When structuring a portfolio, it’s common to park cash in assets that generate income. After all, everybody loves getting paid.However, not all assets stack up the same in terms of providing income.One great way to invest for a stream of income is to target REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). REITs are companies that own – and typically operate – income-producing real estate or real estate-related assets.It’s a widely-deployed strategy that allows individual investors to earn a share of the income generated through commercial real estate ownership without having to own commercial real estate.To meet the qualifications to be a REIT, a company must have the bulk of its assets and income intertwined with real estate investment. In addition, the company must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders annually via dividends.It’s easy to see why income-focused investors love to target these companies.For those seeking to invest in the space, a few highly-ranked REITs include National Retail Properties NNN, Kite Realty Group Trust KRG, and EPR Properties EPR.On top of hefty dividend payouts, REITs are typically less volatile, as seen in the chart below that illustrates the year-to-date performance of all three stocks with the S&P 500 blended in as a benchmark.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAll three stocks have widely outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, undoubtedly a major positive. Let’s take a closer look at each company.National Retail PropertiesNational Retail Properties NNN maintains a conservatively managed, diversified real estate portfolio with properties subject to long-term net leases with established tenants. The company sports a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).NNN’s dividend metrics would make any income investor celebrate. The company’s annual dividend yields a sizable 4.6%, much higher than its Zacks Finance Sector. In addition, NNN has upped its dividend payout five times over the last five years, with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 2.5%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchNNN’s top-line is in excellent health; the Zacks Consensus Sales Estimate for the company’s current fiscal year (FY22) resides at $770 million, reflecting a rock-solid 6.2% Y/Y increase. Below is a chart illustrating the company’s revenue on an annual basis, with its TTM revenue representing the final data plot.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchKite Realty Group TrustKite Realty Group Trust KRG is focused primarily on developing, constructing, acquiring, and operating high-quality neighborhood and community shopping centers in selected growth markets in the U.S. The company boasts a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).KRG thoroughly enjoys rewarding its shareholders – the company has increased its dividend payout a whopping nine times over the last five years. KRG’s annual dividend yield sits at an enticing 3.8%, well above its Zacks Sector average.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIn addition, the company’s top-line is projected to skyrocket; Kite Realty Group’s annual revenue is projected to reach $755 million in FY22, reflecting a massive 102% triple-digit year-over-year uptick.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchEPR PropertiesEPR Properties EPR is a specialty real estate investment trust that invests in three primary segments: Entertainment, Recreation, and Education. As it stands, the company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).EPR has rock-solid dividend metrics; the company’s annual dividend yields a sizable 6.4%, well above that of its Zacks Sector. In addition, EPR has increased its dividend four times over the previous five years.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchFurthermore, EPR’s top-line growth is undoubtedly a positive – the Zacks Consensus Sales Estimate for the company’s current fiscal year resides at $575 million, penciling in a robust 20% uptick from FY21 sales of $480 million.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBottom LineInvesting for income is a mega-popular way that some investors like to structure their portfolios. After all, it is a very lucrative strategy.Receiving a steady income stream helps alleviate drawdowns in other positions and provides a higher level of flexibility.REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) could be seen as a gold standard for income investing, as they must shell out at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders via dividends.All three companies above carry a strong Zacks Rank and rock-solid dividend metrics, making them suited ideally for investors seeking stocks that provide an income stream paired with low-volatility natures. Free: Top Stocks for the $30 Trillion Metaverse Boom The metaverse is a quantum leap for the internet as we currently know it - and it will make some investors rich. Just like the internet, the metaverse is expected to transform how we live, work and play. Zacks has put together a new special report to help readers like you target big profits. The Metaverse - What is it? And How to Profit with These 5 Pioneering Stocks reveals specific stocks set to skyrocket as this emerging technology develops and expands.Download Zacks’ Metaverse Report now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report National Retail Properties (NNN): Free Stock Analysis Report Kite Realty Group Trust (KRG): Free Stock Analysis Report EPR Properties (EPR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research