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Side-by-side comparisons of 1031 exchange strategies, DSTs vs. direct property, and tax-deferred alternatives.

Essential reading

1031 Exchange vs. Paying Capital Gains: The Real Tradeoff

A direct comparison of completing a 1031 exchange versus selling and paying capital gains tax — with the math, the compounding impact, and the scenarios where each path makes more sense.

12 min readRead article

DST vs. Direct Property: Which 1031 Replacement Path Fits?

A side-by-side comparison of buying direct property versus investing in a DST as 1031 replacement — covering control, fees, speed, risk, income, liquidity, and which fits different investor profiles.

13 min readRead article

1031 Exchange vs. Opportunity Zone: Two Tax Strategies Compared

Both strategies defer capital gains taxes, but they work differently and suit different investors. Here's how to choose between them.

14 min readRead article

All articles

How Much Does a 1031 Exchange Cost?

A 1031 exchange involves three cost categories: the exchange-specific costs (QI fees, legal review), the normal transaction costs of selling and buying property, and opportunity costs that are harder to quantify.

10 min

1031 Exchange vs. Installment Sale: A Detailed Comparison

1031 Exchange: Sell your investment property. Have a qualified intermediary hold the proceeds. Identify replacement property within 45 days. Close within 180 days. Defer all capital gains taxes. Continue owning real estate.

11 min

1031 Exchange vs. Section 121 Capital Gains Exclusion

Section 121 (Primary Residence Exclusion): - Excludes up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 married filing jointly) from income - Must have owned and used the property as your primary residence for at least 2 of the past 5 years - Can be used once every 2 years - No reinvestment requirement - take...

10 min

DST vs. NNN Lease: Two Paths to Passive Income

You purchase a property leased to a single tenant under a triple-net lease. The tenant pays base rent plus all operating expenses: property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. You collect rent and have virtually no landlord responsibilities.

10 min

1031 Exchange vs. Charitable Remainder Trust

1031 Exchange: Sell investment property, reinvest proceeds into like-kind real property through a QI, defer all capital gains taxes. You continue to own property. Tax is deferred until eventual taxable sale (or eliminated via stepped-up basis at death).

10 min

1031 Exchange Costs and Fees: What to Expect

A 1031 exchange involves costs beyond just the property sale and purchase. Understanding the full cost landscape helps you budget appropriately and compare the true cost of different exchange structures.

12 min read

Can You 1031 Exchange Into a REIT? (Usually No)

REITs are popular investments, and many investors ask if they can 1031 exchange into REIT shares. The answer is no. REIT shares are securities, not real property, and therefore don't qualify as like-kind property.

11 min read

Can You Exchange U.S. Property for Foreign Property? The Geographic Limits of 1031

If you own real estate in the U.S. and want international exposure, a 1031 exchange with foreign property won't work. Here's why the law draws this line and what alternatives exist.

6 min read

DST vs. TIC (Tenants-in-Common): Similar Goal, Very Different Mechanics

Both DSTs and TICs allow fractional ownership of institutional real estate as 1031 replacement property. But they operate differently. This guide compares the two on structure, control, financing, and investor experience.

13 min read