Alternative Investments,
1031 Exchanges & Tax
Strategies Explained

The first step is a complimentary consultation. We'll learn about your financial goals, current portfolio, and tax situation — then walk through the strategies and current marketplace opportunities most relevant to you. There's no obligation and no cost. Schedule a conversation here, or reach Corey directly at csmith@gpcchi.com or (612) 968-3442.

No. Initial consultations are complimentary and carry no obligation. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to make confident, informed decisions — before you commit to anything.

The True North private alternatives marketplace is updated every week with new investment opportunities across real estate, private credit, energy, and tax-advantaged strategies. View the marketplace here.

An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets specific financial thresholds set by the SEC. For individuals, this generally means having a net worth exceeding $1 million (excluding primary residence), or annual income of at least $200,000 ($300,000 jointly with a spouse) for the past two years with a reasonable expectation of the same in the current year. Certain professional certifications (Series 7, 65, or 82 licenses) also qualify. Accredited investor status is required to participate in many private placement offerings.

Alternative investments are assets outside of traditional stocks, bonds, and cash. They include private equity, private credit, real estate funds, hedge funds, commodities, and tax-advantaged structures like Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). Alternatives are typically available only to accredited investors and are used to diversify portfolios, generate passive income, and reduce tax exposure.

Traditional markets are subject to volatility, correlation risk, and limited tax benefits. Alternative investments can offer returns uncorrelated with public markets, passive income streams, inflation protection through real assets, and significant tax advantages — including capital gains deferral, income offsets, and tax-free growth. For high-net-worth investors, alternatives are often a critical component of a well-diversified, tax-efficient portfolio.

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a legal entity created under Delaware law that allows accredited investors to own fractional interests in institutional-quality real estate. DSTs qualify as like-kind replacement property in a 1031 exchange, allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes while transitioning out of active property management. DST investors receive passive income without landlord responsibilities or management headaches. See the full DST FAQ →

A 1031 exchange (named after Section 1031 of the IRS tax code) allows real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds from the sale of one property into a like-kind replacement property. The exchange must be completed within strict IRS timelines: 45 days to identify a replacement property and 180 days to close. Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) are a popular 1031 exchange replacement property because they qualify as like-kind real estate and require no active management. See the full 1031 FAQ →

A Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) is a government-designated census tract where investment is incentivized through powerful tax benefits. Investors who reinvest capital gains into a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) can defer and potentially reduce their original capital gains tax, and eliminate capital gains taxes entirely on any appreciation in the QOZ investment held for 10+ years. QOZs are one of the most compelling tax incentives available to accredited investors today.

Under IRS Section 831(b), qualifying business owners can create a privately owned insurance company — known as a captive insurer — to insure real business risks. Premiums paid to the captive are deductible as a business expense, and reserves accumulate on a tax-advantaged basis. It is a fully legal, IRS-recognized strategy and one of the most powerful tools available for high-income business owners seeking to reduce current-year ordinary income tax liability.

We strongly encourage it. True North works collaboratively with your existing CPA, estate attorney, and family office to ensure every investment decision fits within your broader financial and tax plan. If you don't have a CPA or attorney, we can provide referrals to qualified professionals in our network.

Yes. Securities are offered through Great Point Capital, LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member broker-dealer. Advisory services are offered through Great Point Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. True North Private Investments is a marketing name used by Corey Smith in connection with these regulated entities. You can verify credentials at FINRA BrokerCheck.

Schedule a complimentary conversation and we'll walk through it together. You can also reach Corey directly at csmith@gpcchi.com or (612) 968-3442. No question is too basic — we're here to help you make confident, informed decisions.