Patrick Nelson is Disrupting the $500 Million Broker-Dealer DST Industry: Investor Advocate for Smarter 1031 Exchanges
Patrick Nelson redefines real estate by championing investor-first strategies in 1031 exchanges, raising over $1.5 billion in financing with compelling results.
In a real estate industry often driven by flashy projects sold by brokers earning massive commissions, Patrick Nelson is disrupting an industry of tens of millions in commissions and passing all the savings to investors. His new firm, Icon 1031, also eliminates the preferred equity costs by putting up their own capital to close deals.
“Most sponsors in the industry simply bury the high 10%+ in commissions and massive preferred equity costs in the deal and pass those fees to investors.” states Patrick Nelson.
Nelson is one of only seven 1031 sponsors to survive both the 2008 housing crisis and the 2019 Covid pandemic, but the only one he knows of that cut out all of those fees. Now, real value can flow to investors and their posterity.
A Relentless Journey to the Top: Arbitrage Equals Opportunity
Nelson’s career has been built on identifying hidden value and structuring deals that maximize investor returns. He has raised funds from thousands of investors and managed hundreds of millions in acquisitions, renovations, and operations across the country.
Over his career, Nelson has secured over $1.5 billion in financing and refinancing through Fannie Mae, HUD, national banks, credit unions, and private structures. His wide range of experience allows him to navigate markets and structure deals that are both profitable and resilient during economic downturns. At the heart of his approach is finding arbitrage opportunities that others overlook.
Recognition and Respect
Nelson’s efforts have received national recognition. His company was listed at #129 on the Inc. 500 fastest-growing private companies in America, and he was named a semi-finalist for the Orange County Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Nelson’s property management company received the prestigious BBB Torch award for ethics.
Grounded in Family and Legacy
Outside of his professional life, Nelson is also a dedicated father of six daughters. He lives in South Orange County, California, where his role as a parent influences his views on legacy, responsibility, and service. For Nelson, real estate is not just about financial growth; it’s about building a future grounded in integrity and perseverance.
Investor-First, Always: ICON America Fund
Patrick Nelson continues to change the definition of what it means to be a real estate entrepreneur. His focus on investor-first strategies, and disciplined deal-making has set a high standard for success. With a proven track record and a commitment to delivering results, he is now disrupting the $500 million broker dealer industry and directing 100% of the cost savings to investors. In addition to 1031 properties, Nelson is launching the Icon America Fund, focused on the same value-add strategies, high tax-sheltered income, and low fees with no broker-dealer commissions.
To learn more about Patrick Nelson and his work, visit icon1031.com and IconAmericaFund.com. You can also connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.