What if you could sell an investment property, defer capital gains taxes, stop managing tenants, and still generate passive income?
For many commercial real estate investors, a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) can make that possible.
In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Ben Carmona, Managing Partner at Perch Wealth, to explain one of the most misunderstood tools in commercial real estate investing: the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). Ben breaks down how DSTs work, why they’re commonly used in 1031 exchanges, and how they allow investors to defer taxes while transitioning from active property ownership to passive real estate investing.
Key Topics Discussed
- What a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is and how it works
- How a 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes
- Why accredited investor status matters for certain real estate investments
- How DSTs help investors transition from active to passive ownership
- The benefits of diversification through multiple institutional-quality properties
- How DST investors receive passive income distributions
- Why many long-time landlords choose DSTs as an exit strategy
- The advantages and limitations of Delaware Statutory Trust investments
- How bonus depreciation can apply to certain DST investments
- Which commercial real estate sectors Ben believes offer the strongest opportunities today
About the Guest
Ben Carmona is the Managing Partner at Perch Wealth, where he helps commercial real estate investors complete tax-efficient 1031 exchanges using Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and other passive investment strategies. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate investments, syndications, and alternative investment structures, Ben has advised investors nationwide on preserving wealth, generating passive income, and deferring capital gains taxes through institutional-quality real estate. His expertise spans a wide range of investment vehicles, including DSTs, non-traded REITs, private equity and debt funds, and other alternative real estate investments.
About the Host
Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker and Owner of the Warehouse Hotline, a Denver commercial real estate brokerage specializing exclusively in industrial properties. She leads the firm’s brokerage operations, negotiates industrial sales and leasing transactions, advises clients on acquisition and disposition strategies, and oversees the company’s marketing and business development efforts. Through Commercial Real Estate Secrets, she interviews leading investors, brokers, developers, and industry experts to provide actionable insights on commercial real estate investing, brokerage, leasing, development, and market trends.
See How a Successful 1031 Exchange Works in Practice
Learn how we helped execute a 1031 exchange in Colorado, from the transaction strategy to identifying the right replacement properties. Read the case study.
