Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) have become a vital tool for 1031 exchange investors seeking passive real estate ownership with tax-deferred benefits.
As more individuals explore institutional-quality property options, many wonder where they can buy into a top-rated DST portfolio.
This list highlights the leading DST providers shaping the marketplace today, providing a clear starting point for investors who value transparency, robust asset management practices and research-backed decision-making.
1. Sera Capital
Sera Capital operates as a fee-only fiduciary firm specializing in tax-efficient exit planning for people with highly appreciated real estate, businesses or concentrated assets. Its advisory work centers on DSTs, Section 1031 exchanges and Section 721 UPREIT strategies, which together represent the majority of its client engagements.
With roots in investment management and a long track record of collaborating with attorneys, CPAs and financial professionals, the firm guides investors through complex transitions that require precise coordination across tax, legal and estate planning considerations.
Education-driven guidance is a core part of its approach, supported by an extensive library of articles that help investors understand DSTs, Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Funds, installment sales under Section 453 and related strategies.
Its fee-only structure ensures advice is fully aligned with a client’s interests, since Sera Capital receives no compensation from product sponsors and maintains a transparent billing model. Its focus on DST unitization also offers practical solutions for families or co-owners who need to divide real estate interests cleanly and efficiently. For 1031 exchange investors seeking fiduciary oversight, tax efficiency and institutional-level diligence, Sera Capital delivers a refined, client-first framework.
2. Inland Private Capital Corporation
Inland Private Capital Corporation (IPC) provides structured solutions for investors seeking tax-deferred real estate opportunities through Section 1031 exchanges.
As a subsidiary of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc., IPC leverages more than 50 years of experience in commercial real estate, offering access to high-quality DST investments across multiple sectors, including multifamily, retail, industrial, office, self-storage, student housing and health care.
IPC combines disciplined property acquisition, thorough underwriting and active asset management to deliver consistent results. Its programs enable accredited investors to participate in fractional ownership of institutional-quality properties while minimizing management responsibilities and personal liability. Vertical integration within the Inland Group enhances efficiency from acquisition and leasing to securitization and disposition, helping maximize investor returns.
With more than $13 billion in assets under management, hundreds of sponsored programs, and a track record of successful dispositions generating strong total returns and internal rates of return, IPC offers a robust platform for 1031 exchange investors. Its focus on research, market-driven strategy and alignment with investor interests provides a reliable framework for tax-efficient real estate investment.
3. Capital Square
Capital Square specializes in providing tax-advantaged real estate investment opportunities through Section 1031 exchanges and DSTs, enabling investors to defer capital gains taxes while accessing high-quality, institutional-grade properties.
With over a decade of experience and more than $6 billion in assets under management, the brand combines investment expertise with in-house development and property management to deliver a fully integrated, end-to-end platform.
Capital Square sponsors DST offerings with low investment minimums, allowing fractional ownership in multifamily, build-for-rent and other commercial properties. This gives investors a diversified, passive investment experience.
The firm manages all aspects of acquisitions, development and operations internally, ensuring precision, efficiency and alignment with investor goals.
Beyond DSTs, Capital Square has expanded into QOZ funds, development projects and a REIT, further broadening investor opportunities. With a proven track record of performance, a nationally recognized leadership team and a commitment to long-term value creation, it provides investors with reliable, scalable and tax-efficient pathways to build wealth through real estate.
