Unleashing the Power of Passive Real Estate Investing

The phenomenon is known as the "Amazon Effect", and chances are you've heard about it more than once. This e-commerce behemoth has revolutionized virtually every aspect of our lives, transforming consumer attitudes towards shopping and product accessibility and drastically altering the global supply chain. For institutional investors, the Amazon Effect has significantly boosted the appeal of industrial properties in the commercial real estate market, with properties housing Amazon operations being particularly sought after.

Amazon: A Rapidly Expanding Player in the Commercial Real Estate Scene

Aerial view of Amazon distribution center in Toronto illustrating the potential for investment real estate and the benefits of tax deferral through a 1031 exchange

Amazon is witnessing one of the fastest expansions as a tenant. The company recently unveiled plans to establish 1,000 small delivery hubs near densely populated regions across the US to streamline product delivery to consumers. This rampant growth spurred by e-commerce giants like Amazon has led CBRE to forecast a surge in demand for an additional 1.5 billion square feet of industrial space within the next half-decade. This demand has positioned industrial distribution properties as some of the most coveted assets in the market.

Moreover, Amazon's relentless demand has prompted the company to consider alternative properties. Many market analysts anticipate that Amazon could repurpose defunct and unoccupied large-scale department stores into industrial distribution centers, further indicating the skyrocketing demand for such spaces.

Although investors have their sights set on the expansive e-commerce market, Amazon emerges as arguably the most coveted and creditworthy tenant for these properties. Property owners are eager to secure long-term triple net leases with Amazon, as they effectively mitigate operating costs for the owner. Similar to most industrial properties, Amazon operates facilities on triple net leases, under which they cover the majority of operating expenses, including common area maintenance charges, insurance, and property taxes.

This upward trend isn't exclusive to large institutional investors. Small and medium-sized investors also have the opportunity to strive to capitalize on the earnings potential of Amazon's industrial properties. They can do so through tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and passive real estate investment strategies, broadening their access to this burgeoning sector.

What Does Passive Real Estate Investing Entail?

Various financial investment products in cartons demonstrating diverse options for investment real estate and the power of tax deferral through a 1031 exchange

Passive investing denotes a scenario where an investor takes a non-active role in the management of the property or business. It spans a range of asset types, from equity assets such as stocks or mutual funds, to real estate assets including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). Within real estate, passive investment can occur directly or indirectly.

Direct Passive Real Estate Investment

While real estate is often seen as a passive income asset, anyone who's managed an apartment complex firsthand knows it can be quite the contrary. However, owners who delegate the day-to-day management, upkeep, and leasing of the property to professional property management firms, or commercial owners with tenants on triple-net leases (where tenants bear most operational costs), can enjoy a far more passive investment experience.

With this strategy, an investor's role is reduced to simply collecting potential income each month, while their involvement in the property's operation remains minimal.

Indirect Passive Real Estate Investment

Indirect passive real estate investing involves a completely hands-off approach. An investor can participate in various real estate equity vehicles, acquiring fractional ownership in an asset or portfolio of assets. Beyond the initial capital investment, the investor plays no part in managing the property but shares in any profits or income generated.

Potential Advantages of Passive Real Estate Investment in Commercial Real Estate

Passive real estate investing in commercial real estate has seen significant growth, and there are now more opportunities than ever to invest your capital in high-quality, hands-off equity vehicles. Commercial real estate not only offers the possibility of a steady income stream and robust appreciation potential, but these assets also typically have a high entry barrier and require substantial expertise for successful business strategy execution.

However, passive investing can unlock the financial and wealth-building potentials of commercial real estate assets, making it an attractive option for many investors.

Three Key Options for Passive Real Estate Investment

Nowadays, there are numerous ways to invest in real estate through equity vehicles. Some methods, such as crowdfunding or opportunity zone funds, are relatively new, while others, like Delaware Statutory Trusts, REITs, and real estate funds, are established and tested vehicles with widespread popularity.

Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a business trust that owns and manages real estate property. A real estate firm, known as the DST sponsor, initially acquires a property using its own capital, structures the property within a DST, and subsequently introduces it to the market through an official offering.

Investors purchase a fractional or concurrent ownership stake in a high-quality, professionally managed asset and potentially receive monthly income corresponding to their share of ownership. Over the past decade, DSTs have gained popularity due to their eligibility as replacement properties in 1031 exchanges.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

A Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT, is a company that purchases, owns, and operates real estate assets. There are public and private REITs, as well as traded and non-traded REITs. Private non-traded REITs typically engage with institutional capital sources, whereas public traded and non-traded REITs are registered with the SEC.

Shares of these are either traded on public exchange markets or directly purchased from the issuer. Historically, they've provided attractive dividends averaging around 5%, which is considerably higher than the average stock dividend of 2%.

Real Estate Funds

Real estate funds present another option, acting as an alternative to investing directly in a single REIT. These funds, such as real estate interval funds, invest in a variety of REITs, offering investors enhanced diversification. Some real estate funds are traded on public exchange markets, while others can be directly purchased through the fund.

Contrary to DSTs and REITs, real estate funds do not distribute dividends or monthly income. Rather, they seek to generate value through appreciation, realized at the exit or sale of the investment.

Investing in Amazon via a 1031 Exchange DST Property

Thanks to these passive investment strategies, individual investors can tap into high-quality, institutional-grade assets - bringing us back full circle to the Amazon Effect. While these strategies aren't exclusively tied to Amazon, they provide an avenue for investors to attempt to capitalize on the thriving industrial market.

One such strategy worth considering is employing a 1031 Exchange with a Delaware Statutory Trust to own Amazon Net Lease properties as a 1031 replacement property. This approach combines the tax deferral advantages of a 1031 Exchange, the passive management benefits of a DST, and the consistent income potential offered by Amazon's industrial properties.

Understanding the Mechanics of a Delaware Statutory Trust

Since 2004, DST investments have been recognized as suitable replacement properties in a 1031 exchange. Even though this exchange allows owners to transition their business model from direct to fractional ownership, the fundamental principles of a 1031 exchange remain the same. Upon selling an asset, the seller has 45 days to identify a replacement property, in this case, one or more DSTs.

The identified replacement property must comply with one of the three permissible identification methods: the 3-property rule, 200% rule, or 95% rule. The transaction must be completed within 180 days from the original property sale date. Similar to a conventional exchange, investors can defer capital gains taxes through this process.

Numerous reliable DST investments are available from trusted sponsors with a proven track record. DST sponsors undertake the task of structuring the trust, which encompasses property inspection, due diligence, securing debt if required, and organizing the DST offering in accordance with SEC regulations. All these costs are included in the official offering.

When considering properties occupied by Amazon, investors should look out for industrial DST offerings. Due to SEC regulations, DST sponsors are prohibited from publicly advertising certain offerings. To locate an offering that aligns with your objectives, it's advisable to conduct thorough research on reputable sponsors and consult with a licensed 1031 Exchange professional.

Pros & Cons of Delaware Statutory Trusts

Investing in a DST via a tax-deferred 1031 exchange offers the potential for significant benefits. Shifting away from direct ownership alleviates the responsibilities associated with daily property management. Plus, DSTs generally have low minimum investment requirements – typically $100,000 – which allows investors to spread their investment across multiple DST properties and diversify their portfolio.

As DST investments are usually comprised of institutional-grade assets, such as an Amazon net leased property, they potentially provide higher monthly income and appreciation compared to direct ownership – although this largely depends on the specific asset.

However, as with any investment, there are also drawbacks. Two of the risks associated with DSTs relate to liquidity constraints and the timing of exits. DST properties are usually held for a period ranging from 3 to 10 years, and early exits are generally not feasible.

While the hands-off management nature of a DST is one of its attractive features, it also implies that investors do not have a say in management decisions. Therefore, it's critical to select a robust sponsor with a demonstrated successful history when investing in DST real estate.

Leveraged DST properties also present a risk. High leverage – say 80% – can notably decrease monthly cash flow as the majority of profits will be allocated towards servicing the asset's debt. Most DSTs apply leverage between 50% - 58% to avoid undue risk. Consequently, when considering a DST property, thorough due diligence is essential prior to investing.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. All investing involves risk of loss of some or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing. Any information provided is for informational purposes only.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication. 

1031 Risk Disclosure: 

Using 1031 Exchange Funds for Earnest Money: Is it Allowed?

A 1031 exchange allows real estate investors to delay paying capital gains taxes by replacing their sold properties with similar replacement assets. One rule is that sellers cannot handle funds directly and must use a qualified intermediary for monetary transactions. This leads to the question of how earnest money is handled in 1031 exchanges. Let's explore earnest money treatment in both selling relinquished assets and purchasing replacement properties.

Now, let's delve into the treatment of earnest money in 1031 exchanges. Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer to demonstrate their serious intent to purchase a property. In traditional real estate transactions, earnest money is typically held by a title company, commercial brokerage, or even the seller.

In a typical real estate transaction, buyers often provide earnest money deposits as a demonstration of good faith and their commitment to securing the necessary funds for the property purchase. This earnest money is typically required once both parties have entered into a legally binding purchase agreement.

However, when it comes to a 1031 exchange, the treatment of earnest money for relinquished assets differs from standard transactions. In a 1031 exchange, the earnest money placed as a deposit on the relinquished assets should always be held by a third party. This third party can be a qualified intermediary, an attorney, a broker, or any other agent designated to handle the exchange process.

The reason for this requirement is that individuals engaging in a 1031 exchange are prohibited from taking receipt of any funds at any point during the exchange process, according to the regulations set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

When the time comes to close the deal, the earnest money deposit can be transferred to the closing agent. The closing agent then delivers these funds to the designated exchange facilitator, who utilizes them to complete the sale of the relinquished asset.

Although this may seem like a circuitous route for handling earnest money deposits, it is a necessary precaution to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the 1031 exchange. By following this approach, exchangers can rest assured that they are adhering to the IRS guidelines and not directly handling any funds during the sale of their relinquished assets.

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Earnest Money and Replacement Assets

In a 1031 exchange, exchangers are responsible for placing earnest money deposits to secure their replacement properties once they enter into purchase agreements. There are two options for handling these earnest money deposits:

  1. Direct Payment to Seller: Exchangers have the choice to pay the earnest money directly to the seller. This option does not create any tax or regulatory complications. If there is enough capital from the relinquished asset, the exchanger can even have these funds returned at the closing of the transaction.
  2. Qualified Intermediary Involvement: Exchangers who prefer to utilize funds from their relinquished assets can have their qualified intermediary (QI) place the earnest money deposits on the replacement properties. To do this, the purchase agreement must be assigned to the QI. It is important to specify that any refundable earnest money will be returned to the exchange facilitator if the deal falls through, ensuring that the exchanger never directly handles any funds.

In Conclusion

A fundamental rule in 1031 exchanges is that exchangers must avoid handling any funds from the sale or purchase of properties involved in the exchange process. This rule, known as constructive receipt of funds, is crucial to maintaining the tax-deferred status of the exchange.

If an exchanger were to directly receive and retain earnest money deposited on a relinquished asset throughout the closing process, it would result in a taxable event due to the generation of boot (non-like-kind property or cash). To ensure compliance and minimize tax consequences, it is always recommended to assign the earnest money to a third party.

On the other hand, exchangers have the option to utilize the proceeds from their relinquished assets as earnest money deposits on replacement assets, as long as the purchase agreement has been assigned to their qualified intermediary. By following the appropriate documentation and planning procedures, earnest money can be handled within 1031 exchange transactions without triggering any tax implications.

Proper adherence to the rules and regulations surrounding the treatment of earnest money is essential to successfully execute a 1031 exchange while deferring capital gains taxes.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. All investing involves risk of loss of some or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing. Any information provided is for informational purposes only.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

1031 Risk Disclosure:

·     There’s no guarantee any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives;

·     All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments;

·     The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner’s income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities;

·     All financed real estate investments have potential for foreclosure;

·     These 1031 exchanges are offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. There is no secondary market for these investments.

