AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC
S-11/A, 1996-06-11
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Previous: INDIVIDUAL INC, 8-K, 1996-06-11
Next: CEEE GROUP CORP, 10QSB, 1996-06-11



<PAGE>
     
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 1996     
                                                       Registration No. 33-98766
================================================================================


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                        


                                ---------------
                             
                                    
                                AMENDMENT NO. 5      
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-11
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                        


                               --------------- 


                          AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
                        A Real Estate Investment Trust
       (Exact name of registrant as specified in governing instruments)
                       2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
                         El Segundo, California 90245
                   (Address of principal executive offices)


                               Arthur P. Herring
                          American Equity Trust Inc.
                       2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
                         El Segundo, California 90245
                                 310-536-0926
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                                   Copies to:

      David R. Decker, Esq.                         Dennis Doucette, Esq.
Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges             Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps
333 South Grand Avenue, 34th Floor               600 W. Broadway, 26th Floor
  Los Angeles, California 90071                  San Diego, California 92101
         213-229-2062                                    619-699-2517

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
================================================================================================================================== 
                                               Amount                  Proposed                   Proposed                  
     Title of securities                        to be              maximum offering           maximum aggregate      Amount of
       being registered                      registered             price per unit             offering price     registration fee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>                     <C>                  <C> 
3,500,000 shares of Common Stock
(included in 1,750,000 Units, each Unit
consisting of two shares of Common
Stock and one Series "A" Warrant)            3,500,000                 $ 7.00(1)               $24,500,000(1)       $ 8,448
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Series "A" Warrants (included in Units)      1,750,000                       (1)                          (1)              (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Shares of Common Stock(2)                    1,500,000                   7.00                   10,500,000            3,620
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Shares of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock     1,136,364                  13.20                   15,000,004            5,172
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Shares of Common Stock(3)                    1,750,000                   7.00                   12,250,000            4,224
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Shares of Common Stock(4)                    2,272,728                    -0-                          -0-              -0-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
          TOTALS                                                                               $66,750,004          $21,464(5)
================================================================================================================================== 
</TABLE>      

    
(1)  The Units will be sold for $14.00 per Unit. No separate purchase price is
     payable with respect to the Series "A" Warrants.      
    
(2)  To be sold concurrently with Units.      
    
(3)  Issuable on exercise of the Series "A" Warrants.      
    
(4)  Issuable on conversion of the 8% Convertible Preferred Shares.      
    
(5)  Previously paid.      

=============================================================================== 
<PAGE>
                      
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 11, 1996      

                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
                    A Real Estate Investment Trust Offering
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                           <C> 
A Minimum of $15,000,000 in Units or Common                   Minimum of $2,006,400 in Shares of
Stock ("Shares") ($14.00 per Unit or $7.00 per Share)         8% Convertible Preferred Stock
(Minimum Purchase -- 50 Units or 100 Shares)                  ($13.20 per share -- no minimum purchase)
</TABLE> 
    
     American Equity Trust Inc. (the "Company") is a corporation which intends
to qualify as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under federal tax laws and
will be self-administered. Generally, the Company expects to conduct its
operations through American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P. (the
"Operating Partnership") although it is not required to do so. This Prospectus
describes: (i) an investment in Units (each Unit consisting of two shares of
Common Stock and one detachable Series "A" Warrant) or shares of Common Stock of
the Company, (the Company may sell as much as $35,000,000 in Units and Shares);
and (ii) an investment in shares of the Company's 8% Convertible Preferred Stock
("8% Preferred"). The Company plans to sell the 8% Preferred to institutional
investors only.     

     No Units or Shares will be issued pursuant to this Offering unless at least
$15,000,000 is invested in the Company (representing 2,142,858 Shares) by at
least 400 investors purchasing Units or Shares ("Minimum Common Offering").  No
8% Preferred will be issued until $15,000,000 of Units or Shares are purchased
and at least $2,006,400 is invested by at least 100 investors purchasing 8%
Preferred ("Minimum Preferred Offering").  The maximum value of securities that
can be sold in the offering is $50,000,004, consisting of $35,000,000 of Units
and Shares and $15,000,004 of 8% Preferred Stock (the "Maximum Combined
Offering").  See "Terms of the Offering."  Upon completion by the Company of the
8% Preferred Offering, the Company will have a minimum of 152,000 and a maximum
of 1,136,364 shares of its 8% Preferred outstanding, each share of which is
convertible into two fully-registered, freely tradable shares of the Company's
Common Stock at $6.60 per share.  8% Preferred is entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock into which it is convertible and cumulative Distributions
with a limit of $1.30 per share per annum, and may not be converted into Common
Stock until at least 90 days after the Final Closing and then only for a period
ending 60 months thereafter.  See "Description of Securities -- General -- 8%
Convertible Preferred Stock."

     In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company Charter
contains limits on the aggregate value (as determined by market prices) of
shares of Common Stock and 8% Preferred which may be owned by investors.  See
"Description of Securities -- Restriction on Ownership."
    
     The Company intends to use investors' money together with borrowed funds to
purchase six real estate properties (four if only a Minimum Common Offering is
achieved).  Between approximately 78% in the Minimum Common Offering and 86% in
the Maximum Combined Offering of the total amount of the money raised in the
Offering is expected to purchase Properties, and the balance is expected to be
used for working capital (9.5% Minimum Common Offering and 2% Maximum Combined
Offering), and fees and expenses (13.5% Minimum Common Offering and 9.9% Maximum
Combined Offering).     

     PURCHASING THE COMPANY'S UNITS, SHARES AND 8% PREFERRED INVOLVES CERTAIN
RISKS.  (SEE PAGES 11 THROUGH 19.)  INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT:

     .    If the company raises only $15,000,000, it will have little
          diversification, and an underperforming property will have a greater
          negative affect on the company.

     .    In the case of the Minimum Common Offering, the Company's Properties
          will be geographically concentrated in the Phoenix, Arizona,
          metropolitan area, and the results to be achieved by such Properties
          will be particularly sensitive to the general economic climate in such
          area.

(Continued on following page)

     SEE THE "RISK FACTORS" SECTION OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A COMPLETE DISCUSSION
OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY.

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================
                                            PRICE          SELLING         PROCEEDS TO
                                          TO PUBLIC     COMMISSION(2)     COMPANY(3)(4)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>              <C>
Per Unit(1)                               $     14.00    $     1.05       $     12.95
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share                                 $      7.00    $      .53       $      6.47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Minimum Common Offering             $15,000,000    $1,125,000       $13,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Maximum Common Offering             $35,000,000    $2,625,000       $32,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share of 8% Preferred                 $     13.20    $      .66       $     12.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Minimum Preferred Offering(4)       $ 2,006,400    $  100,320       $ 1,906,080
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Maximum Preferred Offering(4)       $15,000,004    $  750,000       $14,250,004
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Combined Maximum Offering           $50,000,004    $3,375,000       $46,625,004
=======================================================================================
                                                        (footnotes on following page)
</TABLE>      

           The date of this Prospectus is _____________________, 1996
                       BROOKSTREET SECURITIES CORPORATION
<PAGE>
 
(Continued from outside front cover page)

     .    The Company will use leverage to acquire its Properties, which would
          obligate the Company to service indebtedness regardless of income
          generated by the Properties. Failure to service debt could cause a
          lender to foreclose on the Property causing a loss of investment. The
          Company's organization documents contain no limit on the amount of
          debt the Company may incur. However, the Company does not intend to
          incur debt in excess of 50% of the gross asset value of its
          Properties.

     .    One Property to be acquired by the Company has experienced losses in
          the past (an aggregate deficit of $2,736,000 resulting from such
          losses over the past three calendar years) and could continue to incur
          losses.

     .    There is a potential for a reduction in the Company's cash flow and
          its rate of distributions to shareholders if a tenant becomes subject
          to bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise fails to fulfill its monetary
          obligations to the Company.
    
     .    There will be immediate and substantial dilution to the purchasers of
          the common stock in the Offering (estimated at $1.51 in a Minimum
          Common Offering and $1.23 in a Maximum Common Offering.     
    
     .    Subject to the Company's continued compliance with listing guides, the
          Common Stock has been approved for trading on the NASDAQ National
          Market. Trading is expected to commence after the Final Closing which
          could occur as long as six months after Initial Closing, thereby
          delaying an investor's ability to liquidate its shares. A possibility
          exists that such trading may not materialize; in such case, investors
          would be able to resell their securities, if at all, only at a
          significant discount.     

     .    If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, it will be taxed as a
          regular corporation. If the Operating Partnership fails to qualify for
          taxation as a partnership, it will be treated as an association
          taxable as a corporation. Either event would reduce the amount
          available for distribution to shareholders.

Footnotes for table at bottom of outside front cover page

(1)  A Unit consists of two shares of Common Stock and one detachable Series "A"
     Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock for $7.00.  The Series "A"
     Warrants are immediately exercisable by the holders thereof for one freely-
     trading Share.

(2)  The sales commission is 7.5% for the Units and Shares and five percent for
     the 8% Preferred.  If the Minimum Common Offering is successfully
     completed, the Company will pay certain fees and expenses reimbursements to
     the Sales Agent and Soliciting Dealers in addition to the Selling
     Commission.  See "The Offering" section of this Prospectus for a complete
     description of the amount and terms of such fees and expenses
     reimbursements.

(3)  Proceeds calculated before deducting certain Organization and Offering
     Expenses (excluding selling commissions) payable by the Company, which
     expenses are estimated to be $900,000 in a Minimum Common Offering,
     $930,000 in a Minimum Combined Offering, $1,120,000 in a Maximum Common
     Offering and $1,570,000 in a Maximum Combined Offering.  See "The
     Offering."

          
    
(4)  The Ownership Limit of 9.8% will also apply.      

     The money accepted by the Sales Agent and Soliciting Dealers from the sale
of Units, Shares and 8% Preferred will be promptly deposited into an interest
bearing escrow account at  Trust Company of America.  The interest earned in
this account will be paid to investors.  Except as provided in "Terms of the
Offering," an Initial Closing will occur shortly after $15,000,000 of Units and
Shares are sold.  Investors will become shareholders when their funds are
transferred from the escrow account to the Company's account.  Within 180 days
after the Initial Closing, the Offering will be terminated.  If the Company does
not raise $15,000,000 through the sale of Units and Shares before
________________, 1996 (180 days from the date hereof), investors' funds in the
escrow account (including funds deposited for sales of Units, Shares and 8%
Preferred) will be returned promptly and the Company will stop selling Units,
Shares and 8% Preferred.  Assuming that the Initial Closing occurs on the 179th
day after the date of this Prospectus, the last possible termination date for
the Offering will be ______________, 1997.  See "Terms of the Offering" and "The
Offering -- Escrow Arrangements."

