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Funds & PoolsInvestment Vehicles15 min read

4.3 REITs and Direct Participation Programs

Alternative pooled real estate and partnership vehicles provide tax-advantaged income and non-correlated assets, but carry unique liquidity and tax-reporting considerations.

Key NASAA Exam Takeaways

  • REITs must distribute at least 90% of taxable net investment income to shareholders to avoid corporate-level taxation.
  • REITs pass through income and capital gains, but DO NOT pass through losses to shareholders.
  • Direct Participation Programs (DPPs / Limited Partnerships) pass through BOTH income and losses directly to partners.
  • Limited partners enjoy limited liability, whereas general partners have unlimited personal liability.
Knowledge Checkpoint • Section 4.3

Which of the following is an accurate distinction between a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and a Direct Participation Program (DPP) real estate limited partnership?