Hi, I’m Ray DeWitt, President and Co-Founder of 1031 DST Group.
Over time, we’ve learned that the biggest challenge many people face isn’t effort or motivation. It’s understanding which options actually apply to them, when those options matter most, and for advisors, keeping their clients educated is an ongoing responsibility.
Unfortunately, there are many people who don’t realize the options they have. We work with individuals who already have the ability to take the next step in their investment journey, yet what we’ve found is that many are not aware of the possibilities available to them.
Some are navigating liquidity events. Others are thinking through estate transitions or retirement planning and feel overwhelmed by the amount of information coming at them from different directions.
Most people have direction. What they’re missing is clarity.
How This Shaped Our Approach
It became clear to us early on that missed opportunities for people searching for the right fit often stemmed from one issue: timing.
A property sold before a planning conversation happened.
A tax bill appeared after the window to act had already closed.
A strategy surfaced only after it was no longer relevant.
Seeing that pattern repeat is what shaped how we work today.
At 1031 DST Group, we take an education-first approach. We spend time coordinating with vetted professionals and making sure decisions are made with intention rather than urgency.
Why We Host Monthly Online Seminars
Our online seminars exist because these conversations keep coming up.
We make them accessible and free to attend because we want all parties involved in the conversation. Investors, advisors, business owners, and professionals who want to understand how these structures actually work. We bring in experienced CEOs, operators, and advisors who manage transactions every day and can speak from real-world experience.
The goal is simple. Education, open discussion, and space to ask better questions.
Passive Income Structures
A recurring theme in our conversations is the desire to remain invested without remaining operational.
Passive income structures come up when people want income, diversification, or simplicity without adding another management role. Understanding how these structures function, and what they require in return, helps people decide if passive ownership aligns with how they want to spend their time.
Delaware Statutory Trusts
DSTs are often discussed during real estate transitions, especially when someone wants to remain in institutional-quality property without direct management.
Education here focuses on how the structure works, who manages it, where limitations exist, and how it fits within tax-aware planning. DSTs aren’t universal solutions. They’re tools that make sense when structure and timing align.
Real Estate Transitions and 1031 Exchanges
Selling real estate is rarely just about the sale. It’s about what comes next.
We spend time walking through the mechanics of 1031 exchanges so people understand deadlines, sequencing, and the importance of early coordination. When these conversations happen before a sale, outcomes tend to feel deliberate. When they happen later, choices tend to feel constrained.
Accelerated Depreciation Strategies
Tax advantages tied to depreciation often sound complex until they’re explained in plain language.
We focus on how accelerated depreciation works, where it may apply, and how it interacts with ownership structure and cash flow. That understanding helps people evaluate opportunities more clearly and avoid surprises down the road.
Alternative Assets and Specialized Programs
We also cover alternative assets such as vaulted gold and silver when people want to understand how tangible assets fit into a broader planning strategy.
More specialized programs, including exotic wildlife conservation, come up when individuals explore creative tax advantages connected to real economic activity. These strategies are highly specific and not suitable for everyone, which makes education especially important before consideration.
Continuing the Conversation
Understanding always comes first.
Everything else follows from there.
We invite you to visit our website and explore our upcoming events. Our Tax Experts Talk series brings together experienced professionals to discuss tax-aware strategies, real estate transitions, and investment structures in a practical, educational setting.
You can view upcoming sessions and register at:
https://www.1031dstgroup.com/tax-experts-talk
If you or someone you know would benefit from guidance on tax-aware investing considerations, 1031 DST Group offers educational resources and the opportunity to start a conversation. Learn more or request a free consultation at
https://www.1031dstgroup.com/free-consultation
Download our free eBooks: The 1031 DST Advantage & The Language of Investing
Disclosure:
Portions of the written content in this article were assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) technology tools and reviewed by 1031 DST Group for quality and compliance. This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. A 1031 exchange may not be suitable for all investors and may involve risks, including the potential for loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified tax advisor or financial professional. Some investments such as Alternative investments and DSTs involve significant risks and may be illiquid, speculative, and suitable only for accredited investors*.
*Accredited investors are defined under SEC Rule 506 of Regulation D. Generally, an investor is deemed accredited if their net worth is greater than $1,000,000 exclusive of their primary residence and/or their annual income exceeds $200,000 for the current and past two years. Click here to learn more.
Ray DeWitt is a Registered Representative of Realta Equities, Inc. and an Investment Advisory Representative of Realta Investment Advisors, Inc. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Realta Investment Advisors Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor. Securities are offered through Realta Equities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Neither Realta Equities, Inc. nor Realta Investment Advisors Inc. is affiliated with C-Suite Network Or 1031 DST Group. Realta Wealth is the trade name for the Realta Wealth Companies. The Realta Wealth Companies are Realta Equities, Inc., Realta Investment Advisors, Inc., and Realta Insurance Services, which consist of several affiliated insurance agencies.
