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About Real Estate Transition Solutions

Who We Are

Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS) is a real estate investment firm specializing in tax-deferred 1031 Exchange strategies and options. For over 26 years, we have helped investment property owners understand, select, and acquire suitable 1031 Exchange properties that meet both their financial and lifestyle objectives. Our approach is grounded in education, transparency, and above all, putting the best interest of our clients first. We are agnostic to the type of replacement property selected by our clients and base our recommendations entirely on their objectives and what they seek to accomplish.

Why Work With RETS

We strive to help every client make the best possible decision for their 1031 Exchange. Our personalized approach considers each client’s unique blend of lifestyle and financial objectives. We provide industry-leading educational resources and expert guidance from licensed 1031 Exchange Advisors. Our recommendations are based on continuous analysis of local and national market conditions and rigorous property and sponsor due diligence.

Meet Your 1031 Exchange Team

Our company’s rapid growth is driven by a team of 21 dedicated professionals who bring together a wealth of expertise in diverse functions such as investment strategy, marketing, investment analysis, and client services. Through our collective knowledge in real estate investment consulting, we provide comprehensive and strategic solutions to meet our clients’ unique needs.

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1031 ADVISORY SERVICES

Roger Bowlin

Roger W. Bowlin

Founder and Partner

Roger W. Bowlin

Roger is the Founding Partner of Real Estate Transition Solutions and is key to sourcing real estate replacement property options that satisfy individualized client objectives. He is a licensed 1031 Exchange Advisor, maintains relationships with a vast network of institutional real estate firms, provides consultation on tax deferral strategies, 1031 replacement options, and Delaware Statutory Trusts. Roger holds Series 7, 22, 63 and 65 licenses.

Roger is a graduate of the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. While attending UW, he rowed crew from 1975-1978, rowing in both the 1975 freshman national champion boat and on the 1977 national champion team.

Roger has a broad background in real estate construction having presided over Coleman Construction, a mid-tier contractor of schools, libraries and prisons. He learned the transaction-side of real estate through his time working in the brokerage group of Marcus and Millichap as well as the Investment Group of Westwater Development.

He currently sits on the board of the Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan research organization that focuses on free market solutions, limited government and advocacy for private property rights. WPC serves policy makers, media and Washington citizens.

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Austin Bowlin

Austin Bowlin, CPA

Partner, Chief Exchange Strategist

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Taylor Armstrong

Taylor Armstrong

Senior Exchange Advisor

Taylor Armstrong

Taylor serves as a 1031 Exchange Advisor at Real Estate Transition Solutions. He works closely with
investment property owners to understand the nature of their properties, financial objectives and lifestyle goals. He educates property owners about the 1031 Exchange process. Taylor is well versed in replacement property options, including securitized replacement properties such as Delaware Statutory Trusts. He currently holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.

Taylor is a graduate of the Carson School of Business at Washington State University. Following college, he worked as a Financial Planner at Voya Financial where he gained key experience in the analysis of client portfolios and needs.

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Zachary Kocurek square

Zachary Kocurek

1031 Exchange Advisor

Zachary Kocurek

Zachary serves as a 1031 Exchange Advisor at Real Estate Transition Solutions. He collaborates closely with investment property owners to understand the details of their properties, financial goals, and lifestyle aspirations. He provides education on the 1031 Exchange process and is well-versed in replacement property options, including securitized replacement properties such as Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). In addition to his 1031 Exchange expertise, Zachary advises clients on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and other direct real estate investment opportunities. Zachary currently holds Series 7, 22, 63, and 65 securities licenses.

Zachary holds a Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University, where his graduate studies focused on the impact of green spaces and parks on property values through hedonic analysis. His research explored how proximity to well-designed green spaces can enhance real estate values, improve community well-being, and promote sustainable urban planning. During his time at Texas A&M, Zachary also represented the university's archery team, contributing to its record of 20 consecutive Collegiate Archery National Championship titles. Following his bachelor’s degree, Zachary became a licensed real estate agent in Washington, where he specializes in working with real estate investors. In addition, he actively invests in residential rental properties, combining his expertise and personal experience to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

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Evan Akers square

Evan Akers

1031 Exchange Advisor

Evan Akers

Evan serves as a 1031 Exchange Advisor at Real Estate Transition Solutions, working closely with investment property owners to understand the nature of their properties, financial objectives, and lifestyle goals. He educates property owners about the 1031 Exchange process and is well-versed in replacement property options, including securitized replacement properties such as the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). He currently holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.