     UNTIL _________________, 1996, ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE
REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE
REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.  THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF
DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO
THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                             ----

<S>                                                                                                          <C>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY........................................................................................    1
  The Company.............................................................................................    1
  Risk Factors............................................................................................    1
  Conflicts of Interest...................................................................................    3
  Formation Transactions..................................................................................    3
  The Operating Partnership...............................................................................    6
  Terms of the Offering...................................................................................    6
  Estimated Use of Proceeds...............................................................................    6
  Management..............................................................................................    6
  Investment Objectives and Policies......................................................................    7
  Description of Properties...............................................................................    7
  Tax Status..............................................................................................    8
  Description of Shares and 8% Preferred..................................................................    8
  The Offering............................................................................................   10
  Glossary................................................................................................   10
  Summary Financial Information...........................................................................   11
RISK FACTORS..............................................................................................   13
  Real Estate Investment Risks............................................................................   13
     Amount Available for Investment Limits Diversification...............................................   13
     Geographic Concentration.............................................................................   13
     Historical Operating Losses of Prior Ownership Group.................................................   13
     Risks Associated with Borrowing......................................................................   13
     Dependence on Tenants................................................................................   14
     Bankruptcy of Tenants................................................................................   14
     Delay in Investment in Real Estate...................................................................   14
     Competition for Investments..........................................................................   14
     Potential Environmental Liabilities..................................................................   15
     Risk of Providing Financing to Purchasers of Company's Properties....................................   15
     Risk of Incurring Uninsured Losses...................................................................   15
     Casualty-Related or Condemnation-Related Lease Terminations..........................................   16
     Other Real Estate Investment Risks...................................................................   16
  General Investment Risks................................................................................   16
     Immediate and Substantial Dilution...................................................................   16
     Risk of Investment of Proceeds of the Offering.......................................................   16
     Risk of Inadequate Financing.........................................................................   16
     Lack of Operating History............................................................................   17
     Reliance on Management...............................................................................   17
     Ownership Limit......................................................................................   17
     Potential Securities Act Liability...................................................................   17
     Market Price of Shares May Not Reflect Property Values...............................................   18
     Delay in Trading.....................................................................................   18
     Requirement of Supermajority Shareholders Votes......................................................   18
     Limited Liability of Officers and Directors..........................................................   18
     Effect of Shares Available for Future Sale...........................................................   18
     Benefits to Officers and Directors...................................................................   18
</TABLE>     

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                             ----

<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Tax Risks.................................................................................................   19
     Failure to Qualify as a REIT or Partnership for Tax Purposes.........................................   19
     Failure to Comply with Anti-Abuse Regulations........................................................   19
     Adverse Effect of REIT Minimum Distribution Requirements.............................................   20
     Changes in Tax Laws..................................................................................   20
  Other Investment Risks..................................................................................   20
     Maryland Law Limitations on Acquisitions and Changes in Control......................................   20
     Changes in Investment and Financing Policies.........................................................   21
     Risk of Insufficient Working Capital.................................................................   21
     Investments in Interest Sensitive Investments........................................................   21
     Investment by Pension or Profit Sharing Trusts, Keoghs or IRAs.......................................   22
     Investment Company Act of 1940.......................................................................   22
THE COMPANY...............................................................................................   22
  General.................................................................................................   22
  Growth Strategy.........................................................................................   23
  Acquisition Strategy....................................................................................   23
TERMS OF THE OFFERING.....................................................................................   23
ESTIMATED USE OF PROCEEDS.................................................................................   25
DISTRIBUTION POLICY.......................................................................................   27
CAPITALIZATION............................................................................................   28
DILUTION..................................................................................................   28
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................................................   30
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.....................................................................................   33
  Overview................................................................................................   33
  Results of Operations -- Proposed Acquisitions..........................................................   33
  Results of Operations -- Prior Ownership Group..........................................................   34
  Liquidity and Capital Resources.........................................................................   35
  Inflation...............................................................................................   37
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.....................................................................................   38
MANAGEMENT................................................................................................   38
  Executive Officers and Directors........................................................................   39
  Committees of the Board of Directors....................................................................   41
  Directors and Executive Officers Compensation and Incentives............................................   41
  Limitation of Liability and Indemnification.............................................................   42
  Stock Incentive Plan....................................................................................   43
  401(k) Plan.............................................................................................   44
  Employment Agreements...................................................................................   44
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS....................................................................................   45
  Principal Shareholders..................................................................................   45
  Director and Officer Stock Ownership....................................................................   46
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES........................................................................   46
  Investment Objectives...................................................................................   46
  Investment Limitations..................................................................................   49
  Change in Investment Objectives and Limitations.........................................................   49
  Leasing and Property Management.........................................................................   50
  Financing Strategy/Leverage.............................................................................   50
</TABLE>     

                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                             ----

<S>                                                                                                          <C>
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT...........................................................................   51
  Management..............................................................................................   51
  Transferability of OP Units.............................................................................   51
  Capital Contributions...................................................................................   51
  Redemption Rights.......................................................................................   52
  Registration Rights.....................................................................................   53
  Operations..............................................................................................   53
  Distributions...........................................................................................   53
  Allocations.............................................................................................   53
  TERM....................................................................................................   54
  Tax Matters.............................................................................................   54
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES.................................................................................   54
  Properties..............................................................................................   55
  Acquisitions............................................................................................   55
  Competition.............................................................................................   55
  Property Descriptions...................................................................................   56
DESCRIPTION OF securities.................................................................................   61
  General.................................................................................................   61
  Restriction on Ownership................................................................................   64
  Distributions...........................................................................................   66
  Repurchase OF Shares....................................................................................   66
  Transfer Agent..........................................................................................   66
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE COMPANY'S CHARTER AND
BY-LAWS...................................................................................................   67
  Classification of the Board of Directors................................................................   67
  Removal of Directors....................................................................................   67
  Business Combinations...................................................................................   67
  Control Share Acquisitions..............................................................................   68
  Amendment to the Company's Charter......................................................................   68
  Shareholder Meetings and Action By Written Consent......................................................   69
  Limitation of Liability and Indemnification.............................................................   69
  Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the Company's
  Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws...................................................................   69
SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE..........................................................................   70
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................   71
  Summary of Tax Opinions.................................................................................   71
  Federal Income Taxation of the Company..................................................................   72
  Requirements for Qualification..........................................................................   72
  Failure to Qualify......................................................................................   76
  Taxation of U.S. Shareholders...........................................................................   77
  Special Tax Considerations for Foreign Shareholders.....................................................   79
  Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding Tax...........................................   80
  Anti-Abuse Regulations..................................................................................   81
  Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnership................................................................   81
  State and Local Tax.....................................................................................   84
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................   85
  Special Investment Considerations for Employee Benefit Plans, Tax-Qualified Retirement Plans and IRAs...   85
  Status of the Company under ERISA.......................................................................   86
</TABLE>     

                                       iii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                             ----

<S>                                                                                                          <C>
THE OFFERING..............................................................................................   87
  Offering of Common Stock................................................................................   87
  8% Preferred Offering...................................................................................   88
  Escrow Arrangements.....................................................................................   89
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS...................................................................................   90
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................................................................   90
EXPERTS...................................................................................................   90
SALES LITERATURE..........................................................................................   91
FURTHER INFORMATION.......................................................................................   91
GLOSSARY..................................................................................................   92
FINANCIAL Statements......................................................................................    1
</TABLE>     

                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The more detailed
information following this summary is set forth in the same order as the topics
appearing in this summary.  Investors are encouraged to read this Prospectus for
a complete explanation of an investment in the Company.  See "Glossary" for the
definition of certain capitalized terms used in this Prospectus.

THE COMPANY

     The Company has been formed to operate as a real estate investment trust
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and will be
self-administered.  The Company proposes to acquire a diversified portfolio of
garden-style apartments and suburban commercial and retail income properties in
the Western United States.  The Properties will be leased to a variety of
residential, retail and commercial tenants.  The Company will contribute all of
the net proceeds from the Offering to American Equity Trust Operating
Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, in which the Company is the
sole general partner (the "Operating Partnership"), and will own an initial 99%
interest in the Operating Partnership.  Until other limited partners are
admitted to the Operating Partnership, the remaining one percent will be held by
Arthur P. Herring and Dois Brock.  See "Management -- Executive Officers and
Directors."  Upon the admission of other limited partners, Messrs. Herring and
Brock will resign as limited partners.  See "Operating Partnership Agreement --
Capital Contribution."  The Operating Partnership will acquire certain of the
properties described under "Description of Properties" either directly or by
forming new limited partnerships with the existing owners.

     The Company, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, intends
to make regular quarterly distributions commencing with the first full calendar
quarter after the Initial Closing.  Such distributions will likely be partially
a return of capital.  The Company must pay out 95% of REIT Taxable Income to
qualify as a real estate investment trust for income tax purposes.  See
"Distribution Policy" and "Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Federal Income
Taxation of the Company."

RISK FACTORS

     An investment in the Company has many risks.  The "Risk Factors" section of
this Prospectus contains a detailed discussion of the most important risks.  The
risk factors are organized into Real Estate Investment Risks (the risks of the
types of investments in real estate that the Company will make), Corporate
Investment Risks (the risks related to an investment in a corporation), Tax
Risks (the risks arising from the real estate investment trust tax laws as they
apply to the Company) and Other Investment Risks.  Please refer to the "Risks
Factors" section for a discussion of the following risks:

Real Estate Investment Risks

     .    Assuming a Minimum Common Offering, the Company will only be able to
          purchase four Properties (all apartment buildings), the effect of
          which would be to limit significantly or eliminate the advantages
          associated with diversification. An underperforming property will,
          accordingly, have a material adverse impact on the Company's results
          of operations.

     .    Assuming a Minimum Common Offering, three of four of the Company's
          investments in real estate will be geographically concentrated in the
          Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area.  Such market has experienced a
          recession over the past several years.  The consequences of such
          geographical concentration is that the Properties will be particularly
          sensitive to the economic condition in such area.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     .    Some of the acquisitions of Properties will be made by borrowing a
          portion of the purchase price.  The Company's organizational documents
          contain no limits on the amount of debt it may incur.  While the
          Company does not intend to incur debt in excess of 50% of the gross
          assets value of its Properties, there is no limit on borrowings on
          individual Properties.  The use of leverage presents an element of
          risk in the event that cash flow is insufficient to meet debt
          obligations.  Failure to service debt on a Property could result in
          foreclosure by the lender, causing a loss of investment in the
          Property.  In addition, lenders may seek to impose restrictions on
          future borrowings, distributions and operating policies.

     .    One of the Properties to be acquired by the Company has experienced
          historical operating losses (an accumulated deficit of $2,736,000
          resulting from such losses over the past three calendar years). Such
          Property may continue to do so. In such case, the Company may not be
          able to service its debt or Distributions might be reduced.

     .    The financial failure of a tenant could result in the termination of
          its lease which, in turn, might cause a reduction in the cash flow of
          the Company and/or decrease the value of the Property in question.
          Likewise, the financial failure of a tenant could cause such tenant to
          become the subject of bankruptcy proceedings which, in turn, could
          result in a termination of the lease (causing a reduction in cash flow
          of the Company and the value of the Property) or could adversely
          affect the lease relationship by potentially capping the Company's
          recovery of any claims against the bankrupt tenant.

     .    In addition to the foregoing risks, there is a variety of other risks
          associated with investment in real estate generally, which could
          affect property values.  Such risks include competition, general
          economic conditions, governmental regulations, availability of
          insurance and others.  A return on an investment in the Company will
          depend, in part, on how quickly the Company is able to locate and
          acquire suitable Properties.

General Investment Risks
    
     .    Immediate dilution of $1.51 per Share in a Minimum Common Offering and
          $1.23 per Share in a Maximum Common Offering, in the net tangible book
          value of the Company's Common Stock will be experienced by purchasers
          of Shares.      

     .    The Company's ability to achieve its stated investment objectives and
          to make Distributions depends on the performance of management in the
          acquisition and oversight of investments for the Company. The
          Investors will have no opportunity to evaluate the transaction terms
          or other relevant economic or financial data concerning investments to
          be made by the Company. There can be no assurance that income-
          producing properties will be available on economically attractive
          terms.

     .    The potential profitability of the Company could be affected by the
          amount of funds from the Offering at its disposal.  The investment of
          a smaller sum of money will result in the acquisition of fewer
          Properties and, accordingly, less diversification of the real estate
          portfolio.  Lack of diversification will increase the potential
          adverse affect on the Company of a single underperforming investment.

     .    Historically, shares of real estate companies have traded at a
          discount to their proportionate interest in the appraised value of the
          underlying assets.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     .    The Company has no operating history.  Investors will be relying
          entirely on the ability of the officers and directors of the Company.
          While management is experienced in investment and management of real
          estate, it has no experience in the operation of a real estate
          investment trust.  Management decisions, therefore, could affect the
          value of the assets.

