About
About Mark W Karstrom Wealth Management
A Chicago-based, fiduciary wealth management advisory offering portfolio management, asset allocation, and tax-efficient alternative investments, including 1031 exchange strategies using Delaware Statutory Trusts.
For accredited investors only.
This website does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Firm overview
Headquartered in Chicago, Mark W Karstrom Wealth Management advises accredited investors nationwide on portfolio management, asset allocation, and tax-efficient alternative investments — including 1031 exchange and Delaware Statutory Trust strategies. Our team combines 40+ years of securities and real estate experience with a fiduciary-minded, education-first approach.
- Founded
- 2006
- Assets under management
- $50M+
- Access to DST programs
- 100+
- Geographic focus
- Nationwide
Key differentiators
- Portfolio management
- Asset allocation
- Alternative investments
- Tax-efficient offerings
Our team

Mark W. Karstrom
Founder, Mark W Karstrom Wealth Management · Registered Representative, Realta Equities, Inc. · Investment Advisory Representative, FourStar Wealth Advisors, LLC
Series 7 · Series 66CRD #1322744
Mark started his career more than 40 years ago as a personal trust portfolio manager, developing investment expertise managing institutional fixed income portfolios, bank mutual funds, retirement plans, and insurance portfolios. He has also worked as a fixed income portfolio manager for LaSalle Bank, Scudder Kemper, and Principal Financial Group, managing mutual funds, insurance portfolios, and retirement plans. After obtaining an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2006, Mark established his wealth management business and works as a Senior Wealth Advisor.
With decades of experience and education, Mark provides confidence that his clients are receiving the highest quality financial and investment advice to help achieve their financial goals. Mark serves business and individual clients as a fiduciary, building a relationship of trust that delivers customized service to meet every financial need. With access to the best research and investment managers, Mark guides his clients toward their financial goals.
Mark focuses on offering customized wealth management plans for individuals and business owners through a consultative partnership. He lives with his wife Barbara in Flossmoor, Illinois, and they have two adult children. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Areas of specialty
- Family office
- Retirement plans
- Alternative investments
- 1031 exchanges
- Portfolio management
- Fixed income
- Private placements
- Insurance services
Investment philosophy
- Fiduciary duty in every recommendation and net worth asset allocation
- Diversified, tax-efficient portfolio construction focused on long-term wealth preservation and growth
- Rigorous due diligence on managers and sponsors
- Applying education, experience, and expertise to every client relationship
- Interactive client process with clear communication and transparency
Regulatory registrations
Mark W. Karstrom is a Registered Representative of Realta Equities, Inc. and an Investment Advisory Representative of FourStar Wealth Advisors, LLC. Neither Realta Equities, Inc. nor FourStar Wealth Advisors, LLC is affiliated with Mark W Karstrom Wealth Management. Investment advisory services are offered through FourStar Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment adviser, and securities are offered through Realta Equities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 729, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Realta Wealth is the trade name for the Realta Wealth Companies. The Realta Wealth Companies are Realta Equities, Inc., Realta Investment Advisors, Inc., and Realta Insurance Services, which consist of several affiliated insurance agencies.
Investment advisory services are offered through Realta Investment Advisors, Inc., a US SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Our Form ADV brochures are available below.
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