Evan is a graduate of the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Following college, he worked as a Financial Analyst at VIUM Capital, gaining live transaction experience within the healthcare lending industry. Prior to his current role as a 1031 Exchange Advisor, Evan worked within RETS’ internal due diligence department, playing a crucial role in enhancing the financial and real estate due diligence processes.

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DUE DILIGENCE

Patrick Liu

Due Diligence Manager

Patrick Liu

Patrick Liu serves as the Due Diligence Manager at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), overseeing a team of research and financial analysts that review upcoming, available DST properties, REITs, and income funds. The due diligence team performs independent underwriting and analysis of commercial properties and portfolios for investment viability and return potential, while identifying risks and opportunities.

Prior to joining RETS, Patrick has been in client-focused due diligence roles for over ten years. He also has a broad background in both commercial and residential real estate and lending for institutional investors.

Patrick graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with concentrations in marketing and management. As an avid outdoorsman, he shares his passion by volunteering as a coach and mentor for underserved/underprivileged youth in the local community.

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Eleu Akimseu

Senior Exchange Associate

`Eleu Akimseu

`Eleu performs research and financial analysis at Real Estate Transition Solutions. He works primarily with replacement property due diligence and streamlines the transition process for clients. His responsibilities focus on reviewing upcoming, available DST properties, researching property submarkets, and conducting valuations of clients’ investment property holdings. Eleu is a graduate of the Jepson School of Business at Gonzaga University. Following college, he worked as a research analyst at a regional commercial real estate appraisal company.

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Sarah Chu

Senior Financial Analyst

Sarah Chu

Sarah Chu has over eight years of experience in the real estate industry, specializing in financial analysis and working closely with lenders to structure successful deals. With a strong passion for real estate due diligence, Sarah is driven by a dual mission: to uncover high-potential investment opportunities while proactively mitigating risk. Her academic background in finance from Northeastern University, combined with advanced studies in quantitative finance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, provides the foundation for her meticulous and data-driven approach. Sarah's expertise and analytical skills make her a key asset in navigating complex real estate investments with confidence and precision.

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Jeff Yang

Research and Financial Analyst

Jeff Yang

Jeff Yang is a key member of the Due Diligence team at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where he applies his keen analytical skills to evaluate investment opportunities with precision. With an MBA from Seattle University and a certificate in Business Analytics, Jeff brings a solid understanding of financial data and market trends, ensuring informed and strategic decision-making.

As a dedicated real estate investor himself, Jeff has a passion for identifying opportunities and maximizing returns. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, combined with his hands-on investing experience, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time outdoors, finding balance and inspiration in nature, which fuels his drive and creativity in both his personal and professional pursuits. His drive, and passion for both real estate and the great outdoors bring a fresh perspective to his role at RETS.

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Alex Harden

Analyst

Alex Harden

Alex Harden serves as a Financial Analyst at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where he works in a dual role supporting both investment due diligence and advisor operations. He collaborates with advisors and real estate investors to evaluate replacement property opportunities, analyze financial performance, and align investment strategies with clients' financial and lifestyle objectives.

Alex is experienced in real estate finance and investment structures, including tax-advantaged strategies and alternative real estate vehicles. 

He is a graduate of the University of Washington where he studied Economics and Real Estate.

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Cynthia Tan

Exchange Associate & SDR

Cynthia Tan

Cynthia Tan holds a degree in Communications from Boise State University. After graduating, she worked as a Sales Enablement Specialist at Highspot, where she gained hands-on experience working with clients and supporting early-stage conversations.

Growing up around a family of real estate investors, Cynthia has a strong passion for optimizing real estate returns and evaluating property opportunities.

Outside of work, she enjoys portrait photography, spending time outdoors, traveling, and browsing homes on Zillow.

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Marketing

Jess Bultman

Senior Director of Marketing

Jessica Bultman

Jess Bultman is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience spanning early-stage startups, high-growth SaaS companies, creative agencies, and mission-driven brands. She specializes in brand strategy, go-to-market execution, and building marketing systems that scale with purpose and precision.

She's led multiple rebrands, managed over $100M in advertising budgets, and launched full-funnel campaigns across diverse industries. Her approach blends data, intuition, and storytelling to drive measurable growth—while always keeping the human element at the center. With a passion for solving complex problems and a bias for action, Jess brings entrepreneurial energy, strategic clarity, and a firm belief that marketing should be both effective and fun.

Based in Kirkland, Jess draws inspiration from the mountains she climbs—both figuratively and literally. An avid outdoor enthusiast and mountaineer, she spends her weekends training for climbs, backpacking, or simply getting outside whenever she can. She also loves traveling, spending time with her family, and hanging with her spirited Westie, Romie, who's always ready to steal the spotlight in the most adorable way possible.