     .    The Articles of Incorporation of the Company restrict ownership of
          more than 9.8% of the value of the Company's outstanding equity shares
          by one person. Additionally, to protect the Company's qualification as
          a REIT, an ownership limit was placed on the purchasers of 8%
          Preferred so that no person could Beneficially Own 8% Preferred and
          other equity securities of the Company in excess of five percent of
          the value of the Company's outstanding equity shares. Value is
          determined by market prices. Such restrictions may discourage a change
          of control.

     .    The Company has potential rescission liability for the sale of
          approximately $56,000 principal amount of its 10% Convertible
          Promissory Notes, due October 1, 1996, Series B which were sold
          without an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
    
    .     Subject to the Company's continued compliance with listing guides, the
          Common Stock has been approved for trading on the NASDAQ National
          Market.  Trading is expected to commence after the Final Closing which
          could occur as long as six months after the Initial Closing, thereby
          delaying an investor's ability to liquidate its shares.  A possibility
          exists that no trading will materialize in which case an investor may
          be able to resell the securities, if at all, only at a significant
          discount.      

Tax Risks

     .    If it fails to qualify as a REIT, the Company will be taxed as a
          corporation and would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to
          shareholders which would adversely affect cash flow available for
          Distributions.

     .    If the Operating Partnership were not deemed to be a partnership for
          tax purposes, it would be taxed as a corporation and the Company could
          cease to qualify as a REIT as a result thereof which, in each case,
          would adversely affect cash flow available for Distributions to
          shareholders.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     Arthur P. Herring, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has been
engaged in the acquisition, financing and management of real estate properties
for the last 24 years through various corporate and other private entities, in
one of which he will continue to retain an interest.  In the future, neither Mr.
Herring nor any of the principal officers of the Company may acquire an interest
in properties or develop or manage properties which meet the investment
parameters of the Company without the consent of the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Independent Directors, of the Company.  The
"Conflict of Interests" section of this Prospectus more fully describes
potential conflicts of interest and the manner in which such conflicts will be
managed.

FORMATION TRANSACTIONS

     The principal transactions in connection with the formation of the Company
and the Operating Partnership and the acquisition of the Properties
(collectively, the "Formation Transactions") have been and will be, as follows:

     .    In 1993, American Equity Trust Funding, Inc., a California corporation
          ("Funding Co."), was organized to explore the formation of a REIT and
          to raise funds to finance the formation of the Company and the
          Company's public offering of equity securities. In October 1995, when
          Funding Co. had a total of 86 shareholders, the shareholders of
          Funding Co. (other than

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          management of the Company) exchanged their shares for an aggregate
          114,286 shares of the Company's Common Stock, 151,500 shares of the
          Company's 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock and 182,133 Series "D"
          Warrants. At the same time, members of management of the Company plus
          a principal shareholder of the Company exchanged their shares for an
          aggregate 870,000 shares of the Company's 1995 Convertible Preferred
          Stock and 281,000 Series "D" Warrants. The allocation of such
          securities is as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                 Number and Class of Security                       Allocated to
                 ----------------------------                       ------------
                             1995 Convertible    Series "D"
             Common Stock    Preferred Stock      Warrants
             ------------    ----------------    ----------
             <C>             <C>                 <C>                <S>  
                114,286           151,500         182,133           Shareholders in Funding Co. 
                                                                    not affiliated with the 
                                                                    Company
                  -0-              95,000(1)       45,000(2)        Dois Brock (President of the
                                                                    Company
                  -0-             360,000(1)      107,500(2)        The Danube Rousse Inc.,
                                                                    an affiliate of Arthur P.
                                                                    Herring (Chairman of the Board,
                                                                    Chief Executive Officer and 
                                                                    Chief Financial Officer of the
                                                                    Company)
                  -0-             360,000(1)      107,500(2)        Regent IV Trust, a principal 
                                                                    shareholder of the Company
                  -0-              25,000(1)          -0-           Jacob Segal (Vice President of 
                                                                    the Company)
                  -0-              30,000(1)       10,000(2)        Gerald S. Weisstein (Director 
                                                                    of the Company)
</TABLE>

          -----------------------
          (1)  The economic value of such shares in excess of the amount
               contributed for shares in Funding Co. was negligible.  However,
               each of such shares have equal voting power with shares of
               Company Common Stock.
          (2)  The Series "D" Warrants had no economic value at the time of
               issuance for Funding Co. shares.  See "Description of Securities
               -- General -- Series "D" Warrants" for restrictions of the
               exercisability of such Warrants.  If exercisable, the exercise
               price is $3.50 per share, half of the per share offering price of
               Shares in this Prospectus.

     .    In October 1995, the Company formed the Operating Partnership with
          Messrs. Herring and Brock acting as initial limited partners. Messrs.
          Herring and Brock will resign as limited partners upon admission of
          additional limited partners to the Operating Partnership.

     .    The Company will raise a minimum of $15,000,000 from sale of Units or
          Shares. It may also raise a minimum of $2,006,400 from sale of 8%
          Preferred. The net proceeds from such sales will be contributed
          directly to the Operating Partnership and used to acquire Properties.
          See "Terms of the Offering." Upon completion of such transactions, the
          Company will have an initial 99% general partnership interest in the
          Operating Partnership.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     .    Essentially, simultaneously with the Initial Closing, the Operating
          Partnership will acquire certain Properties. See "Description of
          Properties." None of the Company's officers or directors are
          affiliated with the sellers of the Properties. The purchase price for
          each of the Properties was determined by arm's-length negotiation
          between the Company and the sellers of such Properties. No appraisals
          were obtained for acquisition purposes as the Company has determined
          the value of the Properties is adequately reflected by their
          acquisition costs. This determination was made by comparing the
          overall income capitalization rates, values per square foot, and/or
          values per unit to comparable sales and listings in the applicable
          marketplaces. See "-- Description of Properties" for information about
          sellers' book values for these Properties.

     .    The Company will enter into employment agreements with Mr. Herring and
          Mr. Brock. Each will be for a five-year term subject to automatic one-
          year extensions unless terminated. The annual base compensation for
          Messrs. Herring and Brock is $100,000 and $72,000, respectively.
          Performance bonuses based on REIT industry standards will be
          considered by the Compensation Committee. Each will have certain
          "piggyback" registration rights, and each will be entitled to
          significant severance payments in the event of a change of control of
          the Company. See "Management --Employment Agreements" and "Risk
          Factors -- General Investment Risks -- Benefits to Officers and
          Directors." Upon completion of the Initial Closing, the Company
          expects to have eight full-time employees.

     The following diagram shows the beneficial ownership of the Company and the
Operating Partnership upon completion of the formation of the Company and the
Operating Partnership and assumes completion of the Minimum Common Offering:

         -------------------------------------------------------------
                          American Equity Trust Inc.
                                (the "Company")
                     .  84.4% owned by public shareholders
                     .  15.6% owned by Management(1)
         -------------------------------------------------------------
                                      |  
                                      | 
         -------------------------------------------------------------
               American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
                         (the "Operating Partnership")
                     .  99% owned by the Company, the sole
                        general partner of the Operating Partnership
                     .  1% owned initially by OP Limited Partners 
                        who are members of management
         -------------------------------------------------------------
                                      | 
                                      | 
                      -----------------------------------
                           Four Properties(3)(4)(5)
                                     100%
                      -----------------------------------

(1)  Includes holdings of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock which has voting
     rights.  Excludes potential increase in ownership through exercise of
     options and warrants not presently exercisable.
(2)  No interests in the Operating Partnership (the "OP Units") are expected to
     be exchanged for Properties immediately after either the Initial or the
     Final Closing.  Messrs. Herring and Brock, in the aggregate, hold a one
     percent interest in the Operating Partnership for the sole purpose of
     forming it and having it available for future property acquisitions using
     OP Units.  Upon the admission of additional OP Limited Partners, Messrs.
     Herring and Brock will withdraw from the Operating Partnership in exchange
     for a return of their nominal capital contributions.
(3)  Sandpainter Apartments, Northwest Garden Apartments, Orangewood Place
     Apartments and Arrow Village Apartments.  Assumes completion of a Minimum
     Common Offering.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
(4)  If an aggregate of $35,000,000 of Units, Shares and 8% Preferred is sold in
     this Offering, two additional Properties will be acquired (Hewlett-Packard
     Building and Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building) by forming two new
     limited partnerships with the respective sellers.  See "Description of
     Properties."
(5)  If more than an aggregate of $35,000,000 of Units, Shares and 8% Preferred
     is sold in this Offering, the excess will be used to reduce debt on the
     Properties and to acquire one or more additional properties of the nature
     described in "Investment Objectives and Policies."

THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP

     The Company will contribute the net proceeds of the Offering to the
Operating Partnership in exchange for an approximately initial 99% general
partnership interest.  The Operating Partnership was formed under Delaware law
in October 1995.  The Operating Partnership will own and lease the Properties
directly or through limited partnerships, except to the extent the Company
decides to hold a property directly.  Pursuant to the Agreement of Limited
Partnership of the Operating Partnership (the "Operating Partnership
Agreement"), the Company is the sole general partner, and, as such, will have
responsibility and discretion for the management and control of the Operating
Partnership and its assets.  The Operating Partnership's limited partners (the
"OP Limited Partners"), in their capacity as OP Limited Partners, will have no
authority to transact business for, or participate in, the management or
decision-making of the Operating Partnership, except as may be required by
applicable law.  See "Operating Partnership Agreement."

TERMS OF THE OFFERING
    
     The Company is offering its Units, Shares and 8% Preferred on a "best
efforts" basis, which means that no one is guaranteeing how much capital will be
raised.  No  Units or Shares will be issued pursuant to this Offering unless at
least $15,000,000 of Units or Shares is purchased by more than 400 investors.
The Company may sell as much as $35,000,000 in Units and Shares. In addition,
the Company may sell a minimum of $2,006,400, and as much as $15,000,004, of 8%
Preferred. No sales of 8% Preferred will occur unless the Minimum Common
Offering is achieved.     

ESTIMATED USE OF PROCEEDS

     The money raised in this offering will be combined with borrowed funds to
purchase real estate and to pay all of the Company's expenses.  Depending on the
size of the Offering, between approximately 78% and 86% of the money raised in
the Offering is expected to be invested in real estate and the balance will be
used as working capital, to pay acquisition fees and expenses and to pay
expenses and fees of the Offering.  A detailed breakdown of the Company's
estimates of the use of the capital raised in the Offering is provided in the
"Estimated Use of Proceeds" section of this Prospectus.

MANAGEMENT

     The Board will oversee the management of the Company.  The Board consists
of five directors, three of whom are not employees of the Company.  The
directors were elected to staggered three year terms by the shareholders.

     For the background of the individuals responsible for the management of the
Company, please see the "Management" section of this Prospectus.

     The Company has offices at 2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110, El Segundo,
California 90245, telephone:  310-536-0926 and telecopier:  310-643-8353.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

     The Company's investment objectives are:

     .    To pay predictable quarterly Distributions which grow as a result of
          increases in property cash flows and capital gains from sale of
          properties.

     .    To purchase a portfolio of income-producing residential, retail and
          commercial real estate that will increase in value.

     .    To increase the Company's equity in its real estate by making regular
          mortgage principal payments.
    
     The Company will try to achieve these objectives by purchasing a
diversified portfolio of garden-style apartments and suburban commercial and
retail income properties in the Western United States. The Properties will be
leased to a variety of residential, retail and commercial tenants.  The amount
of money raised by the Company in the Offering and borrowed from lenders will
affect the number of Properties the Company will be able to purchase.  The more
Properties the Company purchases, the more diversified it will be and the less
it will be affected by any single Property that does not perform as expected.
     

     While the Company intends to hold each Property it acquires for an extended
period of time, circumstances may require the early sale of a certain Property.
It may also elect to refinance one or more of its Properties.  The Company may
reinvest all or a portion of the proceeds of the sales or refinancing of
Properties.