·     If a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions;

·     Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors’ returns and may outweigh the tax benefits

How Should I Invest My Wealth in 2022?

The present market offers financial backers a plenty of speculation valuable open doors across various ventures. While having different choices can assist with further developing a singular's venture methodology, they can likewise cause vulnerability, bringing up issues about which speculation suits the individual's monetary targets. So you may be wondering where do I invest my wealth in the current economy.

To help give guidance on which investment is ideal for you, we will frame the fundamental components of the present most wanted speculations and go over the upsides and downsides of every one.

For this article, we will isolate the data into two segments. To start with, we will take a gander at more conventional speculation choices, like putting resources into stocks or bonds. Then, we will audit elective speculations. Albeit less known among the present financial backers, elective choices offer potential advantages that numerous customary speculations need.

Customary Investment Options

By and large, financial backers have depended upon a 60/40 portfolio piece to assist them with accomplishing their long-term monetary dreams, for example, fabricating a savings for retirement, reimbursing a home loan early, or paying instructive costs for their youngsters. As indicated by this model, a financial backer's portfolio ought to comprise of about 60% stocks and 40 percent bonds. This model generally would in general convey financial backers stable development and pay to assist them with meeting their monetary objectives.

Stocks, or values, are protections that address partial possession in an enterprise. Financial backers purchase stocks and depend upon the organization's development to expand their abundance after some time. Also, stocks may offer financial backers profits - or installments to investors - for recurring, automated revenue. Then again, bonds are obligation protections presented by a company or government substance hoping to raise capital. Not at all like stocks, bonds don't give financial backers proprietorship freedoms, yet rather they address a credit.

The largest contrast among stocks and securities is the manner by which they produce benefit: stocks should appreciate in esteem and be sold later on the financial exchange, while most bonds pay fixed interest after some time.

While stocks offer financial backers the potential for more significant yields than securities, securities are by and large considered a safer venture. Therefore, numerous financial backers go to venture reserves, like common assets, trade exchanged reserves, or shut end assets, to broaden their portfolios while keeping a 60/40 arrangement. These venture subsidizes arrange capital from various financial backers, which is then, at that point, put into an arrangement of stocks and bonds. Venture subsidizes offer financial backers the possibility to moderate risk through a more adjusted portfolio.

A Change in the Portfolio Model

Because of progressing unpredictability in the stock and security market, rising costs for wares, and high valuations, the customary 60/40 portfolio model is done serving financial backers in a similar way it once did. Therefore, numerous monetary specialists are presently suggesting that financial backers broaden their portfolios with 40% elective ventures to help possibly advance their monetary position.

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Elective Investments

While various kinds of elective ventures exist, we will zero in on elective land speculations because of the advantages they might perhaps offer financial backers in the present market.

Why Invest in land?

Land has for quite some time been one of the most sought-after open doors for financial backers. As a restricted ware, land has generally managed the cost of financial backers the potential for long haul security, fantastic returns, recurring, automated revenue, charge benefits, and a fence against expansion. Notwithstanding, land speculations additionally accompany specific drawbacks. Beginning in land effective money management ordinarily requires a broad measure of capital and solid financials for the individuals who are utilizing obligation.

Besides, land by and large requires dynamic support - financial backers are expected to deal with their resources for guarantee ideal execution. In this manner, elective interests in land have begun filling in prominence among the venture local area. While they can frequently offer comparable benefits to land money management, they convey a uninvolved open door, meaning they have zero administration obligation. The following are a couple choices for financial backers looking for elective land speculations.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is an organization that possesses and normally works pay creating land or related resources. REITs consolidate all resource types, including multi-family, retail, senior living, self-capacity, cordiality, understudy lodging, office, and modern properties, to give some examples. Dissimilar to other land ventures, REITs by and large buy or foster land for a drawn out hold.