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Jojo Huang

Marketing Programs Manager

Jojo Huang

Jojo Huang is a visionary Marketing Program Manager at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where she leverages over eight years of industry experience to drive strategic marketing initiatives. Known for her dynamic leadership and data-driven approach, Jojo excels in orchestrating comprehensive marketing strategies that span the entire customer journey. At RETS, she seamlessly integrates demand generation, lead nurturing, and conversion optimization techniques to propel business growth and enhance the sales funnel.

Under Jojo's guidance, RETS has experienced transformative improvements in marketing performance and revenue generation. Her innovative approach has revitalized webinar programs, optimized lead quality, and maximized ROI across multiple channels. Jojo's expertise encompasses the full marketing spectrum, including content marketing, SEO/SEM, social media engagement, and email automation. By leveraging advanced analytics, CRM systems, and marketing automation platforms, she implements data-informed strategies that consistently yield measurable results.

Jojo's marketing acumen was honed during her tenure at a national cancer research organization, where she managed large-scale marketing and fundraising initiatives. This experience, combined with her MBA in Marketing and ongoing education in emerging technologies like AI, keeps Jojo at the forefront of marketing innovation. Her strategic vision and ability to execute complex, integrated marketing plans continue to cement RETS's position as an industry leader in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Brit Martin

Sales Enablement Manager

Brit Martin

Transitioning from RETS Operations to the Marketing team, Brit utilizes her rich experience in real estate brokerage and marketing to take on the role of Sales Enablement Manager. In her role, Brit works closely with our sales team, focusing on marketing campaigns and sales operations, and leading efforts to develop more efficient programs and automations. Brit first joined RETS in 2021 and swiftly demonstrated her expertise working with clients and the Operations team, playing a pivotal role in our Salesforce CRM migration.

Brit's analytical skills and attention to detail make her a key asset to the RETS Marketing team. Her expertise in client engagement and experience in targeted marketing enables her to effectively lead efforts that support our sales team, resonate with our clients, and align with our service objectives.

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Tina Gunn

Content Marketing Manager

Tina Gunn

Tina Gunn is the Content Marketing Manager at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where she brings her extensive experience as a full-stack content marketer to the team. Tina excels in crafting and executing content strategies that elevate brand awareness, establish thought leadership, and drive demand in both B2B and B2C markets. Her work spans startups to global tech and SaaS brands, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in the content marketing space.

A proud alumna of the University of Washington, Tina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During her time there, she was an active student liaison for the Asian American Journalists Association and completed an immersive Washington State legislative program, covering a quarter of political news for the Kitsap Sun from the state Capitol in Olympia. Tina’s journalistic background fuels her commitment to creating content that upholds the highest standards of integrity and insight, aligning perfectly with RETS’ mission to support real estate investors with clarity and confidence.

A storyteller at heart, when Tina isn't crafting compelling content for RETS, she channels her creativity into personal projects, including writing articles, short stories, poems, novels, songs, screenplays, and video essays.

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Marcos Hernandez-Ibarra

Marketing Analyst

Marcos Hernandez-Ibarra

Marcos Hernandez-Ibarra serves as a Marketing Analyst at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where he supports the execution of marketing programs and the continuous optimization of marketing strategy through reporting, performance analysis, and data-driven insights. In his role, Marcos collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to evaluate campaign effectiveness, identify trends, and translate data into actionable recommendations that support business objectives. By blending analytical rigor with strategic thinking, Marcos contributes to data-informed decision-making and continuous growth across RETS' marketing efforts.

Marcos graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a minor in Informatics. Prior to joining RETS, Marcos gained marketing experience in the embedded systems security sector of the tech industry, applying his technical background to develop a data-driven approach to demand generation and performance analysis.

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Elle Lettengarver

Marketing Specialist

Elle Lettengarver

Elle Lettengarver is a Marketing Specialist with a background spanning both the technology and real estate industries. Over the past decade, she has built a career as a marketing generalist, gaining experience across marketing operations, global events, and integrated campaign execution. Prior to her current role, Elle held positions as a Marketing Operations Manager as well as a Global Events and Marketing Manager, where she led large-scale initiatives and supported go-to-market efforts for growing organizations.

Elle brings a unique perspective to her work by bridging multiple marketing disciplines through curiosity, adaptability, and a big-picture mindset. Her experience running global events allowed her to travel extensively, explore diverse event formats, and develop innovative concepts informed by firsthand observation. In addition, she has contributed to the design and optimization of lead flow systems for multiple companies, strengthening her operational and analytical expertise.

