By Dan Weil The FTSE Nareit index of total returns for REITs has descended 28% year to date. Real estate investment trusts have hit the skids in 2022, with the FTSE Nareit index of total returns for the sector dropping 28% year to date. Soaring interest rates have hammered the securities. Rising rates hurt them because REITs generally borrow money to buy properties, and higher rates make that borrowing more expensive. In addition, climbing rates mean higher yields for bonds, which compete with REITs for investors’ attention. I think REITs’ decline this year presents some buying opportunities a…