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ANTHONY J. GULLO

Real Estate Investment Consultant & Direct Participation Programs Representative

Anthony Gullo

Tony Gullo

Management-Free Real Estate Investments

SERVICES

MANAGEMENT-FREE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

(DST, DST-to-UPREIT, and QOZ/QOF)

What is a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)?

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a real estate ownership structure that allows accredited investors to own a fractional interest in institutional-quality real estate, such as multifamily, industrial, medical, self-storage, or retail properties. DSTs are professionally managed, allowing investors to maintain real estate exposure without the day-to-day responsibilities associated with direct property ownership.

 

DST interests generally qualify as replacement property for 1031 Exchange purposes, making them a popular option for investors seeking to defer taxes while transitioning from actively managed real estate. DSTs may also provide access to larger, diversified properties that might otherwise be difficult for an individual investor to acquire directly.

 

Whether seeking portfolio diversification, passive income potential, or a simplified approach to real estate ownership, accredited investors often utilize DSTs as part of a long-term investment strategy.

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What is a DST-to-UPREIT strategy?

Certain DST sponsors offer DST-to-UPREIT programs that may become available at the conclusion of a DST’s holding period. In these programs, a DST property may be acquired by an affiliated Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), allowing investors the opportunity to exchange their DST interest for REIT operating partnership units through a transaction commonly referred to as a 721 Exchange.

 

This tax-deferred exit strategy may provide investors with increased diversification, potential liquidity opportunities over time, and continued passive ownership. However, after completing a 721 Exchange into REIT operating partnership units, investors generally forfeit the ability to complete future 1031 Exchanges with that investment. For investors seeking long-term tax deferral, simplified real estate ownership, and an eventual transition away from the 1031 Exchange cycle, a DST-to-UPREIT strategy may serve as a valuable wealth preservation tool. Investors should carefully review the risks, limitations, and tax implications associated with any DST-to-UPREIT program.

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What is a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) / Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF)?

A Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) is an investment vehicle that allows accredited investors to reinvest eligible capital gains into real estate or business projects located within government-designated Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). These investments were created to encourage long-term economic development and investment in designated communities while offering certain tax benefits under current law.

 

QOFs may provide benefits such as the deferral of eligible capital gains and the potential exclusion of appreciation generated within the investment if applicable holding period requirements and other program requirements are satisfied.

 

For investors seeking tax-efficient growth opportunities and passive ownership, QOFs may provide an attractive alternative investment strategy.

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How he can help

​Anthony J. Gullo, in his capacity as a Direct Participation Programs Representative holding FINRA Series 22 and 63 licenses, assists accredited investors in evaluating passive real estate investment opportunities, including Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), DST-to-UPREIT strategies, and Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs). These investment structures may provide benefits such as professional management, portfolio diversification, tax-deferral opportunities, and reduced day-to-day ownership responsibilities. Whether your objective is to defer taxes, simplify property ownership, diversify your holdings, or pursue long-term wealth preservation, he provides education, guidance, and access to investment solutions designed to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

 

Direct Participation Programs offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC, headquartered at 3909 Research Park Drive, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. ​

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FINRA's BrokerCheck

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Disclaimer: Anthony J. Gullo, in his capacity as a Direct Participation Programs Representative, does not provide brokerage or consulting services to clients in exchange transactions where R. J. GULLO 1031 SERVICES, LLC serves as the client's qualified intermediary.

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ABOUT

​Anthony J. Gullo, CPA, CCIM is the Executive Vice President & COO at R. J. GULLO COMPANIES, a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, and a Real Estate Investment Consultant & Direct Participation Programs Representative.​

 

He has spent more than twenty years in the real estate investment industry. He is experienced in 1031 Exchanges, management-free real estate investments, real estate investment analysis and valuation, and real estate acquisitions and dispositions.

 

Prior to joining R. J. GULLO COMPANIES, he served as a director in the real estate solutions practice at FTI Consulting in New York City, where he provided advisory services to commercial real estate companies, private equity funds, pension funds, law firms, investment banks, owners, developers, managers, and high-net-worth individuals. During his tenure, he participated in the reorganization and sale of a $140 million real estate portfolio that received the Real Estate Restructuring of the Year award at the Global M&A Network Turnaround Atlas Awards.

 

Before joining FTI Consulting, he was a senior associate in real estate assurance services at Ernst & Young. His clients included real estate private equity funds with approximately $13 billion of gross assets under management and a publicly traded, self-managed REIT that was among the largest self-storage companies in the United States.

 

He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting and Accounting Information Systems from Canisius College, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting from Canisius College, and a Professional Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Investment from Fordham University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York, a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker in New York, and a Direct Participation Programs Representative holding FINRA Series 22 and 63 licenses. He is a member of the CCIM Institute and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

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Direct Participation Programs offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC, headquartered at 3909 Research Park Drive, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. â€‹

 

FINRA's BrokerCheck

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CONTACT

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Disclaimers:​

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​The Information provided is for informational purposes only, does not constitute direct investment advice, and is not a direct offer to buy or sell an investment. The material contained within is not to be interpreted as tax or legal advice. Please consult the appropriate tax or legal professional regarding your particular situation. Because investor situations and objectives vary, this information is not intended to indicate suitability for any individual investor. 

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DSTs (Delaware Statutory Trusts) are only available to accredited investors (typically have a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence or $200,000 income individually/$300,000 jointly of the last two years; or have an active FINRA Series 7, Series 82, or Series 65 license) and accredited entities. If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity, please verify with your tax and legal professional. There are material risks associated with investing in DSTs and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short term leases associated with multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal.

 

An UPREIT (umbrella partnership real estate investment trust) is a REIT structure that allows property owners to exchange their property and defer taxes on the sale of property in exchange for UPREIT units though capital gains taxes on UPREIT units are subject to standard REIT taxation. UPREITs are generally subject to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 721 exchanges.

 

The rules and regulations of the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Program are complex, and compliance with the QOZ Program comes with significant challenges such as appreciation unpredictability, certain neighborhoods may be less accommodating to development, illiquidity for up to ten or more years, availability and cost of construction and development financing uncertainty, development and redevelopment real estate risks, as well as a number of Jobs Act interpretation uncertainty which may impact future risks, if any. 

 

Direct Participation Programs offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC, headquartered at 3909 Research Park Drive, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

 

Concorde’s Form Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

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Anthony J. Gullo

Real Estate Investment Consultant & Direct Participation Programs Representative

FINRA's BrokerCheck

Copyright © 2026 Anthony J. Gullo. All Rights Reserved.​​

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