Commercial real estate investing has become increasingly focused on quality rather than simply quantity. Investors are not only asking how much a property costs; they are looking at the income it can produce, the strength of the tenant, the durability of the lease, the location, and the potential risks attached to the asset. With retail, medical, restaurant, industrial, and single-tenant...

For investors who want real estate income without the headaches of active management, few asset types offer the same combination of simplicity and stability as a standalone commercial building leased to one occupant. These assets have quietly become one of the most in-demand categories in commercial real estate, and understanding how they work is the first step toward deciding if they belong in...