     The Company's investment objectives can be changed by the Board of
Directors without the approval of the shareholders.  While the Company intends
to achieve its objectives by purchasing a diversified portfolio of income
producing properties (see "Description of Properties"), the Company's investment
policies may vary as new investment techniques evolve.  The techniques used by
the Company to achieve its objectives may be changed by the Board (including a
majority of the Independent Directors) without the approval of the shareholders.
Any such change may affect the types of non-real estate short term investments
in which the Company invests during the interim periods in which capital is not
fully invested in Properties.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

     The Company has contracts to purchase interests in six Properties.  The
table set forth below identifies such Properties in their anticipated order of
acquisition, their respective use, their respective purchase prices and their
respective sellers' book value.  If a Minimum Common Offering, or a Minimum
Combined Offering, is completed, Management expects to acquire only the first
four of such Properties.  There can be no assurance that the purchase of all of
such Properties will occur.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Properties in the Expected Order in                                               Purchase          Sellers' Book
 Which Purchases Will be Made (1)(2)                         Use                   Price(3)             Value(4)
 -----------------------------------                         ---                   -----                -----      
                                                                                               
 <S>                                           <C>                                <C>                 <C>
 A.  Sandpainter Apartments                    116 Unit garden-style apartments   $ 2,200,000         $ 1,667,144
     2225 West Indian School Road                                                                                  
     Phoenix, Arizona                                                                                   

 B.  Northwest Garden Apartments               198 unit garden-style apartments   $ 6,950,000         $ 3,118,666
     9350 North 67th Avenue                                                                                       
     Peoria, Arizona                                                                               
</TABLE> 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <S>                                           <C>                                   <C>                 <C>
 C.  Orangewood Place Apartments                84 unit garden-style apartments      $ 1,800,000         $ 1,182,869
     7328 North 27th Avenue                                                                                       
     Phoenix, Arizona                                                                              
 
 D.  Arrow Village Apartments                   82 unit garden-style apartments      $ 3,250,000         $ 2,209,379
     186615 Arrow Highway                                                                                      
     Azusa, California                                                                             

 E.  Westwood Self-Storage                      36,000 square foot retail use and    $12,900,000         $ 9,688,890
     and Sportmart Building                     104,000 square foot self storage                                  
     1901 Sepulveda Boulevard 
     Los Angeles, California

 F.  Hewlett-Packard Building                   87,665 square foot Class A, eight    $16,000,000         $13,767,124
     5805 Sepulveda Boulevard                   story office building
     Van Nuys, California                                                                                     
</TABLE>

- -----------------------
(1)  While management expects to acquire the Properties in this order,
     circumstances may change requiring rearrangement of the acquisition order.
(2)  Please refer to "Description of Properties" for a more detailed description
     of such Properties' use and price.
(3)  The purchase price for each Property was determined through arm's-length
     bargaining with unaffiliated sellers.  In conducting such negotiations, the
     Company's  management had access to per unit or per square foot prices (as
     applicable), and capitalization rates for comparable buildings.  Management
     believes the per unit or per square foot sales price or capitalization rate
     support the purchase prices.  No independent appraisals were obtained.
(4)  These amounts represent sellers' book value for the Properties at December
     31, 1995, net of depreciation, and are based on information received from
     sellers by the Company.

     The Company is currently evaluating other potential property acquisitions.
Prior to the Initial or Final Closing, when it appears likely that the Company
will purchase one or more additional Properties, a description of such
Properties will be made available to all potential investors in a document
called a supplement.  Investors should not assume that transactions described in
a supplement will necessarily be completed.  It is possible that after the
supplement is distributed, the Company or seller will decide not to complete the
sale.

TAX STATUS

     The Company will elect to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860
of the Code, commencing with its taxable year ending December 31, 1996.  If the
Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, then under current federal income tax
laws, the Company generally will not be taxed at the corporate level to the
extent it currently distributes at least 95% of its net taxable income to its
shareholders.  Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company
may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on its income and
property and to federal income and excise tax on its undistributed income.
Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges, tax counsel to the Company, will provide an
opinion addressing (i) the correctness and completeness of the description of
the tax consequences material to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Common Stock; (ii) the classification of the Operating Partnership as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes and (iii) the organization and
proposed method of operation of the Company to enable it to qualify as a REIT
under the Code.

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES AND 8% PREFERRED

General

     A shareholder's investment will be recorded on the books of the Company.
Certificates representing the securities offered hereby will be issued to
investors as soon as practical.  A shareholder wishing to transfer his or her
Shares and 8% Preferred will be required to send the applicable certificate with
the transfer request to the 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Company's transfer agent. The Company will provide the required form upon
request. The Company expects to make Distributions quarterly beginning after the
first full quarter of the Company's operations as a REIT. The Board will
determine the amount of the Distributions paid by the Company.

Shareholder Voting Rights and Limitations

     Ameeting of shareholders will be held each year for the election of
directors whose term has expired.  Other business matters may be presented at
the annual meeting or at special shareholder meetings.  Shareholders are
entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock owned on all matters that
must be voted on by shareholders, including the election of directors.  In
addition to voting rights accorded to the Common Stock, each share of 8%
Preferred  and 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock into which it is convertible, disregarding fractional
shares.  Shareholders who are in the minority on questions presented for
shareholder vote will be bound by the decision of the applicable majority on the
question voted upon.

     Shareholder approval is required under Maryland law and the Company's
Charter and bylaws (the "Organizational Documents") for certain types of
transactions and corporate action, including mergers, share exchanges, asset
sales, amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and dissolution.  Because the
Company's Charter does not provide otherwise, a two-thirds vote of the Company's
shareholders is required to approve such actions.  Shareholders objecting to the
terms of a merger, sale or other disposition of substantially all of Company's
assets have the right to petition a court for the appraisal and payment of the
fair value of their Shares in certain instances.

Liquidation Preference; Distributions; Convertibility of 8% Preferred

     Upon liquidation of the Company, holders of outstanding 8% Preferred will
be entitled to receive $13.20 per share, plus any accrued but unpaid
Distributions, before any liquidating distributions are paid to other
shareholders.  Each share of 8% Preferred is entitled to receive cumulative
Distributions equal to the greater of eight percent of the preferred liquidation
amount or the per share combined Distributions paid on two shares of the Common
Stock, with a maximum of $1.30 per share.  Distributions accrue from the date of
issuance of 8% Preferred.  For a period of 60 months commencing 90 days after
the Final Closing, at the option of the holder, each share of 8% Preferred is
convertible into two shares of Common Stock, subject to normal anti-dilution
adjustments.

Limitation on Share Ownership

     The Charter of the Company restricts ownership by one Person of more than
9.8% of the value of the outstanding equity securities.  Value will be
determined by market price.  In addition, no Person may, directly or indirectly,
acquire Beneficial Ownership of a number of shares of 8% Preferred that, when
added to other equity shares of the Company Beneficially Owned by such Person,
would exceed five percent of the value of the outstanding equity shares of the
Company.  See "Description of Shares -- Restriction on Ownership."  These
restrictions are designed to facilitate compliance with certain share
accumulation restrictions imposed on REITs by Code.

     For a more complete description of the securities offered hereby, including
certain limitations on the ownership such securities, please refer to the
"Description of Securities" section of this Prospectus.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
THE OFFERING

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>            <C>
 Shares of Common Stock                Minimum        2,142,858(1)
 Offered by the Company                Maximum        5,000,000(1)
  Shares of Common Stock               Minimum        2,417,572(2)
   Outstanding after the Offering      Maximum        5,274,714(2)
   AMRE Symbol
  Shares of 8% Preferred               Minimum          152,000(3)
  Offered by the Company               Maximum        1,136,364
</TABLE>      

- -----------------------
    
(1)  In no event will there be fewer than 2,142,858 shares of Common Stock sold
     in the form of Units or Shares prior to the Initial Closing.      
(2)  Includes Shares to be sold in this Offering and 274,714 shares of Common
     Stock presently outstanding.  Excludes an aggregate of up to 1,071,429
     Shares for a Minimum Common Offering and 1,750,000 Shares in a Maximum
     Common Offering issuable at any time following the Initial Closing to
     holders of Series "A" Warrants, upon exercise of such warrants at the
     holders' option.  Also excludes 185,000 Shares issuable upon exercise of
     options to be issued pursuant to the Company's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
     and upon exercise of certain warrants and conversion of certain 1995
     Convertible Preferred Stock.  See "Description of Securities."
    
(3)  No sales will be completed until the Company has sold enough Units and
     Shares to reach the Minimum Common Offering.  There must be at least
     $2,006,400 of 8% Preferred sold before any 8% Preferred will be issued.
     See "Terms of the Offering."      

     The section of this Prospectus called "The Offering" describes the manner
in which the Company will sell its Units, Shares and 8% Preferred and the fees
and expenses the Company will pay in connection with the Offering.

GLOSSARY

     Words in this Prospectus that are capitalized are defined in the "Glossary"
section.  In order to make this Prospectus easier to read, a simplified
definition of certain capitalized words has been provided.  These simplified
definitions do not convey all of the intricacies of the defined word and
investors are encouraged to refer to the "Glossary" section for the complete
definition.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    
     The following pro forma summary financial information should be read in
conjunction with all of the financial statements and notes thereto included in
this Prospectus.  The pro forma information assumes the completion of a Minimum
Common Offering, a Minimum Combined Offering, a Maximum Common Offering and a
Maximum Combined Offering and the use of the net proceeds therefrom.  Management
considers funds from operations as defined by the National Association of Real
Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. ("NAREIT") to be an appropriate measure of the
performance of an equity REIT.  (See Note 2 below.)  Note, however, that the
"Funds from Operations" measure presented by the Company may not be comparable
to other similarly titled measures used by other REITs. Funds from Operations
should not be viewed as an alternative to net income as a measure of performance
or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.      

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Year Ended
                                                                  December 31, 1995
                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                                 Pro Forma     Pro Forma    Pro Forma    Pro Forma
                                                  Minimum       Minimum      Maximum      Maximum
                                                   Common      Combined       Common      Combined
                                                  Offering     Offering      Offering     Offering
                                                 ----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
                                                          (in thousands except per share)
<S>                                              <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
OPERATING DATA:
 Rental revenues..............................    $  2,478      $  2,478     $  6,164     $  6,164
 Income before minority interest..............          79           273        1,180        1,731
 Net income...................................          79           273        1,124        1,676
 Net income attributable to common shares.....          79           112        1,124          476
 Net income (loss) per common share(1)........        0.02          0.03         0.17         0.07
 Average number of shares outstanding(1)......       3,753         3,753        6,609        6,609
 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
  preferred dividends.........................        1.41          1.70         3.04         1.40
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Real estate after accumulated depreciation...    $ 14,320      $ 14,320     $ 41,783     $ 41,783
 Total assets.................................      16,341         15,71       42,967       48,305
 Total debt...................................       2,500             -        8,462            -
 Stockholders' equity.........................      13,343        15,213       31,623       45,423
 
OTHER DATA:
 Pro forma Funds from Operations(2):
  Income before minority interest.............          79           274        1,180        1,731
  Depreciation................................         534           534        1,565        1,565
  Minority interest share.....................           -             -          (55)         (55)
                                                  --------      --------     --------     --------
   Pro forma Funds from operations............         613           807        2,690        3,241
 Cash flows from operating activities.........         862         1,055        3,117        3,668
 Cash flows from investing activities(3)......     (12,224)      (12,224)     (23,346)     (23,346)
 Cash flows from financing activities(4)......      13,529        12,770       23,700       27,979
 At end of period:
  Commercial Properties.......................           -             -            2            2
  Apartment Properties........................           4             4            4            4
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                                   March 31, 1995
                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                                 Pro Forma     Pro Forma    Pro Forma    Pro Forma
                                                  Minimum       Minimum      Maximum      Maximum
                                                   Common      Combined        Common      Combined
                                                  Offering     Offering       Offering     Offering
                                                 ----------   -----------    ----------   ----------
                                                          (in thousands except per share)
<S>                                              <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
OPERATING DATA:
 Rental revenues..............................     $   655      $   655      $ 1,558      $ 1,558
 Income before minority interest..............          88          136          305          481
 Net income...................................          88          136          302          479
 Net income attributable to common shares.....          88           96          302          179
 Net income (loss) per common share(1)........        0.02         0.03         0.05         0.03
 Average number of shares outstanding(1)......       3,753        3,753        6,609        6,609
 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and                        
  preferred dividends.........................        2.83         3.40         2.72         1.60
                                                               
