Real Estate Ownership Explained

Real Treasury • August 27, 2024

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Understanding Real Estate Investment Structures and Service Providers

Real Treasury specializes in helping real estate companies optimize cash management. Our services are designed to help all types and sizes of real estate companies.


Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture; however, it often involves complex structures and rules. Real estate structures can be very unique, they also include some fundamental aspects. We will explore a few of them like the roles of general and limited partners in real estate investments, a few different types of investment vehicles available, and the essential service providers that help manage and optimize real estate projects. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of real estate investment.


Investment Vehicles

An investment vehicle in commercial real estate refers to a legal entity or structure used by investors to pool their capital and invest in commercial properties. They provide investors with the opportunity to diversify their portfolios, gain access to larger and potentially more lucrative properties, and benefit from professional management. 


By using an investment vehicle, investors can mitigate risks, leverage economies of scale, and enhance their potential returns while navigating the complexities of commercial real estate markets. These vehicles can take various forms:


  • Real Estate Funds

    These are pooled investment vehicles that invest in real estate properties. They can be structured as partnerships or LLCs and are managed by professional fund managers.

  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)

    REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. They offer investors a way to invest in large-scale, income-generating real estate without having to buy properties directly. These can be either publicly traded and listed on a stock exchange with regular dividends and liquidity to investors or private REITs which can offer higher returns and less liquidity.

  • Real Estate Crowdfunding

    This relatively new investment vehicle allows investors to pool their money online to invest in real estate projects. Crowdfunding platforms provide access to a variety of real estate investments, often with lower minimum investment requirements compared to traditional real estate investments.

  • Real Estate Mutual Funds

    These funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets, including REITs, real estate operating companies, and other real estate-related securities. They offer diversification and professional management.

  • Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS)

    MBS are investment products backed by a pool of mortgages. Investors receive periodic payments derived from the principal and interest payments on the underlying mortgages. MBS can provide exposure to the real estate market without directly owning properties.

  • Real Estate Syndication

    A syndication in commercial real estate is a partnership where multiple investors pool their resources to buy and manage properties. A syndicator organizes the deal, manages the property, and investors provide the capital. In return, investors share in the profits from rental income and property appreciation. This allows access to larger deals and professional management.

  • Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) | Tenants in Common (TIC)

    Investment vehicle for directly owning real estate. These are designed for various tax strategies such as a facilitate the qualification of 1031 like-kind exchange.


Real Estate Investments Service Providers

Each real estate structure is unique a complex, while one may chose to perform certain services internally, another may choose to use a third-party service provider, thus service providers are essential in real estate. They ensure smooth operations and success by handling specific tasks. Following are a few common services which may be internal or external.

List of Services

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