When starting with a REIT does it make sense to use a business?

I am planning to invest in a REIT and as a current business owner, I know the benefits of having a business and using deductions and expenses.  Would the dividends from the REIT count as business income that could go towards business expenses if created under the LLC? My LLC is a single LLC. Otherwise, would it make sense to just use my SSN and claim it as regular income?