National Retail maintains a conservative balance sheet, with just over 32% of total capitalization made up of debt, and it has an investment-grade credit rating that allows it the financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities as they arise. The main reason I love healthcare REITs as long-term investments is the favorable demographic and economic trends that should translate into lots of demand going forward. And, with the favorable industry trends I mentioned earlier, there's no reason to believe Ventas' dividend (currently a 3.9% yield) can't continue to grow at an impressive, inflation-beating rate.