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                            
 Real estate after accumulated depreciation...      14,320       14,320       41,728       41,728
 Total assets.................................      16,587       15,957       43,157       48,495
 Total debt...................................       2,500            -        8,462            -
 Stockholders' equity.........................      13,343       15,213       30,490       44,290
                                                               
OTHER DATA:                                                    
 Pro forma Funds from Operations(2):                           
  Income before minority interest.............          88          136          305          481
  Depreciation................................         133          133          391          391
  Minority interest share.....................           -            -           (3)          (3)
                                                   -------      -------      -------      -------
   Pro forma Funds from operations............         221          269          693          869
 Cash flows from operating activities.........         159          207          578          755
 Cash flows from investing activities(3)......         (26)         (26)         (26)         (26)
 Cash flows from financing activities(4)......         (11)        (164)         (39)        (304)
 At end of period:                                             
  Commercial Properties.......................           -            -            2            2
  Apartment Properties........................           4            4            4            4
</TABLE>      

- -----------------------
    
(1)  Assumes 3,752,822 (Minimum Common Offering) and 6,609,964 (Maximum Common
     Offerings) weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
     including the dilutive effect of 463,133 Series "D" Warrants and 72,500
     Series "E" Warrants plus the dilutive effects of the 1995 Preferred
     Convertible shares and both series of the 10% Convertible Notes.  Net
     income (loss) per common share also assumes that annual preferred dividends
     of $160,562 (Minimum Combined Offering) and $1,200,000 (Maximum Combined
     Offering) will be paid.      
    
(2)  "Funds from Operations" as defined by the NAREIT equals net income or
     (loss) excluding gains or (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of
     property, plus depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for
     unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  Management considers Funds
     from Operations to be an appropriate measure of the performance of an
     equity REIT.  Note, however, that the "Funds from Operations" measure
     presented by the Company may not be comparable to other similarly titled
     measures used by other REITs.  Funds from Operations should not be
     considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles) as an indication of the Company's
     financial performance or to cash flows from operating activities
     (determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as
     a measure of liquidity.      

(3)  Represents historical improvements and additions to properties which are
     assumed to equal estimated improvements and acquisitions of the Properties
     in the amounts of $11,820,000 (Minimum Offerings) and $22,938,139 (Maximum
     Offerings).

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
(4)  Includes (i) net proceeds from the Offerings of $12,975,006 (Minimum Common
     Offering), $14,845,006 (Minimum Combined Offering), $31,255,000 (Maximum
     Common Offering) and $45,055,004 (Maximum Combined Offering), (ii)
     repayment of mortgage notes from proceeds of the Offerings of $2,500,000
     (Minimum Combined Offering), $8,000,000 (Maximum Common Offering) and
     $16,461,861 (Maximum Combined Offering) and (iii) dividends on preferred
     stock of $160,512 (Minimum Combined Offering) and $1,200,000 (Maximum
     Combined Offering).

                                  RISK FACTORS

     An investment in the Company involves various risk factors including risk
factors related to investing in real estate, risk factors related to investing
in a corporation, tax risks and other general investment risks.  In addition to
the factors set forth elsewhere herein, prospective investors should consider
the following:

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RISKS

     AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT  LIMITS DIVERSIFICATION(ONLY A LIMITED
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES MAY BE ACQUIRED).  If only $15,000,000 is raised in the
Offering by the Company, four Properties would be able to be acquired.  All four
of such Properties are apartment buildings.  A Property which did not perform
well would have a disproportionately greater impact on the profits or losses of
the Company than if more Properties were purchased.  Thus, underperformance of a
Property would adversely affect the operations of the Company.

     GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION (PERFORMANCE SENSITIVE TO ECONOMIC FACTORS IN THE
AREA).  In a Minimum Common Offering, three of the four initially selected
Properties are located in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area and in a
Maximum Common Offering, three of the six initially selected Properties are
expected to be located in each of the Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix,
Arizona, metropolitan areas.  The performance of the Company will be influenced
by economic developments in both of such market areas.  Over the past few years,
the economic trend for real estate in the Los Angeles area has been recessionary
in nature.  Over the same period, the economic trends for real estate in
Phoenix, Arizona have been recovering from a severe past real estate recession.
The results of economic recession include general increases in vacancies and
general decreases in rents received from residential, retail and commercial
lessees.  The effect on the Company of such geographic concentration is to make
the performance of the Company extremely sensitive to economic conditions in the
market areas in which the Company will purchase its properties.  Two of the
Phoenix, Arizona, Properties are located within a five-mile radius and could be
viewed to be competitive with each other, although management does not believe
there is direct competition to a significant degree.

     HISTORICAL OPERATING LOSSES OF PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP (OPERATING LOSSES FOR
ONE PROPERTY COULD CONTINUE).  Prior owners of the Hewlett-Packard Building
experienced historical operating losses based on existing levels of operating
expenses and debt of approximately $536,000, approximately $709,000 and
approximately $519,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993.  The accumulated deficit attributable to such operating losses is
$2,736,000.  See "Prior Ownership Group -- Combined Statements of Operations" in
the Financial Statements section of this Prospectus.  There can be no assurance
that the Company's proposed methods of operation for this Property will be
successful in eliminating such operating losses in the future.  As a result of
the small number of Properties to be acquired by the Company, continuing
operating losses by this Property could have a material adverse impact on the
Company's overall profitability.

     RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BORROWING (LEVERAGE REQUIRES COMPANY TO SERVICE DEBT
REGARDLESS OF REVENUE GENERATED).  Some of the acquisitions of Properties will
be made by assuming existing mortgage debt or borrowing a portion of the
purchase price thereof and securing the loan with a mortgage on such Property.
The Company's organizational documents contain no limit on the amount of debt it
may incur.  While the Company does not intend to incur debt in excess of 50% of
the gross asset value of its Properties, there is no limit on borrowings on
individual Properties.  Although the use of leverage may increase the Company's
rate of return on 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
its investments and allow the Company to make more investments than it otherwise
could, it presents an element of risk in the event that the cash flow from lease
payments on its Properties is insufficient to meet its debt payment obligations.
Certain loans may not be fully paid by the time the leases (not including
renewal periods) on applicable Properties expire. If a tenant does not renew its
lease with respect to any Property, the Company may not have sufficient cash
flow to make the required debt payments with respect to such Property unless it
is able to re-lease such Property. If the Company does not make its debt
payments as required, a lender could foreclose on the Property or Properties
securing such debt, and the Company could lose part or all of its investment in
such Properties.

     Lenders to the Company may seek to impose restrictions on future
borrowings, distributions and operating policies of the Company.  It is not
possible to ascertain in advance what restrictions may be imposed.  As of the
date of this Prospectus, the Company had not created or assumed any indebtedness
for borrowed money.  See "Investment Objectives and Policies -- Financing
Strategy/Leverage."

     DEPENDENCE ON TENANTS (DEFAULTS BY LESSEES AFFECT CASH FLOW).  In leases,
the financial failure of a tenant could result in the termination of its lease
which, in turn, might cause a reduction of the cash flow of the Company and/or
decrease the value of the Property leased to such tenant.  If a tenant defaults
on its lease payments, the Company would lose the net cash flow from such
tenant, but might be able to use cash generated from other Properties to meet
the mortgage payments, if any, on such Property in order to prevent a
foreclosure.  If a lease is terminated, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to lease the Property (or portion thereof) for the rent
previously received or sell the Property without incurring a loss.  The Company
could also experience delays in enforcing its rights against tenants.

     BANKRUPTCY OF TENANTS (BANKRUPTCIES COULD AFFECT COMPANY'S RECOVERY OF
RENTAL PAYMENTS).  The financial failure of a tenant could cause the tenant to
become the subject of bankruptcy proceedings.  Under bankruptcy law, a tenant
has the option of continuing or terminating any unexpired lease.  If the tenant
continues its lease, the tenant must cure all defaults under the lease and
provide the Company with adequate assurance of its future performance under the
lease.  If the tenant terminates the lease, the Company's claim for breach of
the lease (absent collateral securing the claim) would be treated as a general
unsecured claim.  The amount of the claim would be capped at the amount owed for
unpaid pre-petition lease payments unrelated to the termination, plus the
greater of one year's lease payments or 15% of the remaining lease payments
payable under the lease (but not to exceed the amount of three years' lease
payments).

     DELAY IN INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE (RATE OF RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT DEPENDS
ON TYPE AND TIMING OF INVESTMENT OF PROCEEDS AND QUALITY OF INCOME STREAM).  The
return on an investment in the Company will depend, in part, on how quickly the
Company is able to complete purchases of identified Properties and locate
additional suitable properties.  The Company's acquisition of a proposed
Property could be delayed by an inability to obtain financing as a result of
either the unattractiveness of financial or other terms of such financing or the
lack of lenders providing financing on any terms.  There can be no assurance
that the Company's capital will be fully committed to property investments in a
timely manner.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Requirements for
Qualification as a REIT."  Furthermore, a return on investment also depends on
the dependability of the income stream generated by a Property which the Company
purchases.  Prior to acquiring properties, the Company's capital will be
invested generally in U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit from
financial institutions having a net worth of at least $100,000,000 or other
short-term investments that are easily convertible into cash ("Permitted
Temporary Investments").  See "Investment Objectives and Policies."  The rate of
return on Permitted Temporary Investments may be less than the returns from
investments in Properties.  Furthermore, prior to the acquisition of Properties,
the Company may not be able to qualify as a REIT and may not be entitled to
depreciation and other deductions.

     COMPETITION FOR INVESTMENTS (COMPETITION COULD AFFECT PRICE OF PROPERTIES
AND AMOUNT OF RENTS RECEIVED, AND, CONSEQUENTLY, AMOUNT OF RETURN).  In
connection with the making of investments, the Company may experience
significant competition from banks, insurance companies, savings and loan
associations, mortgage bankers, pension funds, limited partnerships, other REITs
and other entities with objectives similar to those of the 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Company and which may have greater financial resources or experience. An
increase in the availability of funds for real estate investment may increase
competition in the making of investments and may reduce the yields available to
the Company. Competition for investments could reduce the return which the
Company might otherwise be able to obtain.

     POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES COULD BE INCURRED
IF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ARISE).  Under various federal and state environmental
laws, current or former owners of real estate may be required to investigate and
clean up hazardous or toxic substances at such property, or may be held liable
to governmental entities or to third parties for property damage and for
investigation and clean up costs incurred by such parties in connection with the
contamination.  Such laws typically impose clean-up responsibility and liability
without regard to the liability under such laws whether the owner knew of or
caused the presence of the contamination, and has been interpreted to be joint
and several unless the harm is divisible and there is a reasonable basis for
allocation of responsibility.  The Company will generally seek to include a
provision in its leases providing that the tenant is responsible for all
environmental liabilities and for compliance with environmental regulation.
Such a provision, however, does not eliminate the Company's statutory liability
or preclude claims against the Company by governmental authorities or persons
who are not parties to the lease.  The Company's leases may also provide a basis
for the Company to recover from the tenant damages or costs for which the
Company has been found liable.  The cost of an investigation and clean up of
site contaminated can be substantial, and the fact that the property is or has
been contaminated even if remediated, may adversely affect the value of the
property and the owner's ability to sell or lease the property or to borrow
using the property as collateral.  In addition, some environmental laws create a
lien on the contaminated site in favor of the government for damages and cost
that it incurs in connection with the contamination, and certain state and
environmental laws provide that such lien has priority over all other
encumbrances on the property or that a lien can be imposed on any other property
owned by the liable party.  Finally, the owner of a site may be subject to
common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from the
environmental contamination emanating from the site.