In her current role, Elle operates at the intersection of marketing operations and events, applying both strategic thinking and hands-on execution to support RETS' MOPs and Events initiatives. She is known for her collaborative approach and flexibility, whether working with internal teams or tailoring customer journeys to meet individual client needs.

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Operations

Leslie Bowlin

Director of Operations

Leslie Bowlin

Leslie oversees administration at Real Estate Transition Solutions, which includes new client on-boarding, qualified intermediary and sponsor communication, and preparation of necessary replacement property acquisition paperwork for clients that have acquired securitized replacement properties.

Leslie graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English and an M.A. from the Information School. Prior to joining Real Estate Transition Solutions, she oversaw Operations and Process for Safeco Mutual Funds, was a commercial leasing broker and worked for an international non-profit organization.

Leslie is a previous board member of Women of Washington and the Lake Chelan Library.

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Shawn McGehee

Chief of Staff

Shawn McGehee

Shawn McGehee serves as the Chief of Staff at Real Estate Transition Solutions (RETS), where he leads operational and organization-wide initiatives to advance the company’s strategic vision. With over two decades in leadership positions, Shawn played a significant role in doubling his prior company’s customer base and annual revenue for three consecutive years, propelling the company onto the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

Before joining RETS, Shawn held roles at PeopleConnect and Classmates.com, where he established his expertise in team leadership, revenue growth, and post-acquisition integration. A proud alum of Central Washington University, outside of work Shawn enjoys spending time with family, attending live music events, traveling, and has recently taken up pottery.

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Theresa Bussman

Director of Human Resources

Theresa Bussman

Theresa joins Real Estate Transition Solutions with extensive HR experience, bringing over 20 years of leadership and expertise. Prior to RETS, Theresa was the Regional Human Resources Director at Turner Construction from 2014 to 2023 and VP, Human Resources Manager at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch from 2005 to 2014. Theresa is passionate about fostering a productive, positive, result-driven culture through active listening, employee development, and sustainable solutions. Theresa holds a Psychology degree and an MBA from the University of Washington.

A West Seattle native, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, community events, and spending time with her family and friends. Theresa's comprehensive experience in HR and her cohesive approach to team building and staff engagement make her a valuable addition to our team.

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Andrea Brown

Investor Relations Manager

Andrea Brown

Andrea Brown is a seasoned Investor Relations professional with over 12 years of experience in the alternative investment and wealth management industries. She has spent her career building trusted relationships with investors, developing clear and transparent communication strategies, and ensuring a high-touch client experience. Most recently, Andrea managed the Investor Relations team at a Seattle-based alternative investment advisor, where she partnered closely with senior leadership, portfolio managers, and investors to deliver consistent, thoughtful engagement and support.

Known for her client-first mindset and ability to navigate complex information with precision, Andrea brings a detailed-oriented approach to every interaction. She thrives in dynamic environments where collaboration, trust and long-term relationship building are central to success. In her new role, Andrea looks forward to leveraging her industry knowledge and investor-focused perspective to contribute immediately to the team's goals. Her experience bridging the needs to investors with those of internal stakeholders positions her to make an impact from day one, while continuing to grow and evolve in an ever-changing investment landscape.

Based on the eastside, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her children (and their cousins) in their many activities.

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Angelina Kang

Investor Relations Specialist

Angelina Kang

Angelina Kang is an Investor Relations Specialist at RETS, with a strong background in real estate transactions and client services. She graduated from Seattle University and began her career as a Customer Relations Specialist in retail, where she built a foundation in client communications, relationship management, and problem resolution. She later joined Chicago Title, working closely with the escrow and sales teams to support transaction coordination, documentation, and client-facing processes, gaining hands-on experience with live real estate transactions.

In her current role, she leverages this experience to support investor communications. Outside of work, Angelina enjoys traveling, baking and spending time outdoors.

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Ashley Yang

Admin & Investor Relations Associate

Ashley Yang

Ashley Yang joins RETS as an Administrative and Investor Relations Associate, reporting to the Chief of Staff. In this role, she supports operational and organization-wide initiatives, partnering closely with leadership to help advance the firm's strategic vision.

Ashley earned her Master's in Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington where she developed strong leadership, decision-making and administrative skills with a focus on organization effectiveness and operational support. She previously supported the Seattle Sounders, contributing to a wide range of behind the scenes administrative and operational functions, including coordination, process management, and day-to-day operational sipper to help ensure the organization ran smoothly and effectively.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors, going on long walks and hikes, and staying active through Pilates. She loves traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time with friends.

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