Realty Income has flaws, such as its material exposure to retail properties. That said, the benefits here will likely outweigh the negatives for most investors over the long term. And that will show up most acutely when times are tough in the market and the economy. That's why conservative types will probably want to jump aboard now, so they can focus on collecting the REIT's monthly paid dividend -- it'll make riding out the next rough patch that much easier. And you might even get the added bonus of Realty Income investing in the downturn so it comes out the other side an even better company.