     Other federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the removal or
encapsulation of asbestos-containing material when such material is in poor
condition in the event of building, remodeling, renovation or demolition.  Still
other federal, state and local statutes and regulations may require the removal
or upgrade of underground storage tanks that are out of service or are out of
compliance.  In addition, federal, state and local laws, regulations and
ordinances may impose prohibitions, limitations and operational standards on, or
require permits and approvals in connection with, the discharge of waste,
wastewater and other water pollutants, the emission of air pollutants, the
operation of air polluting equipment, the generation and management of materials
classified as hazardous waste and workplace health and safety.  Noncompliance
with environmental or health and safety requirements may also result in the need
to cease or alter operations at a property, which could effect the financial
health of a tenant and its ability to make lease payments.  Furthermore, if
there is a violation of such a requirement in connection with the tenant's
operations, it is possible that the Company, as the owner of the property, could
be held accountable by governmental authorities for such violation and could be
required to correct the violation.

     RISK OF PROVIDING FINANCING TO PURCHASERS OF COMPANY'S PROPERTIES (THIS
PRACTICE COULD DELAY CASH RECEIPTS).  The Company may find it necessary or
desirable to provide financing to purchasers of Properties it wishes to sell.
This financing may cause any proceeds from the sale of Properties to be delayed
beyond the time of the disposition of Properties and until such time as any
loans are repaid or sold.  The Company may find it necessary to provide
financing in circumstances where lenders are not willing to make loans secured
by commercial real estate or may find it desirable where a purchaser is willing
to pay a higher price for the Property than it would without the financing.

     RISK OF INCURRING UNINSURED LOSSES (ABSENCE OF INSURANCE MAY RESULT IN LOSS
OF INVESTMENT CAPITAL).  The Company typically will require tenants to maintain
liability and casualty insurance of the kind that is customarily obtained for
similar properties.  However, certain disaster-type insurance (covering events
of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes) may not be available or may only
be available at rates that are prohibitive.  Three of the Properties which the
Company may purchase are located in the Los Angeles, California, 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
metropolitan area and one of them is located in an area near the site of the
1994 Northridge earthquake. Earthquake insurance is not available with respect
to these Properties. In the event that an uninsured disaster should occur, or in
the event a commercial tenant does not maintain the required insurance and a
loss occurs, the Company could suffer a loss of the capital invested in, as well
as anticipated profits from, the damaged or destroyed Property. If the loss
involves a liability claim, the loss may extend to the other assets of the
Company or the subsidiary that owns the Property affected by the loss.

     CASUALTY-RELATED OR CONDEMNATION-RELATED LEASE TERMINATIONS (AMOUNTS
RECEIVED COULD BE LESS THAN FAIR MARKET VALUE OR ANTICIPATED REVENUES).  The
leases of Properties may permit the tenant to terminate its lease in the event
of a substantial casualty or a taking by eminent domain of a substantial portion
of a Property.  Should these events occur, the Company generally will be
compensated by insurance proceeds in the case of insured casualties or a
condemnation award in the case of a taking by eminent domain.  There can be no
assurance that any such insurance proceeds or condemnation award will equal the
value of the Property or the Company's investment in the Property.  Any such
lease termination could adversely affect the Company's cash flow and the
diversification of its net lease investments.

     OTHER REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RISKS (ADDITIONAL FACTORS COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE COMPANY'S OPERATIONS AND RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT).  In addition
to the foregoing specific real estate investment risks, there are numerous other
risks which could affect the Company's performance.  The yields available from
equity investments in real estate depend on the amount of income and capital
appreciation generated by the related properties.  If the Properties do not
generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including debt service,
lease payments, capital expenditures and tenant improvements, the Company's
income and ability to make Distributions to its shareholders will be adversely
affected.  Income from the Properties may be adversely affected by the general
economic climate, local conditions, such as oversupply of space or reduction in
demand for rental space in the area, the attractiveness of the Properties to
tenants, competition from other available space, the ability of the Company to
provide adequate maintenance, insurance and increased operating costs (including
real estate taxes).  Income from properties in general and real estate values
are also affected by such factors as applicable laws, including tax laws,
interest rate levels and the availability of financing.  In addition, real
estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, would tend to limit
the ability of the Company to vary its portfolio promptly in response to changes
in economic or other conditions.

GENERAL INVESTMENT RISKS

     IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION (INVESTORS WILL EXPERIENCE DILUTION).
Investors are subject to immediate and substantial dilution estimated to be
$1.51 per share in a Minimum Common Offering and $1.23 per share in a Maximum
Common Offering.  See "Dilution."

     RISK OF INVESTMENT OF PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING (INVESTORS MUST RELY SOLELY
ON JUDGMENT OF MANAGEMENT IN MANAGING THE COMPANY).  The Company's ability to
achieve its stated investment objectives and to pay Distributions depends upon
the performance of management in the acquisition of investments for the Company.
In general, shareholders will have no opportunity to evaluate the transaction
terms and other relevant economic or financial data concerning investments to be
made by the Company.  There can be no assurance that desirable income-producing
properties will be available on economically attractive terms.  In addition, the
profitability of the Company could be affected by the amount of available funds.
The Offering will be closed with Gross Offering Proceeds of not less than
$15,000,000 nor more than $50,000,004 (assuming no exercise of the overallotment
option).  A smaller amount of Gross Offering Proceeds may result in the
acquisition of fewer properties and less diversification of the Company's real
estate portfolio, thereby increasing the potential impact of any investment
which performs below expectations.
    
     RISK OF INADEQUATE FINANCING (WOULD DIRECTLY AFFECT DIVERSIFICATION GOALS).
The Offering will be closed with Gross Offering Proceeds of not less than
$15,000,000 nor more than $50,000,004. The potential profitability of the
Company could be affected by the amount of funds from the Offering at its
disposal. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to achieve its leverage objective of      

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
    
borrowing no more than approximately 50% of the aggregate gross asset value of
all Properties purchased. The Company may be unable to obtain mortgage financing
on commercially attractive terms because of the decreased number of commercial
banks and others making mortgage loans secured by commercial and residential
real property of the type in which the Company intends to invest. There can be
no assurance that lending sources will continue to make loans on commercially
attractive terms. If the Company is unable to attain its leverage objective
because financing is difficult or costly to obtain, the Company may be limited
to investing in fewer Properties.      

     LACK OF OPERATING HISTORY (THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY IS DEPENDENT ON
MANAGEMENT'S ABILITY).  The Company has no operating history.  Except for the
Properties the Company indicates it intends to acquire and describes in this
Prospectus or in a supplement to this Prospectus, purchasers of Shares will not
have an opportunity to evaluate the terms of the transaction or the relevant
economic or financial data affecting the investments to be acquired by the
Company.  Moreover, the ability of the Company to accomplish its stated
investment objectives and the timing of the receipt by shareholders of
Distributions are dependent upon the success and timing of management's
acquisition of investments for the Company.  There can be no assurance that any
Properties will increase in value, or that income-producing properties will be
available or can be acquired on economically attractive terms.

     RELIANCE ON MANAGEMENT (GENERALLY INVESTORS WILL HAVE NO RIGHT TO
PARTICIPATE IN COMPANY MANAGEMENT).  Investors will be relying entirely on the
management ability of the officers and directors of the Company.  Shareholders
have no right or power to take part in the management of the Company except
through the exercise of their shareholder voting rights.  Thus, no prospective
investor should purchase any of the Shares offered hereby unless the prospective
investor is willing to entrust all aspects of the management of the Company to
the officers and directors of the Company.  See "Management" for a discussion of
the experience of the directors and officers in real estate investments.

     OWNERSHIP LIMIT (LIMIT CHANGES OF CONTROL AND TENDER OFFERS).  In order to
maintain its qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of the
outstanding shares of the Company may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five
or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities).
Value will be determined by market price.  To insure that the Company will not
fail to qualify as a REIT under this test, the Company's Charter and By-Laws
authorizes the directors to take such action as may be required to preserve the
qualification of the Company and to limit any person to direct or indirect
ownership of 9.8% of the value of the outstanding equity shares.  In addition,
no Person may, directly or indirectly, acquire Beneficial Ownership of a number
of shares of 8% Preferred that, when added to other equity shares of the Company
Beneficially Owned by such Person, would exceed five percent of the value of the
outstanding equity shares of the Company.  However, market factors could create
a disparity in the values between Common Stock and preferred stock, which, in an
extreme situation, could result in an inadvertent violation of the Ownership
Limit by an existing shareholder.  For example, were the market price of the
Common Stock to decline disproportionately to the 8% Preferred, the value of the
8% Preferred held by any one Person would increase in relationship to the total
market value of the equity securities of the Company.  A similar result would
occur if the 8% Preferred traded at a premium in relationship to the Common
Stock.  If not prevented by shareholder or Company action, such could cause the
Company to lose its REIT status for income tax purposes.  The ownership limits
may discourage a change of control of the Company and may also (a) deter tender
offers for the shares, which offers may be attractive to the shareholders, or
(b) limit the opportunity for shareholders to receive a premium for their shares
that might otherwise exist if an investor attempted to assemble a block of
shares in excess of the applicable ownership limitations in number or value of
the outstanding shares or otherwise to effect a change of control of the
Company.  See "Description of Securities -- Restriction on Ownership."

     POTENTIAL SECURITIES ACT LIABILITY (COMPANY MAY BE OBLIGATED TO REPAY
AMOUNT INVESTED PRIOR TO DUE DATE).  An aggregate of $56,281.50 principal amount
of the Company's 10% Convertible Promissory Notes due October 1, 1996 , Series
B, were sold without an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act").   The statute of limitations for such sales
contained in the Act has not run.  As a result, the 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
Company could be liable for rescission claimed by the holders of such Notes in
the amount of $56,281.50 plus interest.
    
     MARKET PRICE OF SHARES MAY NOT REFLECT PROPERTY VALUES.  There is no
established market for the Company's Shares and the 8% Preferred.  Subject to
the Company's continued compliance with listing guides, the Shares have been
approved for trading on the NASDAQ National Market.  However, there can be no
assurance that the price a shareholder would receive in a sale on the NASDAQ
National Market will be representative of the value of the Properties owned by
the Company or that it will equal or exceed the amount a shareholder paid for
the Shares.  Historically, shares of real estate companies have traded at a
discount to their proportionate interest in the value of the issuer's underlying
assets.      
    
     DELAY IN TRADING (PRICE AND LIQUIDITY OF SHARES COULD BE ADVERSELY
EFFECTED).  Subject to the Company's continued compliance with listing guides,
the Shares have been approved for trading on the NASDAQ National Market.
Trading is expected to commence immediately after the Final Closing which could
occur as long as six months after the Initial Closing.  Accordingly, an
investor's ability to transfer his or her shares could be delayed until such
time or transfers prior to such time could result in a discount of the sales
price.  Also, a possibility exists that trading on a public market may not
materialize.  In such case, an investor may be able to resell the securities, if
at all, only at a significant discount.      

     REQUIREMENT OF SUPERMAJORITY SHAREHOLDERS VOTES (34% OF VOTES CAN BLOCK
WILL OF MAJORITY).  Under Maryland law, since the Charter does not provide
otherwise, approval by a two-thirds vote of all the votes entitled to be cast on
the matter is required to accomplish major structural changes in the Company,
including mergers, share exchanges, sales of substantially all assets of the
Company, amendments to the Charter and dissolution.  All actions taken, if
approved by the holders of the requisite number of Shares, would be binding on
all shareholders.  Certain of these provisions may discourage or make it more
difficult for a Person to acquire control of the Company or to effect a change
in the operation of the Company.  The Board has the power to cause the issuance
of additional Shares and preferred stock without obtaining shareholder approval.

