Given the inflation-fighting and income-generating potential of real estate, adding VNQ to our simple Vanguard ETFs portfolio makes a ton of sense. Vanguard ETFs to Buy: Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) Expense Ratio: 0.12% Finally, our low-cost Vanguard ETF portfolio needs some inflation protection, and we can get that through owning commercial real estate. The $30.2 billion Vanguard REIT Index ETF (NYSEARCA: VNQ ) is the behemoth in the sector and is the largest index fund to cover REITs.