Comparison of Top 1031 Exchange and DST Providers
This table compares three leading providers of 1031 Exchange and DST solutions, highlighting their core services, investment approaches, asset scale and unique strengths to help investors evaluate tax-advantaged real estate opportunities.
| Sera Capital | IPC | Capital Square | |
| Business Model | Fee‑only, independent fiduciary advisor specializing in tax‑efficient exit planning | Sponsor of DSTs and 1031 exchange replacement properties | Sponsor, operator and developer of DSTs, 1031 exchanges, REITs and Opportunity Zone funds |
| Core Services | DST advisory, 721 UPREIT exchanges, Opportunity Zones, installment sales | 1031 Exchange replacement property programs, DST private placements | DST offerings, development projects, build‑for‑rent, REIT and QOZ funds |
| Assets / Capital Scale | Advisory firm (does not sponsor its own DSTs) | ~$13.1 B in assets under management as of end‑2024 | Over $6 B in assets under management |
| Investor Role / Ownership | Does not originate DSTs — helps clients invest through third‑party sponsors | Fractional ownership in large commercial properties via DST interests | Fractional ownership plus potential follow‑on investment in REIT or development funds |
| Property Types / Sectors | Works with real estate across sectors via sponsors and helps clients pick DSTs | Multifamily, retail, office, industrial, student housing, self‑storage, health care, manufactured home communities | Multifamily, build‑for‑rent, commercial asset classes |
| Investment Strategy | Advisory + exit planning, passive income via DSTs, estate/legacy planning and DST unitization | Disciplined acquisition, underwriting, vertical integration and active asset management | Fully in‑house “Invest. Build. Manage.” life cycle and hands‑on development and operations |
| Minimum Investment | Depends on the underlying DST sponsor | Typically ~$100,000+ (depending on program) | Designed to be accessible — lower minimums for many DST offerings |
| Track Record | Thousands of DST / 721 exchange transactions over many years via advisory engagements | 943 properties acquired, 149 program dispositions to date, and strong historical returns and internal rate of returns | 6,500+ investors, national footprint, growth through both passive DSTs and active real estate development |
| Unique Strengths | Transparent, fiduciary-first advice, unconflicted recommendations, and a focus on tax strategy and legacy planning | Scale, vertical integration, deep market expertise, proven acquisition/disposition track record | End-to-end real estate platform, low investor barriers, and growth through development and tax-advantaged vehicles |
Key Features of Top DST Providers
A few shared qualities help top DST providers stand out in the 1031 exchange landscape. These key features guide investors toward firms that prioritize clarity, strong real estate fundamentals and well-supported decision-making.
Educational Commitment
Leading DST sponsors often provide easy-to-understand resources that clearly and concisely explain real estate risk factors, exchange processes and trust structures. For 1031 exchange investors at any experience level, strong educational content indicates that the firm prioritizes clarity and investor readiness.
Due Diligence Standards
Top providers follow rigorous due diligence processes, often informed by industry standards supported by nonprofit advisory groups, academic studies or institutional real estate associations. They communicate their underwriting methodology clearly to investors. These standards help ensure transparency, mitigate risk, and provide investors with confidence in the quality and performance potential of each investment.
Property Quality
Prominent DST firms often focus on real estate sectors with consistent performance indicators. These may include multifamily properties near employment hubs, distribution centers aligned with logistics growth, medical office assets with stable tenancy or essential retail. Many organizations have published extensive work on the stability of these asset classes, which helps investors understand the role they play within DST structures.
Acquisition Strategy and Timing
Because Section 1031 requires precise timing, leading DST sponsors maintain acquisition pipelines that support investors completing their identification period efficiently. Their internal processes often draw from best practices outlined in IRS educational materials and respected financial publications.
Emphasis on Passive Ownership
Investors in a DST experience passive ownership that aligns closely with research published by investment-focused nonprofits and academic centers studying fractional real estate ownership. Firms on this list are recognized for their systems that facilitate this passive experience in a streamlined manner.
Next Steps for 1031 Exchange Investors
The DST marketplace continues to grow as more investors pursue passive, tax-efficient real estate aligned with Section 1031 exchange rules. The entities on this list demonstrate high standards in education, transparency and research-supported practices throughout the industry.
As you review DST opportunities and consider where you can buy into a top-rated DST portfolio, these providers offer a strong foundation for your due diligence process. Explore their platforms, compare available offerings and engage with qualified advisers who can guide you toward a portfolio that supports your long-term investment goals.
Add a Comment