     LIMITED LIABILITY OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (SHAREHOLDERS' REMEDIES AGAINST
MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS ARE LIMITED).  The Charter provides that a director's
liability to the Company for monetary damages will be limited.  In addition, the
Company is obligated under the Bylaws to indemnify its directors and officers
and may indemnity its employees and other agents against certain liabilities
incurred in connection with their service in such capacities.  The Company will
execute indemnification agreements with each director which will indemnity the
directors against any such liabilities they incur.  Each of these measures could
reduce the legal remedies available to the Company and the shareholders against
such individuals.  See "Management -- Limitation of Liability and
Indemnification."

     EFFECT OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE (FUTURE SALES COULD AFFECT VALUE
OF OUTSTANDING SECURITIES).  Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common
Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect
prevailing market prices for Shares.  Subject to the attainment of a variety of
exercise or conversion criteria, assuming a sale of all of the Units, Shares and
8% Preferred offered hereby, after the Final Closing, the Company may issue an
aggregate of up to approximately 5,637,368 additional shares of Common Stock
(subject to the Ownership Limit).  No prediction can be made as to whether such
additional Shares will be issued or as to the effect, if any, that future sales
of Shares, or the availability of Shares for future sale, will have on the
market price prevailing from time to time.  See "Shares Available for Future
Sale."

     BENEFITS TO OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.  Officers and directors of the Company
will be entitled to receive options to purchase an aggregate of 185,000 Shares
at $7 per Share at the time of the Final Closing as described under the caption
"Management -- Directors and Executive Officers Compensation and Incentives."
Further, officers and directors may purchase Units or Shares in this Offering
net of selling commissions, which right, if exercised, would result in an
approximately eight percent saving to such officers and directors on the cost of
such securities.  Similarly, such persons could purchase 8% Preferred net of
commissions, amounting to an approximately five percent savings.  See "The
Offering."  (At present, no officers or directors have expressed an 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
intent to purchase any of such securities.) In addition, subsequent to the
Initial Closing, the Chairman of the Board and the President will be employed
under employment agreements which provide for, among other things, salaries of
$100,000 and $72,000, respectively, potential bonus compensation (which cannot
be estimated at this time), "piggyback" registration rights for all Shares held
by such officer (which would save them the costs of registering their Shares for
resale which costs could be substantial), certain salary and benefit
continuation for up to six months in the event of disability, and compensation
generally equal to 2.99 times the officer's average salary and bonus over the
prior five years under certain circumstances if there is a change of control of
the Company. See "Management -- Employment Agreements."

TAX RISKS

     FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REIT OR PARTNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES (FAVORABLE
PASS-THROUGH FEATURES OF AN INVESTMENT WOULD BE ELIMINATED).  The Company
intends to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code.  Although the
Company believes that it will be so organized and will operate in such a manner,
no assurance can be given that the Company will qualify or remain qualified as a
REIT.  Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and
complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or
administrative interpretations.  The complexity of these provisions and of the
applicable income tax regulations that have been promulgated under the Code (the
"Treasury Regulations") is greater in the case of a REIT that holds its assets
in partnership form.  The determination of various factual matters and
circumstances not entirely within the Company's control may affect its ability
to qualify as a REIT.  In addition, no assurance can be given that legislation,
new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not
significantly change the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT or the
federal income tax consequences of such qualification or that future economic,
market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause the Board to revoke the
REIT election.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."  The Company is relying
on the opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges, tax counsel to the Company,
regarding various issues affecting the Company's ability to qualify, and retain
qualification, as a REIT.  Such legal opinions are not binding on the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS").  If the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT
in any taxable year, the Company would not be allowed a deduction for
Distributions to shareholders in computing taxable income and would be subject
to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates.  This
additional tax liability would reduce the amounts available for distribution by
the Company to shareholders.  The Company would also be disqualified from
treatment as a REIT for four taxable years following the year such qualification
was lost.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."

     The Operating Partnership will receive an opinion of Thelen, Marrin,
Johnson & Bridges, tax counsel to the Company, stating that the Operating
Partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
If the IRS were to challenge successfully the tax status of the Operating
Partnership as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the Operating
Partnership would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation.  The
Operating Partnership could also be taxable as a corporation if it were
determined to be a "publicly traded partnership" under the Code.  In either such
event, the character of the Company's assets and items of gross income would
change and preclude the Company from satisfying the asset tests and possibly the
income tests (imposed by the Code as discussed below) and, in turn, would
prevent the Company from qualifying as a REIT.  See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations -- Taxation of the Company -- Requirements for Qualification."
In addition, the imposition of a corporate tax on the Operating Partnership
would reduce the amount of funds from operations available for distribution to
the Company and its shareholders.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Tax
Aspects of the Operating Partnership."

     FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANTI-ABUSE REGULATIONS (FAVORABLE PASS-THROUGH
FEATURES OF INVESTMENT WOULD BE ELIMINATED).  The United States Treasury
Department issued regulations at the end of 1994 which authorize the IRS, in
certain "abusive" transactions involving partnerships, to disregard the form of
the transaction and recast it for federal tax purposes as the IRS deems
appropriate (the "Anti-Abuse Regulations").  The IRS could invoke the Anti-Abuse
Regulations if the Operating Partnership is deemed to have been formed or
utilized in connection with a transaction (or series of related transactions)
with a principal purpose of substantially reducing 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
the present value of the partners' aggregate federal tax liability in a manner
inconsistent with the intent of the partnership provisions of the Code. See
"Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Anti-Abuse Regulations."

     ADVERSE EFFECT OF REIT MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS (COMPANY UNABLE TO
ACCUMULATE CAPITAL INTERNALLY).  In order to qualify as a REIT, the Company
generally will be required each year to distribute to its shareholders at least
95% of its net taxable income (excluding any net capital gain).  In addition,
the Company will be subject to a four percent nondeductible excise tax on the
amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by it with respect to any
calendar year are less than the sum of (i) 85% of its ordinary income, (ii) 95%
of its capital gains net income for that year and (iii) 100% of its
undistributed taxable income from prior years.  The Company intends to make
distributions to its shareholders to comply with the 95% distribution
requirement and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax.  Differences in timing
between the recognition of taxable income and the receipt of cash available for
distribution could require the Company directly or through the Operating
Partnership, to borrow funds to meet the 95% distribution requirement and to
avoid the nondeductible excise tax.  The requirement to distribute a substantial
portion of the Company's net taxable income could cause the Company to
distribute the amounts that would otherwise be spent on future acquisitions,
unanticipated capital expenditures or repayment of debt, which would require the
Company to borrow or sell assets to fund the costs of such items.

     Distributions by the Operating Partnership will be determined by the
Company's Board, in the Company's capacity as the general partner of the
Operating Partnership, and will be dependent on a number of factors, including
the amount of the Operating Partnership's distributable cash, the Operating
Partnership's financial condition, any decision by the Board to reinvest funds
rather than to distribute such funds, the Partnership's capital expenditures,
the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and
such other factors as the Board deems relevant.  See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations -- Federal Income Taxation of the Company."

     CHANGES IN TAX LAWS (CHANGES COULD AFFECT A RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT).  The
discussions of the federal income tax aspects of the Offering are based on
current law, including the Code, the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder,
certain administrative interpretations thereof and court decisions.
Consequently, future events (including those arising from legislative and
administrative proposals that are or in the future may be under consideration)
that modify or otherwise affect those provisions may result in treatment for
federal income tax purposes of the Company and the shareholders that is
materially and adversely different from that described in this Prospectus, both
for taxable years arising before and after such events.  There is no assurance
that future legislation and administrative interpretations will not be
retroactive in effect.

OTHER INVESTMENT RISKS

     MARYLAND LAW LIMITATIONS ON ACQUISITIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTROL (LEGAL
LIMITATIONS COULD AFFECT MANAGEMENT CHANGES).  Certain provisions of the
Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") which are adopted in the Company's
Charter and By-Laws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of the Company or the removal of existing management and, as a
result, could prevent the shareholders of the Company from being paid a premium
for their shares of Common Stock over then prevailing market prices.  These
provisions are described briefly below.  In addition, there are statutory
provisions limiting the voting rights of "control shares" and restricting
certain types of business combinations.  See "Certain Provisions of Maryland Law
and of the Company's Charter and By-Laws."

     Staggered Board.  The MGCL permits and the charter provides that the Board
of Directors of the Company will have three classes of directors with staggered
terms of service of three-year terms.  The staggered terms for directors may
affect the shareholders' ability to change control of the Company even where a
change in control is in the interest of the shareholders.  Because of the
staggered terms, a complete change of the composition of the present Board of
Directors could not occur prior to 1998.  A majority of the Independent
Directors must approve all matters voted on by the Board of Directors.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
     Preferred Stock.  The MGCL permits and the charter provides that the Board
of Directors may issue up to 21,515,000 shares of preferred stock and to
establish the preferences and rights (including the right to vote and the right
to convert into Shares) of any shares issued.  See "Description of Securities."
The power to issue preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of the Company even where a change in control is
in the shareholders' interest.  See "Description of Securities -- 8% Convertible
Preferred Stock" and "-- 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock" for information about
the issuance of such classes of preferred stock.

     Control Shares.  The MGCL provides certain restrictions upon the voting
rights of "control shares" in a Maryland corporation.  "Control shares" are
voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock
previously acquired by the holder thereof, would entitle the acquiror to
exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges
of power:  (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more
but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power.  The
MGCL provides that "control shares" have no voting rights except to the extent
approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote on the matter, excluding shares held by the acquiror of the control
shares and the officers and directors of the Company who are also employees of
the Company, subject to certain limitations.  A "control share acquisition"
means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.  See
"Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and the Company's Charter and By-Laws --
Control Share Acquisitions."

     Ability to Effect Business Combinations Limited.  Under the MGCL, certain
Business Combinations (as defined) between a Maryland corporation and any person
who is the beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the voting power of the
corporation's shares or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and
owned ten percent or more of the voting power of the corporation's shares at any
time during the prior two years (an "Interested Shareholder"), or an affiliate
of an Interested Shareholder, are prohibited for five years after the most
recent date on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested
Shareholder.  Thereafter, any such Business Combination must be approved by the
affirmative vote of at least (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders
of outstanding voting shares of the Company and (ii) 66-2/3% of the votes
entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares held by persons
other than the Interested Shareholder with whom the Business Combination is to
be effected, subject to certain exceptions.  See "Certain Provisions of Maryland
Law and the Company's Charter and By-Laws -- Business Combinations."
    
     CHANGES IN INVESTMENT AND FINANCING POLICIES (INVESTORS MUST RELY ON
POLICIES ADOPTED BY DIRECTORS WHICH MAY BE CHANGED FROM TIME TO TIME).  The
Board of Directors determines the Company's and the Operating Partnership's
investment and financing policies and policies with respect to certain other
activities, including the growth, capitalization, distributions and operating
policies of the Company and the Operating Partnership.  Although the Board of
Directors has no present intention to amend or revise these policies, the Board
of Directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) may do so at any
time without a vote of the Company's shareholders.  See Investment Objectives
and Policies -- Changes in Investment Objectives and Limitations."      

     RISK OF INSUFFICIENT WORKING CAPITAL (INADEQUATE CAPITAL COULD AFFECT THE
COMPANY'S ABILITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS AS CONTEMPLATED).  There can be no
assurance that the Company will have sufficient working capital.  A deficiency
of working capital might be caused by a decrease in gross revenues, by an
increase in expenses, by an uninsured casualty to a Property or by other
unanticipated events.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to
borrow money for working capital purposes.  Loan covenants and other
restrictions included in the Company's financing agreement relating to the
acquisition of Properties may restrict the Company's ability to borrow for such
purposes or its ability to draw funds from working capital reserves.

