Where To Search Investment Real Estate Listings?

January 6, 2023

A brief guide to the online listing platforms to search active listings -

There are a growing number of online real estate platforms to search for single family, multifamily and commercial investment properties for sale. Each has their pro’s & con’s and as an investor searching in a fast moving Pacific Northwest market, opportunity can present itself on several or just one of the platforms depending on property type. Constant Commercial Real Estate Inc shares our go-to sites to stay up-to-date on new, pending and old listings. We will also describe how your Broker/Agent can be a major benefit in identifying off-market opportunities by leveraging their relationships. 


Multiple Listing Service (MLS) - The multiple listing service is where real estate brokers, agents and realtors input properties they have been hired to sell. The private platform is a cooperation of real estate brokers to share information on properties they have listed and invite other brokers to cooperate in exchange for compensation. This high exposure platform showcases the listed properties and funnels them to brokers with a pool of buyer clients with a defined criteria. The MLS is a powerful tool for brokers and allows the smaller firms to compete with larger national firms on an equal playing field. The MLS is generally a private database that is created, maintained and paid for by real estate professionals and is region specific. Some MLS platforms have a broker/agent portal allowing agents and their clients to save, favorite and comment on listings in a cooperative manner.  The downside to the MLS (to an investor) is it is exclusive to only real estate brokers who choose to subscribe. Many commercial and apartment listings never make their way to the MLS. Talk with your broker about leveraging this tool that ultimately funnels to the common public listing sites. 


The Multiple Listing Service funnels into several public user-friendly online listing sites. Some of the common ones are zillow, redfin, trulia and realtor.com. These listing platforms have several similarities and boils down to preference. Our favorite public sites are discussed and starting with residential then ending in commercial dominant platforms.


Commercial - 

  1. CoStar is the largest commercial real estate information and analytics provider in the nation. They own several other platforms such as homes.com, loopnet, apartments.com,ten-x, homesnap, and land.com. They are a powerhouse of data and provide tools to real estate professionals and investors. They cover all commercial property types and require a subscription. Many listings in Co-Star are only available to subscribers, but an agent who subscribes can share them with their clients. The program is used by professionals to do rent studies, comparable sales analysis, prospecting, lease information and accessing public information on one platform. 
  2. LoopNet is owned by CoStar and predominantly commercial, apartment and land listings. Loopnet is geared towards income producing real estate. We set up searches to get notification of property types across the state that align with our current clients needs. 
  3. Crexi is a newer platform described as a real estate community, marketplace and technology company. Listing for brokers is free as they grow their platform. They continue to increase their data for prospecting and tools for investors and real estate professionals searching for listings. We set up searches similar to CoStar and Loopnet as it is common because of the low cost for listings to end up here and not on the other larger platforms. 


Residential - 

  1. Redfin is a large Seattle based residential real estate brokerage found in 95 major markets in the United States and Canada. Redfin’s application for most is to just explore currently listed properties. We find the platform to be very user friendly. As with all residential listing sites, they are covered in paid advertisements by brokers and offering their services. 
  2. Zillow is similar to Redfin as it is a large national brokerage that does offer brokerage services. This is another user-friendly website to view listings and rentals. We find clients who cruise these websites for residential, land and 2-4 unit listings are using them for its easy to use platform and apps. 
  3. Realtor.com is also similar to Zillow and Redfin, but is built around being a resource for Brokers to receive recommendations and ratings for their recently closed listings. Not everything maps to the program, but it is a way to see brokers closed sales in your area. Professional accounts link to the MLS to parse the data over. 
  4. Trulia is another public site that is owned by Zillow. 
  5. There are endless small marketplaces like RealNex, BiggerPockets, Facebook and Craigslist  designed for a low entry, inexpensive and often free place to market specialty properties to investors.


*When it comes to use of the above residentially focused programs, it really comes down to preference. Be careful not to inquire with brokers running advertisements if you already have an agency relationship with a broker/agent/realtor. These programs will parse the commercial and apartments that are listed into the MLS, but not all opportunities will be input. If you’re interested in learning the market and viewing listings, consult with one of our brokers and we can all get searches set up in a variety of programs to get prompt notification of properties that fit your criteria. 


Off-market listings can be identified. Our brokers have gained experience in their respective markets and property type focus areas. We have nurtured relationships with other brokers, clients and investors through past transactions and networking. It is not uncommon for the community to share coming soon or pocket (off-market, may not be listed) listings of a variety of property types. As our clients' needs change throughout the year and with each transaction, we network with our sphere of brokers to identify these opportunities early. This goes both ways as we share coming soon and off-market opportunities with our clients and others who we have created a relationship with. During Constant Commercial’s prospecting, we often hear of investors who would sell but do not want to go through the listing process - so we have commonly stuck deals together by making a note and revisiting the opportunity when one fits a clients investment profile. 




We are a regional investment real estate and commercial mortgage brokerage firm serving private investor clients throughout the state of Oregon. We work with investors searching for strategic capital and real estate portfolio advising. CCRE takes a consultative and analytical approach to income-producing real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financing and portfolio capital/equity management. 

