Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($) properties segments	Jan. 31, 2017 USD ($) segments
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 14,194	$ 12,599
Real estate operating expenses	10,017	9,123
Operating income	4,177	3,476
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Segment NOI	7,343	6,392
Lease termination fee	(620)
Deferred rents - straight lining	98	138
Investment income	55	46
General and administrative expenses	(553)	(524)
Depreciation	(2,711)	(2,530)
Financing costs	(5,152)	(3,866)
Net income (loss)	(920)	(344)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	563	407
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	$ (357)	$ 63
Number of reportable segments | segments	2	2
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 14,096	$ 12,461
Real estate operating expenses	6,753	6,069
Operating income	7,343	6,392
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Recurring capital improvements	$ (111)	(553)
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | properties	8
Residential [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 7,793	6,387
Real estate operating expenses	3,716	3,184
Operating income	$ 4,077	3,203
Commercial [Member]
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | properties	9
Commercial [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 6,303	6,074
Real estate operating expenses	3,037	2,885
Operating income	$ 3,266	$ 3,189