These four S&P 500 stocks pay 6% and higher dividends, have Buy ratings at top Wall Street firms, and are offering excellent entry points.

I would say there are more ways to generate passive income than you can shake a stick at. However, that expression might not be true, depending on how big your stick is and how committed you are to shaking it.

Dividend-paying companies offering high yields often attract investors seeking steady, predictable cash flows over capital appreciation. These companies are typically mature, established businesses with predictable earnings.

If you're looking for stocks that can produce heaps of passive income, you want to turn your attention toward a pair of beaten-down real estate investment trusts. W.P. Carey (NYSE: WPC), and Realty Income (NYSE: O) are two highly reliable dividend payers that have been beaten down to near 52-week lows.

After a tech-centric 2024, it's time to think outside the box and consider investment ideas in nontech sectors.