A huge yield can be a siren call to dividend-focused investors. AGNC Investment 's ( AGNC 0.42% ) huge 17% dividend yield is more like a rock opera, given that the S&P 500 index ( ^GSPC 0.13% ) is only yielding 1.3% or so and the average real estate investment trust (REIT) is yielding just 4%. If you are trying to live off of your dividends, here's why there are better dividend choices available to you.