FOR 1031 EXCHANGE INVESTORS
Trade active property management for passive ownership in institutional-quality real estate, and defer capital gains through a 1031 exchange into a Delaware Statutory Trust. No tenants. No toilets. No trash.
45
Days to identify
180
Days to close
0
Landlord duties

Institutional-quality real estate. Zero landlord duties.
WHY DST OWNERSHIP
Direct property ownership means late-night maintenance calls, vacancy stress, and being your own property manager whether you want the job or not. A DST hands the operational side to an experienced sponsor — you keep the economics of real estate ownership without keeping the job.
Actually passive
No leases to sign, no tenants to chase, no 3 a.m. calls about a broken water heater. Potential distributions are scheduled on a monthly/quarterly basis.
Institutional-quality real estate
Own a fractional indirect interest in the same class of multifamily, industrial, and healthcare assets that pension funds and REITs buy — usually out of reach for individual investors.
Defer the tax bill
Roll capital gains, depreciation recapture, and net investment income tax forward through a 1031 exchange instead of paying the IRS at closing.
THE BASICS, PLAIN ENGLISH
A DST is a separate legal entity that holds title to real estate on behalf of multiple investors. Complete a 1031 exchange into one and you own a fractional, undivided interest in the trust's property — with a professional sponsor handling everything from leasing to capital improvements.
01
Sell your property
Your relinquished property closes and proceeds go to a qualified intermediary — never to you directly.
02
Identify within 45 days
Choose your replacement DST offering(s) within the IRS's 45-day identification window.
03
Close within 180 days
Fund your DST interest and close the exchange before the 180-day deadline.
04
Go passive
Receive potential distributions while a professional sponsor manages the asset.
A NOTE FROM JAMES
I'm James Lyon — most people know me as TheDSTGuy. I don't sell insurance, manage portfolios, or dabble in DSTs on the side. I spend every day evaluating sponsors, comparing offerings, and helping 1031 exchange investors move into real estate that finally gives them their time back.
Registered Representative, Emerson Equity LLC · Member, ADISA
Read My Full Story
Everything you need to know about 1031 exchanges and DSTs — deadlines, tax mechanics, and how to evaluate your first offering. No pressure, no sales call required.
Get the Free GuideCOMMON QUESTIONS
Is a DST right for every 1031 exchange?
No single strategy fits everyone. DSTs tend to make the most sense for investors who are done being hands-on landlords and want professionally managed real estate instead. We'll talk through whether it fits your specific exchange.
How much day-to-day involvement will I have?
Day-to-day? None — that's the point. The sponsor handles leasing, maintenance, and capital decisions within the trust's operating agreement. You own the economics, not the job.
What happens if I miss the 45-day deadline?
The exchange fails and the sale becomes a taxable event. That's why lining up DST options before you're deep into your 45 days matters.
Can I sell my DST interest whenever I want?
No. DST interests are illiquid, typically held for 5–10 years, with no guaranteed exit. That's a trade-off for passivity, not a savings account.