In the latest episode of Peachtree Point of View, CEO Greg Friedman sits down with Tim Witt, a seasoned expert with over 30 years’ experience, to explore tax-efficient investment strategies in commercial real estate. This insightful discussion explores various strategies that can potentially help investors preserve and grow their wealth while minimizing tax exposure.
Tim, who leads Peachtree's DST (Delaware Statutory Trust) strategy, brings a wealth of knowledge from his background as a Wall Street Journal All-Star Analyst and his extensive experience with alternative investments. During the conversation, he breaks down complex investment structures into digestible insights that investors will find valuable.
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST)
Tim explains how DSTs work as a powerful tool for commercial real estate investors looking to transition from active to passive ownership while deferring capital gains taxes through 1031 exchanges. He shares real examples of how investors can potentially maintain their wealth-building momentum and reduce the impact of taxes, which can otherwise take 30-40% of their proceeds upon property sale.
Opportunity Zones
The opportunity zone program was created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Greg and Tim explore how these investments may offer both tax deferral and tax-free appreciation when held for ten years. They share Peachtree's success story of developing a hotel in downtown Phoenix and discuss their current project in Maui, highlighting how they first identified opportunities that make sense regardless of potential tax benefits.
Bonus Depreciation
Finally, they examine bonus depreciation strategies and their potential revival with upcoming tax legislation, offering insights into how different types of investors might benefit from these programs.
Perhaps most valuable is their candid discussion about the pitfalls of tax-driven investment decisions. Both experts emphasize the importance of evaluating investments on their fundamental merits first, with tax benefits serving as an enhancement rather than the primary motivation.
For investors looking to optimize their real estate investment strategy while managing tax exposure, this episode provides actionable insights from two industry veterans. Whether you're considering a transition from active to passive real estate ownership, exploring Opportunity Zone investments, or simply seeking to better understand tax-efficient investment strategies, this conversation offers valuable perspective and practical advice.
Listen to the full episode of Peachtree Point of View to dive deeper into these strategies and learn how they might fit into your investment portfolio. Available now on your favorite podcast platform.
Please note that this podcast does not provide legal or tax advice. Before investing in any tax-advantaged program, consult with your CPA or a tax attorney to ensure you are eligible to benefit from the program's tax advantages.
For many investors, tax efficiency is the overlooked multiplier of wealth. One powerful yet underutilized approach combines Roth IRA conversions with commercial real estate development investments, creating significant tax advantages through strategic timing.
In this episode of Peachtree Point of View, Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, speaks with Tim Witt, leader of Peachtree's Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) program, about how Roth IRA conversions can unlock powerful tax-free growth when paired with commercial real estate strategies.
Direct Contributions: Investors with income below the limits can contribute up to $7,000 annually ($8,000 if age 50 or older) with after-tax dollars. These accounts grow tax-free, and withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free. Learn more about Roth IRAs directly from the IRS.
"The quickest way to multiply your wealth is through tax efficiency. Sometimes that gets missed as people are chasing returns." — Greg Friedman
Conversions for High Earners: For those with incomes above the threshold, direct contributions are not permitted. Instead, investors can use a Roth IRA conversion, often referred to as a "backdoor Roth," by transferring assets from a traditional IRA or a former employer's 401(k). Taxes are paid at the time of conversion, but from then on, all growth is tax-free.
Tim Witt, who leads Peachtree Group's DST and tax strategy programs, explains how the conversion strategy works: "The key to doing this conversion is being able to transfer assets when they're at a lower value."
This approach leverages the natural "J-curve" pattern of development projects, where valuations temporarily decrease during construction phases.
The mechanics are straightforward but require precision. Investors place funds in a self-directed IRA and invest in commercial real estate development projects. Midway through construction, when projects typically show reduced valuations due to development costs, incomplete construction, and liquidity constraints, investors execute the Roth IRA conversion.
"That's when the value is going to return and hopefully far exceed the initial investment you put in," Witt notes.
Consider this scenario: A $100,000 development investment might appraise at $60,000 during mid-construction. Converting at this lower valuation means paying taxes on $60,000 instead of the original $100,000 investment. As the project completes and stabilizes, the full value returns, but now grows tax-free within the Roth IRA.
