Considering a 1031 exchange to defer your capital gains? You'll need a Qualified Intermediary — but finding the right one can be hard. Here's what makes a great partner, plus our picks for the top DST sponsors and single-family rental marketplaces.
A 1031 exchange — also called a like-kind or tax-deferred exchange — lets real estate investors defer capital gains taxes when selling an investment property. Instead of taking the cash, you work with a Qualified Intermediary who holds the proceeds and reinvests them into a replacement property. Done correctly, you can defer all capital gains taxes from the sale. A core requirement: a Qualified Intermediary must hold your funds throughout the entire process for the exchange to qualify.
Your intermediary structures the exchange, drafts the documents, and — most importantly — holds your funds. When deciding who to trust, we think three things matter most.
There are many intermediaries across the country, from local specialists to national providers. We struggled to find one that was truly modern, transparent, and investor-first — so we built the company we'd want to use ourselves.
DeferAlly is redefining the 1031 exchange. Our AI-guided platform walks you through every step, our team delivers white-glove service, and we charge $0 in exchange fees — while sharing the interest earned on your escrow, because it's your money.
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) are passive real estate vehicles that let multiple investors co-own a fractional interest in large, professionally managed properties. They're popular in 1031 exchanges because they offer diversification, remove day-to-day management, and provide pre-packaged options typically structured to meet exchange requirements.
A fee-only fiduciary advisory firm that helps investors compare and access nearly every DST on the market — matching your exchange proceeds to your income and diversification goals.
Visit Sera CapitalOne of the largest DST sponsors in the country, with a long track record of institutional-quality, professionally managed real estate structured for 1031 exchanges.
Visit Inland Private Capital CorporationA national sponsor of tax-advantaged real estate specializing in DSTs and 1031-eligible offerings across multifamily, medical, and other resilient sectors.
Visit Capital SquareSingle-family rentals (SFRs) are standalone residential properties you can rent to tenants — a straightforward, flexible option for a 1031 exchange. They appeal to investors seeking stable, long-term rental income with appreciation potential, and they're widely available and easy to manage.
A veteran multifamily investment firm offering 1031 and DST options that let single-family rental owners transition into professionally managed, diversified portfolios.
Visit Hamilton ZanzeA technology-driven marketplace for managing investment-property wealth — helping SFR owners evaluate replacement options and build a diversified, tax-deferred portfolio.
Visit Realized1031Please note that DeferAlly has no financial interest in the third-party companies listed above and does not guarantee their services, products, or performance. We have no formal partnerships or revenue ties to these firms; our aim is simply to share helpful resources. Please evaluate them independently to ensure they meet your needs. This page is for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, or investment advice.