Which of the following is NOT considered a funding source for mortgages?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) primarily focus on investing in income-producing real estate and do not primarily serve as a direct funding source for traditional mortgages. While REITs may engage in financing real estate projects, their main function is to provide investors with a platform to participate in the real estate market by allowing them to invest in portfolios of properties or real estate-related assets. In contrast, banks, trust companies, and credit unions are traditional lending institutions that specifically offer mortgage products, providing direct funding to borrowers. These institutions actively participate in the mortgage industry by originating loans and managing their portfolios, making them recognized funding sources for mortgages.