Investing in Real Estate
Build, grow, or simplify your real estate portfolio
Real estate can be one of the best ways to build wealth over time. Whether you are buying your first rental property or have owned rentals for years, the right plan makes all the difference.
We work with two kinds of investors: those who are just starting to build a portfolio, and those who are ready for something easier. We start with a plan, not a transaction, and look at the whole picture: your goals, your timeline, your cash flow, and what you want to leave behind.
If you are starting or growing your portfolio
Buying your first rental, or your next one, is a big step. We help you:
- Find rental properties around the greater Atlanta area that fit your budget and goals, wherever the cap rate and cash flow make sense
- Look at the numbers before you buy, including expected rent, expenses, and cash flow
- Understand rental demand, neighborhoods, and resale potential
- Plan your next purchase so each property moves you closer to your goals
If you are ready to simplify
Owning rentals can wear you down. Tenants, toilets, trash, and taxes add up. Over time, a property can also start to underperform: the cap rate and cash flow may not be what they once were, and if you have owned it for many years, you may have used up its depreciation. Many longtime owners reach a point where managing property no longer fits the life they want, but the biggest worry that keeps them stuck is the capital gains tax bill if they sell. You may have more options than you think:
- Sell and step away from being a landlord
- Trade into a property that is easier to manage or performs better, using a 1031 exchange
- Move into passive ownership through a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), with no tenants or repairs to manage
We help investors sell rental properties throughout the greater Atlanta area, and we help you compare your options and build a plan that fits your goals, your family, and your future.
1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts
What is a 1031 exchange?
A 1031 exchange lets you sell an investment property and buy another like-kind property while deferring capital gains taxes on the sale. The rules are strict: you generally have 45 days after the sale to identify replacement property and 180 days to close, and a qualified intermediary must hold the funds. We help you plan the sale and find the replacement property so the timing works.
What is a Delaware Statutory Trust?
A Delaware Statutory Trust, or DST, lets you own a share of a larger, professionally managed property, such as an apartment community or commercial building. A DST can qualify as replacement property in a 1031 exchange, so you can defer taxes and step away from hands-on management at the same time. DSTs are generally available only to accredited investors.
Please note: we are not tax advisors or securities professionals. We work alongside your CPA and can connect you with qualified intermediaries and DST specialists, so you have the right team for every part of your plan.
From our blog
Questions investors ask us
Can I use a 1031 exchange when I sell my primary home?
No. A 1031 exchange is for property held for investment or business use. Your primary home may qualify for a different capital gains exclusion, so ask your CPA what applies to you.
Do I have to buy the same type of property in a 1031 exchange?
Not necessarily. Like-kind is broader than most people expect. For example, you might exchange a single-family rental for a different type of investment property, or for an interest in a DST. Your qualified intermediary and CPA can confirm what qualifies.
Can I sell a rental that has tenants in it?
Yes. Many rentals sell with tenants in place, and the existing lease usually stays in effect for the new owner. We will help you plan showings and timing around your lease terms.
Should I just leave my rentals to my children?
You can, but you may also be passing down the job of being a landlord. Some families find that selling, exchanging, or moving into a DST makes things simpler for the next generation. Talk with your estate planning attorney and CPA about what is best for your family, and we can help with the real estate side.
How do I know if a property is a good investment?
We look at the numbers with you before you buy: expected rent, expenses, cash flow, and the condition of the home, along with the neighborhood and resale potential. That way you can decide with clear information instead of a gut feeling.
Let’s talk about your next move
Tell us where you are with your properties and where you would like to be. We will help you map out your options, with no pressure.