"There's no benefit on losses in a Roth. If you lose money in a Roth, you don't get to write that off your taxes. So you want to be very thoughtful in terms of the quality of the projects that you're investing in," Witt emphasizes.
This strategy particularly benefits investors earning above Roth IRA contribution limits ($165,000 for singles, $246,000 for married couples) who have existing traditional IRA or 401(k) funds available for conversion.
The combination of tax-efficient structures and high-quality commercial real estate development can significantly accelerate wealth accumulation for qualified investors.
For more insights on tax-advantaged structures, you can also explore our Opportunity Zone strategies.
Catch the full Peachtree Point of View podcast episode featuring Tim Witt’s complete breakdown of Roth IRA conversion strategies, and learn how Peachtree Group’s development expertise can enhance your tax-efficient investment approach.
AltsWire | Peachtree Group, a commercial real estate investment firm with a multibillion-dollar portfolio of equity and debt investments, launched its latest Delaware statutory trust offering with the acquisition of a newly built, Class-A industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas, a fast-growing suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth.
PG Dallas Industrial DST is a $27.85 million offering. Completed in 2025, the 131,040-square-foot rear-load building offers 36-foot clear heights, a three-acre outdoor storage yard and long-term expansion potential, according to Peachtree.
“In today’s higher-rate environment, where tighter credit and volatile valuations challenge traditional ownership, DSTs have emerged as a compelling alternative,” said Greg Friedman, managing principal and chief executive officer of Peachtree. “They deliver attractive cash flows backed by institutional-quality assets, while also offering tax advantages, professional management and diversification.”
ATLANTA (July 8, 2025) - Peachtree Group, a leading commercial real estate investment firm with a multi billion-dollar portfolio of equity and debt investments, has launched its latest hotel property structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). The 128-key SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale is located in Avondale, Ariz., within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
This is Peachtree’s ninth DST offering since the firm launched the program in 2022.
The SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale opened in August 2024 and is positioned to benefit from the area’s strong population growth and economic expansion. Avondale is one of the fastest-growing cities in Maricopa County, with new residential and commercial developments driving local demand. The broader Phoenix metro area added nearly 85,000 residents between 2023 and 2024 and continues to rank among the fastest-growing regions in the country.
“This newly developed property represents everything we look for in a DST offering. It features strong market fundamentals, a leading brand and long-term upside supported by sustained demand channels across corporate, healthcare and leisure,” said Tim Witt, president of 1031 Exchange and DST Products at Peachtree.
SpringHill Suites serves the growing all-suites segment by offering stylish accommodations, modern design, expanded suites and enhanced amenities. In addition, the hotel will not require a change-of-ownership Property Improvement Plan and will benefit from affiliation with the SpringHill Suites brand and Marriott’s global distribution and loyalty platform, which surpassed 228 million members in 2025.
“The SpringHill Suites Phoenix West Avondale gives investors access to a newly built, debt-free asset in one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas,” Witt said. “It is an ideal opportunity for those seeking tax deferral through a 1031 exchange while maintaining exposure to the hospitality sector, which continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals and long-term resilience.”
Peachtree’s DST offerings provide a tax-efficient option for investors reinvesting proceeds from appreciated real estate. The firm’s nine DST offerings represent more than $291 million in debt-free real estate transactions. Each property aligns with Peachtree’s strategy of acquiring branded hotels in high-growth markets, pursuing value-add opportunities and leveraging experienced hotel management to drive performance and long-term value.
Peachtree continues to support 1031 exchange investors by offering a streamlined path to passive, income-producing real estate investments that align with the firm’s commitment to generating strong, risk-adjusted returns.
Securities offerings are distributed by Peachtree PC Investors, LLC, member: FINRA/SIPC. This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy securities. DST Interests are illiquid, speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Prospective Investor should consult with his, her or its own tax advisor regarding an investment in DST Interests and the qualification of his, her or its transaction under Section 1031 for his, her orits specific circumstances.