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Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs): A Comprehensive Guide for Real Estate Investors

By Cory Carlson • March 12, 2025
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) have gained significant popularity among real estate investors, particularly those looking to defer capital gains taxes while maintaining passive income from real estate holdings. A DST is a legal entity that allows multiple investors to own fractional interests in high-quality, institutional-grade properties. It provides a hands-off approach to real estate investment while offering potential tax advantages under the IRS 1031 Exchange guidelines. This article will explore the profile of an ideal DST investor, the tax treatment of these investments, a step-by-step guide on how to execute a DST exchange, and the critical role of an experienced real estate broker in facilitating the transaction. Who Should Consider a Delaware Statutory Trust? DSTs are not a one-size-fits-all investment. They are best suited for a specific type of investor, typically those who: Are Nearing Retirement or Seeking Passive Income: Investors who want to step away from active property management but still earn rental income find DSTs an attractive option. Have Highly Appreciated Investment Properties: Those looking to sell a property that has appreciated significantly and want to defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 Exchange. Seek Portfolio Diversification: DSTs offer access to diversified, professionally managed commercial properties, including multifamily apartments, medical offices, retail centers, and industrial facilities. Want to Avoid the Hassles of Property Management: DSTs eliminate the burden of dealing with tenants, repairs, and ongoing property oversight. Are Looking for Predictable Income: Many DSTs offer stable, projected distributions, making them an appealing choice for income-focused investors. Have a Low Risk Tolerance for Real Estate Investments: Institutional-grade properties with professional management often provide a more secure, stable investment compared to direct ownership of real estate. Tax Treatment of DSTs One of the main attractions of investing in a DST is the ability to defer capital gains taxes via a 1031 Exchange. Here’s how DSTs are treated from a tax perspective: 1031 Exchange Eligibility: The IRS recognizes DST interests as “like-kind” property, meaning investors can exchange their real estate holdings into a DST without triggering immediate tax liability. Tax Deferral: By utilizing a 1031 Exchange, investors can defer capital gains, depreciation recapture, and state taxes on the sale of a relinquished property. Potential for Step-Up in Basis: Upon the investor’s passing, heirs can receive a step-up in basis, potentially eliminating deferred taxes altogether. Depreciation Benefits: Investors receive depreciation pass-through benefits, which can offset taxable income from distributions. Passive Income Taxation: Income generated from the DST is reported on Schedule E, and depreciation deductions may help reduce taxable income. How to Execute a DST 1031 Exchange A 1031 Exchange into a DST follows a structured process. Below is a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Sell the Relinquished Property The first step is to sell the property that you intend to exchange. The sale proceeds must be handled by a Qualified Intermediary (QI) to maintain 1031 Exchange compliance. Do NOT list the real estate until you have FIRST communicated with a QI. Step 2: Identify the DST Investment Within 45 days of selling the relinquished property, you must identify potential replacement properties. Investors typically work with a an experienced real estate broker specializing in DSTs and 1031 exchanges to review available options. Step 3: Conduct Due Diligence Before committing to a DST investment, it’s crucial to analyze: The quality and location of the underlying real estate. The financial strength and reputation of the DST sponsor. The projected income and risk factors. The loan structure, if any. Step 4: Work with a Qualified Intermediary (QI) The QI facilitates the transaction, ensuring the funds are properly transferred and that all IRS regulations are met. The investor never takes possession of the sales proceeds directly from the relinquished properties. A QI needs to be involved early in the engagement to ensure title and escrow is set up to remain compliant. Step 5: Close on the DST Investment Once the due diligence is complete and the paperwork is finalized, the investor formally acquires a fractional interest in the DST property. The transaction must be completed within 180 days from the sale of the relinquished real estate. Constant Commercial Real Estate can assist in multiple property dispositions if it pertains. Step 6: Receive Passive Income and Tax Benefits After the exchange is finalized, the investor begins receiving distributions, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis. They also continue to defer taxes as long as they remain invested in the DST. Why an Experienced Real Estate Broker is Essential A real estate broker with experience in DSTs plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and successful exchange. Here’s why their expertise matters: Navigating the Complexity of 1031 Exchanges: A broker familiar with 1031 rules helps investors avoid costly mistakes that could disqualify their tax deferral benefits. Access to Institutional-Quality DST Offerings: Brokers have relationships with reputable DST sponsors, giving investors access to high-quality properties not easily found on the open market. Objective Investment Guidance: An experienced broker helps evaluate DST options, considering factors such as market trends, sponsor track record, and risk assessment. Tailored Investment Strategy: Brokers work with investors to align their DST choices with long-term financial goals, ensuring a suitable fit for their portfolio. Streamlining the Identification Process: Given the strict 45-day identification window, a broker can expedite the selection process, helping investors make informed decisions under time constraints. Compliance with IRS Regulations: Working with a knowledgeable broker reduces the risk of missteps that could jeopardize the exchange. Conclusion Delaware Statutory Trusts provide a compelling investment vehicle for real estate owners seeking tax deferral, passive income, and diversification. However, executing a 1031 Exchange into a DST requires careful planning, thorough due diligence, and strict adherence to IRS rules. For investors looking to transition from active property management to a passive investment structure while preserving wealth, DSTs can be an excellent solution. Engaging an experienced real estate broker is key to identifying quality DST opportunities, navigating the 1031 Exchange process, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. With the right guidance, investors can leverage DSTs to optimize their real estate portfolios while enjoying long-term financial benefits.
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