Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) – Pros and Cons
A Delaware Statutory Trust is touted by many who sell them as the best thing going for real estate investors, but are they? As is true with most investments there is no “one size” ubiquitous advice that is suitable for all investors. While one real estate investor may find the DST to be an immaculate and perfect solution for their circumstances, another investor may well find it in their best interest to select from other opportunities. Here is a quick rundown of the main pros and cons associated with a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).
Pro – A chance to own institutional grade real estate. Let’s face it, most retail real estate investors cannot invest in 100 million dollar medical buildings, distribution centers, class A multi -family apartments, shopping centers, storage portfolio’s and the like. Because DST’s allow for a fractionalized interest in a trust structure, a smaller investor can now own properties that they never could before simply because of the sheer size of the investment. The DST issues a pro rata operating statement at the end of the year and investors enjoy the same tax advantages with depreciation and amortization that an investor would enjoy who owned the investment property wholly.
Pro – Preserve your step up in basis. One does not need a DST to preserve the step up in basis. An investor can 1031 exchange into a replacement property and preserve the time tested step up in basis, but, for an investor no longer interested in managing property, the DST can remove the burden of management while maintaining this important tax advantage.
Pro – Get away from the 3 T’s…Tenants, Toilets, and Trash. Sometimes investors are at a place in life where they no longer want to deal with all of the issues of managing property. Loan renewals, repairs, vacancy, tax filings, accounting and lawsuits are among other headaches which can be associated with owning investment real estate. By owning a small fraction of a much larger property, investors no longer have to deal with issues like this as these are all taken care of by the DST structure.
Pro – DST’s meet the 1031 Exchange “replacement property” requirements. Many times finding a replacement property can be a huge challenge. DST properties meet the IRS test and are considered acceptable replacement properties. Investing in these properties can be quite simple once an investor has read the disclosures, the Private Placement Memorandum, and has spoken with a qualified advisor.
Pro – Income DST’s can provide immediate and reliable tax favored monthly income distributions. Investors should read all disclosures and fully understand the investment and associated risks.
The Cons associated with DST’s are as follows:
Con – Accredited Investors Only – Younger investors who have not yet built enough wealth and or equity are prohibited from entering into a DST arraignment via Securities Regulation D under the Accredited Investor Rules. The rule states that to invest in private placement investments one must have a net worth of over one million dollars, excluding one’s primary residence, and income requirements of at least $200,000. For a greater explanation of those requirements visit www.provident1031.com
Con- Not the Best Idea for Younger Wealth builders – Younger investors who are seeking a higher risk/return profile might not yet be ready for a DST solution. Young wealth builders might be in a greater position to take on substantial risk and in turn reap the benefits of higher risk returns than what a more seasoned investor might be willing to do. Should those risks cause the younger investor to lose income or equity the younger investor usually has more time to overcome such losses. Generally, most DST investors tend to be more seasoned investors who have a few battle scars and more life experience than that of a younger investor.
Con – Less Suitable for Do It Yourself Types – Some investors have a personal preference for finding tenants, negotiating leases, managing the books and records. These tasks can range from property taxes, rent rolls, bank loans, lease agreements, tenant issues, property repairs, and so on. A DST is a more passive investment where all of those things are done by institutional investment grade real estate firms. If you are the sort of person who would really miss those things and if you find significance in those activities, you might find the DST solution less appealing.
Con – Not Liquid – Investors are people and therefore very different from one another. If a real estate investor has a high need for liquidity then the investor might want to avoid real estate all together. To that end, a 1031 Exchange might not be the best idea for an investor who needs more access to their cash. A straight sale of your real estate, where you recognize capital gains, might be what is required in this instance. This would allow the investor to invest in more traditional stock and bond portfolios that can be turned into cash in short order. Investors’ high need for liquidity might be due to the need for raising cash for a larger leveraged deal, anticipation of divorce, health concerns, speculation about the economy, or for many other possible reasons. Again, the DST is an ideal solution for many investors, not ALL investors.
Con – Developers and Construction Company Owners Might Do Better on Their Own– Someone who owns a construction and/or Development company might want to use a 1031 exchange where they could use their construction company to build their new replacement property, therefore benefiting two of their interests. Properties that are “to be built” generally will have a higher risk return profile as well and may be better suited for a younger investor. Moreover, the individual may have a keen skill set and ability around a certain and specific type of property such as car washes, storage facilities, dentist and vet clinics, retail etc.
An investor wishing to determine the viability of a DST investment would be well served to do their own research, but at a certain point you will need to contact a Registered Investment Advisor who is properly licensed and trained to offer DST’s to private investors. Investors must purchase DST’s through Registered Representatives, Registered Investment Advisors and or Broker Dealers. To speak with an advisor now call 281.466.4843.
