#136 - Delaware Statutory Trusts: A 1031 checklist with Ashley Romiti

Send us Fan MailIf you're a W-2 tech professional sitting on a rental property you're tired of managing, this episode is your exit strategy. Host Steven Arita sits down with Ashley Romiti, president and founder of GCA 1031 and a 15-year commercial real estate veteran, to break down Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs): the powerful but under-the-radar tax strategy that lets real estate investors sell their properties, defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange, and step into fully passive institutional-grade investments. Ashley explains exactly how DSTs work as replacement properties in a 1031 exchange, what asset classes are available (multifamily, industrial, net-leased retail, and more), and why these deals are structured to protect capital preservation not chase outsize returns. You'll learn the difference between a traditional DST exit and a 721 UPREIT strategy for long-term estate planning, how to avoid the costly mistake of waiting until after closing to start your DST planning, and why having options across multiple sponsors matters more than just picking a big name. Ashley even shares a memorable origin story — from aspiring doctor to social worker to landing at Marcus & Millichap after running the math on a $60K grad school bill for a $28K salary, and the moment she posed for a photo holding $20,000 cash from her very first commercial deal. Whether you're a tech professional curious about passive real estate income, a landlord exhausted by weekend maintenance calls, or someone mid-exchange with "boot" left over, this episode gives you a clear, jargon-free roadmap to your next move.Connect with Ashley:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-romiti-dst/ 🌐 Company Website: https://www.gca1031.com/📱 Cellphone#: 9492355606Ashley Romiti offers securities through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. GCA 1031 is independent of CIS. Concorde is headquartered at 3909 Research Park Drive, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. This podcast is for informational purposes only, does not constitute as investment advice, and is not legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance. Episode Highlights:[0:34] – Intro: What is Path to Passive and who it's for[0:58] – Meet Ashley Romiti: 15-year commercial real estate veteran and founder of GCA 1031[7:25] – DSTs Explained: What a Delaware Statutory Trust is and why it's the ultimate passive real estate vehicle for tired landlords[23:36] – Critical Mistake: Why you MUST start your 1031 exchange before closing — not after[27:08] – Due Diligence Deep Dive: How to evaluate a DST at the sponsor, property, and trust level[28:56] – Return on Equity Check: How to know when your rental property is no longer worth managing[29:36] – What Is "Boot"? How leftover 1031 exchange funds can be a low-risk way to test a DST investment[35:16] – Pro Tip: Start planning before you list — why early strategy conversations change outcomes[36:32] – Outro: How to connect with Ashley and find resources at—Share this with your tech friends who you think would benefit from learning about passive income and alternative real estate investments. For more resources and guides, check these out:Crack the Code https://www.aritacapital.com/crack-the-code/Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/If you want to learn more, reach out at:Email: [email protected]:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aritasteven/IG:  https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita