CalculateRealEstateROI

Portfolio · Guide

Portfolio Exit Planning

Sell-down, transfer to heirs, or convert to passive — three exit modes for retirement-stage investors.

Reviewed by Keiron Brown, Founder & Editor, CalculateRealEstateROI · Educational estimates only — not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice

Key takeaways

  • Sell-down ladders cash flow.
  • Estate transfer steps up basis.
  • Passive conversion = sell + reinvest in syndications.
  • Plan 5–10 years before retirement.
  • Tax-aware exits matter most.

Core concepts

Sell-down

Sell 1–2 properties per year.

Estate transfer

Hold + die = step-up basis.

Passive conversion

LP in syndications.

Step-by-step framework

  1. 1Define retirement income need.
  2. 2Choose exit mode.
  3. 3Estate plan.
  4. 4Tax plan.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • No exit planning.

Frequently asked questions

When to start planning?

5–10 years ahead.

Step-up real?

Yes.

Passive conversion?

Syndications + DSTs.

Sell vs hold?

Tax-aware choice.

Action checklist

  • ☐Exit plan.
  • ☐Estate plan.
  • ☐Tax plan.
  • ☐Income calc.

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