Financial backers depend on a REIT's comprehension expert might interpret the housing business sector to broaden and balance out their portfolios. Numerous REITs are public, implying that all financial backers, including unaccredited financial backers with restricted capital, can put resources into them.

While public REITs convey many benefits related with customary land effective financial planning - like pay potential, broadening, and conceivable expansion security - they additionally accompany some particular inconveniences. For instance, REITs frequently experience slow development. Since REITs should pay out at least 90% of their benefits in profits, new acquisitions and improvements are restricted. To decide the strength of a venture, potential financial backers ought to lead a reasonable level of investment - with the help of a specialist on the REIT before buying shares.

Delaware Statutory Trusts

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a lawfully perceived land speculation trust where financial backers buy a possession interest, or partial proprietorship, in a land resource or land portfolio.

DSTs are usually depended upon by 1031 trade purchasers since they qualify as a like-kind property per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

As well as giving financial backers recurring, automated revenue potential through an administration free venture, DSTs empower financial backers to put resources into institutional quality resources for which they wouldn't in any case haveaccess. These resources might have the option to convey more significant yields and longer-term strength.

Moreover, the obligation designs of DSTs are appealing to numerous financial backers. Individuals who put resources into DSTs have restricted obligation equivalent to their ventures; nonetheless, they can exploit the frequently alluring funding gotten by the support organizations. Sadly, just licensed financial backers can put resources into DSTs.

Opportunity Zones

Opportunity zones (OZs), characterized by the IRS, are "a financial advancement device that permits individuals to put resources into upset regions in the United States. This incentive’s intention is to prod financial development and work creation in low-pay networks while giving tax breaks to financial backers." OZs were presented. under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and financial backers keen on putting resources into an OZ should do as such through a qualified opportunity fund (QOF).

QOFs can be an eminent choice for financial backers because of their tax breaks, which rely upon the period of time a financial backer holds a QOF venture. We have recently made sense of these advantages, which we allude to as OZ triple-layer charge motivators. Here is a depiction of the tax cuts a QOF offers a financial backer:

● Deferral: Those who rollover their capital increases into a QOF can concede capital earn respect from the first speculation until December 31, 2026.

● Decrease: how much capital increase perceived from the first speculation is diminished by 10

percent in the wake of accomplishing a five-year holding period, as long as that five-year holding period is accomplished by December 31, 2026.

● Avoidance: Long-term financial backers are qualified to pay no expense on the enthusiasm for their QOF venture upon attitude of that speculation, no matter what the benefit size, assuming the resources held in that QOF are held for no less than 10 years.

While opportunity zones are viewed as an unsafe speculation, provided their motivation, they might possibly convey financial backers better yields when contrasted with other elective land venture choices.

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Interval Funds

An extra elective venture choice worth focusing on are interval funds. These assets are not restricted to land yet rather can be utilized to put resources into numerous protections, including land. Comparable to recently referenced reserves, these arrange investor money to put resources into various protections. Be that as it may, they offer a lower level of liquidity. Rather than having the option to exchange shares everyday, financial backers are normally restricted to selling their portions at expressed spans (i.e., quarterly, semi-every year, or yearly). The advantage of stretch assets is the adaptability they offer the assets - they permit the asset to execute longer-term procedures, making the potential for a more steady venture.

Accordingly, interval funds will generally convey better yields and a more broadened an open door. Presently, where do I put away my cash today? While the above data offers a depiction into the upsides and downsides of different speculation choices, you ought to think about extra perspectives. As opposed to promptly attempting to distinguish which choice is ideal for your purposes, the critical focal point here is to comprehend that the present market offers a variety of venture choices that were already obscure to quite a large number. Financial backers can broaden past stocks and bonds, which might potentially give them more significant yields while trying to relieve risk. To foster a venture portfolio that meets your monetary objectives, we encourage you to talk with one of our monetary experts.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. Information herein is provided for information purposes only and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. All investing involves risk of loss of some, or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing. Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

1031 Risk Disclosure: