Unlocking Listings & Scaling Your Real Estate Business with Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST)

Your partner in complex 1031 exchanges. From unlocking 'stuck' property owners to providing passive retirement exits, we provide the DST expertise you need to close more deals while keeping you at the center of every client relationship.

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How DSTs Help You Grow Your Real Estate Business

For many property owners, the decision to sell isn't hindered by the market—it’s hindered by tax anxiety. A DST can be the "skeleton key" that opens these doors.


What is a DST? A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) holds title to real estate and allows multiple investors to own a fractional share. DSTs are commonly used in 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains taxes while earning passive income from professionally managed properties.

Overcome the "No Inventory" Objection

Many potential sellers refuse to list their property because they are terrified of the 45-day 1031 exchange identification window. They fear that if they sell, they won't find a suitable replacement property in time, leaving them with a massive tax bill.

The Strategy: Present a DST as a "ready-to-close" replacement option. Because DSTs are pre-packaged and available for immediate investment, you can give your clients the certainty they need to list their current property today.

Seamless Retirement Transitions with 721 Exchanges

Your long-term clients who are tired of "terrible tenants, toilets, and trash" are prime candidates for a Section 721 Exchange (also known as an UPREIT).

The Strategy: Help your clients transition from active management to a diversified REIT portfolio. By moving from a DST into a 721 exchange, they gain passive income, professional management, and greater liquidity for their retirement years—all while maintaining tax deferral.

The Ultimate "Back-Up Plan" and Boot Solution

Deals fall through, and sometimes investors find a replacement property that costs less than their sale price, resulting in taxable "boot."

The Strategy: Use DSTs as a safety net.

As a Backup: Have your client identify a DST as their third property on the 45-day list. If their primary choice fails during due diligence, the DST is ready to go.

For Leftover Boot: If a client buys a $900k property after a $1M sale, they can invest the remaining $100k into a DST to achieve 100% tax deferral.

Capture Out-of-State Capital

When you understand DSTs, you can work with clients who want to move capital out of your local market into higher-yield or more stable sectors (like medical offices or industrial logistics) without them having to manage those assets themselves.

Partnering with Baker 1031 Investments


At Baker 1031 Investments, we believe in collaboration, not competition. We understand that your relationship with your client is your most valuable asset, and we are here to protect and enhance it.

Your Partnership Benefits

  • We Are an Extension of Your Team: We act as your specialized "1031 back office," providing the technical expertise needed to close complex tax-deferred transactions.

  • Total Transparency: We copy brokers and agents on all communications. You are never left wondering what was said or what the status of the deal is.

  • Seat at the Table: You are invited to every meeting and every call. We work alongside you to ensure the client receives a cohesive strategy.

  • Protecting Your Business: We do not compete for your future listings or buyer representation. Our focus is strictly on the DST and 1031 advisory portion of the wealth cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • A DST is a legal entity that allows multiple investors to own a fractional interest in a single large-scale property or a portfolio of properties. The IRS recognizes a DST interest as "like-kind" real estate for the purposes of a 1031 exchange.

  • Unlike traditional real estate, which can take 30–60 days to close, a DST can often be closed in as little as 3–5 business days once the paperwork is complete. This makes them ideal for tight 1031 windows.

  • Baker 1031 Investments does not pay referral fees or commissions.

    Any fees you charge your clients must be done through a separate agreement in accordance with your local, state, and federal regulations.

  • Most DSTs consist of institutional-grade assets, such as Class-A multifamily apartments, Amazon-leased distribution centers, grocery-anchored retail, or medical office buildings.

  • All properties are managed by professional, third-party sponsors. This makes the investment 100% passive for your client, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of real estate ownership without the headaches of management.