What is the primary benefit of having a minimum of 100 people jointly own a REIT?

The primary benefit of having a minimum of 100 people jointly own a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is to comply with regulatory requirements. This stipulation is part of the IRS guidelines that govern the qualification of a REIT for tax purposes. Having at least 100 investors helps to ensure that the ownership group is diverse, which is a key factor for maintaining the tax advantages typically granted to REITs.

In order to qualify as a REIT, entities must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum number of shareholders. This requirement helps prevent any single entity from dominating the ownership structure, promoting a level of accountability and governance within the entity. Such regulations are designed to protect investors and support avenues for the public to invest in real estate without the complexities typically involved in direct property ownership.

The other options, while they may have merits in different contexts, do not directly address the regulatory framework that supports the minimum ownership requirement.