DSTs brokers and due diligence

[Eugene Cheng]

I am in the (extended) identification window and looking into the DST options. I have been in touch with a few brokers like 1031cwondfunding, realized, and some smaller local ones.

I often see a DST offered by all of them with similar fees. So how do I pick one from the other? can I use that to my advantage to negotiate a lower broker commission?

I see people emphasizing the due diligence on DSTs. However, reading these PPMs is a major headache due to lack of any experience and background in commercial real estate -- I've only invested in small residential properties (1-4 units). I know how to evaluate these residential ones but I have no idea what/how to check a 200-units apt DST!

So how can I learn to evaluate multi-family DSTs? simply listening to the brokers' sale pitches is equivalent of flying blind to me.

Thanks.

(I know the general pros / cons of DSTs and I am not committed to invest them. But I would like to learn my options as much as possible, given the low RE inventory on the market)