This way I do not need to use a lawyer and the diversification is simple.  

Diversification is a great methodology in my opinion.

In hindsight, perhaps this is not the best profession to be in when it comes to passive income (although I do receive "residual" checks for some productions... so there is some passive income involved).At this point, it looks like my most feasible path to $5K/month passive income would be to scale a RE portfolio, and have some diversification in my investments as well.

I understand the importance of diversification, but I also am a new believer in the power of property.

My post has the goal to promote diversification, the only way to control risk. 

You are putting all your eggs in one basket and in my opinion have exposed your money to higher risks because there is no diversification.

I wouldn't mind learning about it from someone who can show me the ropes as I would like to use it as a vehicle for a diversification of my portfolio. 

I figure large Chinese real estate developers rather have empty multiple developments out of China then risk no diversification in China.

This is better diversification since I know more about real estate than derivatives:). 

Hey Ryan- DSTs offer you instant diversification, and diversification helps protect your portfolio.