In today’s market, there is no shortage of investment vehicles to choose from.  The goal is to find the best investments to suit a well-balanced portfolio.  Recently, real estate owners and investors alike are taking notice to owning Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) and the many advantages they provide. 

In this article we are going to further touch on some key topics relating to Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) including:

         -What is a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
         -How is a Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) Structured?
         -How to Invest in a Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST)?

What is a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a legal entity created under Delaware law that permits fractional ownership of real estate assets.  For investors that are not interested in the day-to-day management of an investment property, consider a Delaware statutory trust (DST) as a solution. DSTs provide the benefits of incorporating commercial real estate into an investment portfolio without the hassle of property management responsibilities. This is also known as a passive investment real estate strategy. Qualified investors can access a DST directly with cash or through a 1031 like-kind exchange. 

How is a Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) Structured?
Since the year 2000, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) have increasingly been used as a form of real estate ownership offering investors several advantages over the Tenant In Common (TIC) structure. 

Originally when real estate syndications began, if an investor wanted to participate in a fund structure, they were bound to an antiquated model know as Tenant In Common or “TIC”.  Although TICs had their advantages, there were many disadvantages associated, mainly ownership.  In a TIC, all investors have equal voting rights making decisions a very difficult task.  For example, if a TIC had 40 investors, all 40 partners would have to unanimously agree on any forward decisions or changes to the underlying asset.  This was especially difficult when incorporating things like budgeting, management, development and exiting of the asset.  The Delaware Statutory Trust offers a simple alternative to TIC structures without the headaches. 

Let’s look at how a basic DST is structured and some advantages they can offer. 

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a trust created by a separate legal entity, usually a sponsor/developer (general partner) for the purpose of owning assets.  The trust allows up to 499 investors (limited partners) to participate in the trust.  Once the trust is established, the sponsor can purchase real estate, securities, private businesses, etc. within the fund.  The DST can then secure financing against the assets within the trust.  Debt within a DST is non-recourse, offering an added layer of protection to the limited partners.

The general partners are the asset managers who handle all aspects of property management including market analysis, local architectural, zoning & building boards, contractors for rehab/development, inspections, leasing, financing & closing, etc.

Below is an example of what ownership within a Delaware Statutory Trust looks like.

Limited partners of a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) own beneficial interests withing the trust making the DST a powerful tool when considering a 1031 exchange.  Real estate owned within a DST is recognized by the IRS as 1031 exchange eligible, giving the DST the ability to exchange property into and from the trust.  This is the single biggest advantage of owning a DST over public/private Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

How to Invest in a Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST)?
Setting up a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) for the purpose of syndicating real estate can be extremely costly.  This maybe a viable option for a few active investors looking to be hands on and syndicate deals internally.  For the rest of us, investing directly within an established DST is most practical and comes with a plethora of benefits. 

Consider Exchange-X by Marzo Capital Group

Exchange-X is a leading technology platform which provides a simple solution for real estate investors & 1031 exchange buyers.  Investors gain instant access to the largest real estate deals in the country, sponsored by world leading private equity and development firms.     

Members can view, analyze, and directly purchase investment grade real estate properties, along with accessing important offering documents such as Offering Memorandums (OM), Private Placement Memorandums (PPM), due-diligence docs, property overviews and more. 

Simply register on our website or go to www.marzocapitalgroup.com to view recent deals and learn more about Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST).

Conclusion
In this article we covered important topics on what is a Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST), how one is structured and how an investor can gain direct access.  DSTs stand to be an excellent alternative for the investor looking to take on a passive management role or looking to diversify with institutional quality real estate.  A DST is also eligible for a 1031 exchange, giving investors several tax advantages over other structures like public and private REITs.  Although, DSTs have several advantages and are worth looking into, we always suggest speaking with your CPA or attorney to make sure a DST investment is right for you.  

Check out 10 Advantages of Owning a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) & Is a 1031 Exchange Right for You (Pros and Cons) to learn more about if a Delaware Statutory Trust suits you.

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The contents of this communication: (i) do not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, (ii) offers can be made only by the confidential Private Placement Memorandum (the “PPM”) which is available upon request, (iii) do not and cannot replace the PPM and is qualified in its entirety by the PPM, and (iv) may not be relied upon in making an investment decision related to any investment offering by the respective issuer, or any affiliate, or partner thereof ("Issuer"). All potential investors must read the PPM and no person may invest without acknowledging receipt and complete review of the PPM. With respect to the “targeted” goals and performance levels outlined herein, these do not constitute a promise of performance, nor is there any assurance that the investment objectives of any program will be attained. These “targeted” factors are based upon reasonable assumptions more fully outlined in the Offering Documents/ PPM. Consult the PPM for investment conditions, risk factors, minimum requirements, fees and expenses and other pertinent information with respect to any investment. These investment opportunities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are being offered pursuant to an exemption therefrom and from applicable state securities laws. Past performance are no guarantee of future results. All information is subject to change. You should always consult a tax professional prior to investing. Investment offerings and investment decisions may only be made on the basis of a confidential private placement memorandum issued by Issuer, or one of its partner/issuers. Issuer does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Thank you for your cooperation.

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