease spreads, the company is well-positioned to deliver decent returns for shareholders. And let’s not forget that sweet 6.5% yield, which is nicely covered.