The Realized Team’s Picks

How to Use DSTs to Reduce Concentration Risk in a Single Property or Single Market

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Real estate investors often face the challenge of concentration risk, particularly when a significant portion of their capital is tied up in a single property or geographic location. Concentration risk can expose these investors to volatility and potential financial distress if an economic downturn affects the local market or property type. One strategic method to mitigate this risk is through the use of Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs).

Planning Your ‘Final’ Exchange: Coordinating 1031s, DSTs, and Step-Up in Basis for Heirs

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For many investment property owners, real estate is a cornerstone not only for wealth generation but also for family legacy planning. A strategic approach involving 1031 Exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and the step-up in basis at death can significantly enhance your estate plan, ensuring that your heirs benefit without undue tax burdens.

Mar 15, 2026

1031 Exchange vs. Paying the Tax Bill: Side-by-Side Scenarios for a Long-Held Rental

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Investing in real estate can be a fruitful endeavor, providing both income and long-term capital appreciation. However, when it's time to sell a long-held rental property, one critical decision investors face is whether to proceed with a 1031 Exchange or simply pay the tax bill. Both paths have distinct financial implications and future benefits.

Mar 15, 2026

Retiring from Landlording in a High-Tax State: 1031, DSTs, and State Tax Considerations

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For many property owners, the prospect of retiring from landlording brings both relief and a new set of financial considerations, particularly if you're in a high-tax state like California. The decision to exit the rental property business doesn't just affect your monthly cash flow; it can significantly impact your tax liabilities. Fortunately, there are methods like the 1031 Exchange and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) that can optimize this transition.

Can You Move Closer to Family and Keep Your Rental Income? Using DSTs for Location Flexibility

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As life evolves, the priorities and situations of investment property owners often change. Whether it's due to retirement, family needs, or simply seeking a new environment, the desire to relocate closer to family is a sentiment shared by many. The question arises: how can one maintain their rental income while enjoying this newfound geographical flexibility? Enter the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).

1031 Exchange Backup Plans: What to Do If Your Replacement Property Falls Through

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Navigating the world of 1031 exchanges can be as exhilarating as it is complex. Imagine this scenario: you've just sold your investment property, meticulously planned your exchange, identified a promising replacement property, and then—out of nowhere—the deal falls through. Anyone who has experienced this knows it feels like being on a high-speed train that suddenly derails. So, what should you do?

Mar 13, 2026

How to Talk to Your CPA About 1031 Exchanges, DSTs, and QOZs (Checklist + Questions)

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Navigating the intricacies of 1031 Exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) can be a daunting task for any investment property owner. These real estate strategies offer significant tax-deferral opportunities but come with their own rules and nuances. Engaging with a knowledgeable Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can be instrumental in ensuring that you're maximizing these opportunities while remaining compliant with IRS regulations. Here’s a guide to discussing these topics with your CPA, complete with a useful checklist and pertinent questions.

Mar 12, 2026

Can You Retire on DST Income Alone? How to Evaluate Cash Flow and Risk

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Retirement planning is a sophisticated art, balancing the need for consistent income with the ever-lurking specter of risk. As investment property owners, exploring diverse income-generating strategies such as Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) could be an intriguing proposition. However, can DST income alone fulfill the financial needs of a retired life? Let's delve deeper.

Turning One Big Rental into Many Small Investments: Diversification Strategies with DSTs

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Owning a single large rental property can often seem like a golden goose, consistently bringing in rental income and appreciating over time. However, as many seasoned real estate investors can attest, relying solely on one asset comes with its own set of risks and limitations. A downturn in the local market, an unexpected vacancy, or an expensive repair can quickly turn your investment into a liability. This is where diversification comes into play, and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) offer an intriguing pathway.

What to Do When Your Rental Is Fully Depreciated: Exit, 1031 Exchange, or DST?

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When you've owned your rental property long enough for it to be fully depreciated, you face critical decisions about the best course of action. A fully depreciated property, having reached the end of its IRS-designated useful life for tax purposes, no longer offers depreciation tax benefits. Here, we'll explore options including exiting the investment, executing a 1031 Exchange, or leveraging a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).

Mar 11, 2026

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