There are institutions, and then there are institutions. It is a very broad term to toss around. Most likely, the underwriters had some go to accounts at the initial offering. I am waiting on a 10K to see how cash rich this REIT is, how much property it already owns, how much revenue is derived from existing leases.
The two founders ran REITs and sold them. Makes them look savvy on the surface. But one must be mindful of the real estate bubble earlier this century.
He looks at you like you owe him money.