     INVESTMENTS IN INTEREST SENSITIVE INVESTMENTS (TIMING OF SALE OF ASSETS
COULD AFFECT RETURN).  The Company will invest Offering proceeds in Permitted
Temporary Investments for a period of up to one year pending the investment of
such proceeds in real estate and in assets other than real estate which generate
qualifying REIT income.  These investments are interest rate sensitive financial
instruments and their value generally will decrease if market interest rates
increase.  Thus, if the Company sells its interest in such securities when
interest rates are higher than at the time when the securities initially were
acquired, the Company would likely receive less in such a sale than the amount
it initially paid.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
     INVESTMENT BY PENSION OR PROFIT SHARING TRUSTS, KEOGHS OR IRAS (DOES
INVESTMENT COMPLY WITH ERISA OR CODE, OR PRODUCE UBTI?).  In considering an
investment in the Company of the assets of a pension, profit sharing, 401(k),
Keogh or other retirement plan or IRA ("Benefit Plans"), a fiduciary with
respect to such a Benefit Plan should consider, among other things, (i) whether
the investment is consistent with applicable provisions of ERISA or the Code and
(ii) whether the investment will produce unrelated business taxable income, as
defined in Section 512 of the Code ("UBTI"), to the Benefit Plan.  See "Federal
Income Tax Considerations -- Treatment of Tax-Exempt Shareholders" and "ERISA
Considerations."

     INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (CERTAIN INVESTMENT PRACTICES MAY BE
UNAVAILABLE).  The Board of Directors intends to conduct the operation of the
Company so that it will not be subject to regulation under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  As a result, the Company may have to forego certain
investments which could produce a more favorable return to the Company.  If the
Company fails to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment
company, it will be subject to numerous restrictions under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  A failure to qualify for an exemption under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 could have a material adverse effect on the shareholders.

                                  THE COMPANY

GENERAL

     The Company was formed in 1994 to operate as a real estate investment trust
under the Code and will be self-administered.  The Company proposes to acquire a
diversified portfolio of garden-style apartments and suburban commercial and
retail income properties in the Western United States. The Properties will be
leased to a variety of residential, retail and commercial tenants.  The Company
and its corporate predecessors or affiliates entered into certain transactions
described sequentially below to accomplish such goal.

     Ramapo Development, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Ramapo") was formed in
January 1989 and sold shares of its common stock pursuant to a registration
statement on Form S-18 in May 1989.  In 1990, its name was changed to Insight
Environmental Corporation ("IEC").  No material operations were ever conducted
by Ramapo or IEC.  Its shares were never listed on a national securities
exchange, nor, to the knowledge of the Company's management, were IEC's shares
ever traded in any organized broker-dealer network.

     In 1993, American Equity Trust Funding, Inc. ("Funding Co.") was formed by
Arthur P. Herring and Regent IV Trust to explore opportunities for the formation
of a REIT and to raise "seed capital" to organize the REIT and fund a material
portion of the cost of offering the REIT's shares to the public.  $400,000 was
raised by Funding Co. for these purposes through September 30, 1995.  In 1994,
Arthur P. Herring transferred all of his interest in Funding Co. to The Danube
Rousse, Inc., an affiliate of Arthur P. Herring

     In 1994, The Danube Rousse, Inc. (controlled by an affiliate of Arthur P.
Herring) and Regent IV Trust paid an aggregate of $35,000 to acquire (i)
approximately 37% of the outstanding voting stock of IEC, and (ii) a proxy to
vote an additional 43% of IEC's outstanding vote stock, with the intent to
convert IEC into a REIT.  Such proxy has expired.  There is no affiliation
between Regent IV Trust and The Danube Rousse Inc. or directors, officers or
other affiliates of the Company.  None of the beneficiaries of Regent IV Trust
are, or are expected to be, involved in management of the Company.  Regent IV
Trust presently owns approximately 12.26% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock.  See "Principal Shareholders."

     The Company was formed in 1994 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IEC for the
purpose of reincorporating IEC in Maryland.  IEC was a "shell corporation" with
no business operations, and a de minimis amount of assets.  IEC was
reincorporated in Maryland by merging itself  into the Company in late 1994.
The Company's Charter authorizes it to operate as a REIT under the Code.  In
October 1995, the shareholders, other than the founders, of Funding Co.
exchanged their Funding Co. shares for 114,286 shares of Common Stock, plus
57,133 Series "D" 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Warrants, in the Company. At the same time, each of the founders of Funding Co.
(The Danube Rousse, Inc., as successor to Arthur P. Herring, and Regent IV
Trust) exchanged their shares in Funding Co. for 360,000 shares of the Company's
1995 Convertible Preferred Stock, plus 107,500 Series "D" Warrants (for an
aggregate of 720,000 shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock and 215,000
Series "D" Warrants). See "Principal Shareholders." In October 1995, Funding Co.
was merged into the Company.

     The Company will acquire its Initial Properties from Persons who are not
affiliated with the Company or any of its predecessors, or any of their
respective officers, directors or affiliates.  The Company will contribute all
of the net proceeds from the Offering to the Operating Partnership in exchange
for an initial 99% general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership and
the Operating Partnership will acquire the Initial Properties.  Three of the
initial Properties are located in the Los Angeles, California metropolitan area.
The other three are located in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area.  The
Company will be the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership.  The
Initial Properties will be leased to a variety of tenants.  See "Description of
Properties," for the specific terms and conditions of the purchase of the
Initial Properties.

     The Company, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, initially
intends to pay regular quarterly Distributions, beginning with the first full
calendar quarter after the Initial Closing.

     Management of the Company has been in the business of operating and
financing income-producing real estate for many years.  Mr. Herring and Dois
Brock have agreed to devote substantially all of their time to the business of
the Company.  Upon completion of the Initial Closing, the Company expects to
have eight full-time employees:  four officers and four administrative and
accounting employees.

GROWTH STRATEGY

     The Company's growth strategy is to enhance shareholder value by increasing
cash flow through the acquisition of additional Properties located primarily in
the western United States that meet the Company's investment criteria and the
participation in any increased revenue from the Properties purchased at the
Initial or Final Closing.  Management of the Company will utilize its years of
experience, knowledge and affiliations in the real estate industry to implement
the growth strategy of the Company.

ACQUISITION STRATEGY

     To enable the Company to implement its acquisition strategy, the Company
will rely on the real estate management and financing experience of Mr. Herring
and Mr. Brock.  This experience will be utilized to identify existing properties
that meet the Company's investment criteria.  The Company intends to focus on
opportunities available in the western United States and will place particular
emphasis on properties in areas with strong, or improving economic conditions.
The Company believes that a number of existing properties that meet its
investment criteria are available at attractive prices because of the adverse
impact of high leverage and the over-building on the profitability and
operations of many properties, the difficulties of many property operators to
obtain funds to pay for capital improvements necessary to maintain their
properties and the effects of the recent economic recession.  It is possible
that the Company will need to issue additional equity shares either for cash or
for property to accomplish acquisitions of properties after the Closing.  The
Company expects to make additional property acquisitions through the Operating
Partnership, although the Board, including a majority of the Independent
Directors, will consider whether to make property acquisitions directly if such
direct acquisition is deemed to be in the best interests of the Company and the
Operating Partnership.

                             TERMS OF THE OFFERING

     The Company is offering the following shares of its capital stock pursuant
to this Prospectus:  (i) a minimum of 2,142,858 shares of Common Stock in the
form of Units or Shares; (ii) a maximum of 5,000,000 Shares in the form of
1,750,000 Units plus 1,500,000 Shares; (iii) a minimum of 152,000 shares of 8%
Preferred 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
    
and (iv) a maximum of 1,136,364 shares of 8% Preferred. The 8% Preferred will be
sold to institutional investors only. The price of each Unit is $14.00, each
Share is $7.00 and each share of 8% Preferred is $13.20 (which prices have been
determined arbitrarily), subject to certain discounts.      

     The Units, Shares and 8% Preferred are being offered on a "best efforts"
basis which means that no one is guaranteeing the amount of capital that will be
raised.  Units and Shares are being offered by the Sales Agent and soliciting
Dealer and the 8% Preferred is being offered by broker-dealers, all on a "best-
efforts" basis.  Investors are required to purchase a minimum of 50 Units, or
100 Shares, unless otherwise agreed by the Company.  There is no minimum number
of shares of 8% Preferred which must be purchased by an individual investor.
See "The Offering."  Payment in full is due on transmittal of an order by an
investor or by such investor's authorized representative.  Payments will be
deposited promptly in an interest bearing escrow account maintained with Trust
Company of America (the "Escrow Agent") until such funds are released as
described below.  Such funds will be held in trust for the benefit of investors
to be used for the purposes set forth in this Prospectus.  Orders must be
accepted or rejected by the Company within ten days of their receipt.  An
investor whose order for Units, Shares or 8% Preferred has been accepted by the
Company has no right to withdraw his investment.  See "The Offering."  The
acceptance of orders by the Company imposes no obligation on the Company to
issue Shares or 8% Preferred unless there is an Initial Closing and, in the case
of 8% Preferred, a minimum of 152,000 shares have been subscribed for.  The
Sales Agent and the Soliciting Dealers and broker-dealers may not complete a
sale of Units, Shares or 8% Preferred to an investor until at least five
business days after the date the investor receives a copy of this Prospectus.
Each investor will be sent a confirmation of his or her purchase.

     The Initial Closing will occur after the Minimum Common Offering is
achieved and must occur within 180 days of the date of this Prospectus.  The
Final Closing shall occur no more than 180 days after the Minimum Common
Offering is achieved.  Assuming that the Initial Closing occurs on the 179th day
after the date of this Prospectus, the last possible termination date for the
Offering will be ______________, 1997.  After the Final Closing, the Shares will
commence trading on the _____________________.  Investors will receive the
proportionate share of interest earned on their funds for the period such funds
are held in escrow.  All such interest earned on the escrowed funds will be paid
to shareholders within 15 days of each issuance of Units, Shares or 8%
Preferred.

     The Offering will terminate at the time all Units, Shares and 8% Preferred
being offered are sold, unless sooner terminated by the Company, but in no case
later than one year from the date of this Prospectus.  If, as of 180 days from
the date of this Prospectus, the Minimum Common Offering is not achieved, the
Company will cancel all existing orders and, promptly after such cancellation,
all funds submitted on account of such orders will be released from escrow and
returned to each investor together with all interest earned thereon.  See "The
Offering -- Escrow Arrangements."



                  [Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                           ESTIMATED USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table presents information about how the money raised in the
Offering will be used.  Information is provided assuming the Minimum Common
Offering, Maximum Common Offering or Maximum Combined Offering is achieved.
Many of the numbers in the table are estimates because all expenses cannot be
determined precisely at this time.  The actual use of the capital raised by the
Company is likely to be different than the figures presented in the table.  The
Company expects that between approximately 78% in the Minimum Common Offering
and 86% in the Maximum Combined Offering of the money invested by new
Shareholders will be used to buy real estate, while the remaining proceeds will
be used for working capital and to pay expenses and fees.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     MINIMUM COMMON OFFERING                MINIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
                                                     -----------------------                -------------------------
                                                                                             SALE OF 2,142,858 SHARES
                                                                                                  OF COMMON STOCK
                                                                                                PLUS 152,000 SHARES
                                                 SALE OF UP TO 2,142,858 SHARES(1)                OF 8% PREFERRED
                                                 ---------------------------------                ---------------
                                                                     PERCENT OF                                PERCENT OF
                                                                  PUBLIC OFFERING                           PUBLIC OFFERING
                                                     AMOUNT          PROCEEDS                  AMOUNT          PROCEEDS
                                                 --------------      --------              --------------      --------
                                                 (000S OMITTED)                            (000S OMITTED)
                                                 --------------                            --------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>                      <C>              <C>   
Gross Offering Proceeds                             $15,000(3)        100.00%                 $17,000          100.00%
                                                    -------           ------                  -------          ------
                                                                                          
Public Offering Expenses:                                                                    
  Selling Discounts and                                                                   
    Commissions(4)(5)                                 1,125             7.50                    1,225            7.21
  Other Organizational Expenses                                                              
    and Offering Expenses(6)(7)                         900             6.00                      930            5.47
                                                    -------           ------                  -------          ------
                                                                                             
Amount Available to Invest                          $12,975            86.50%                 $14,845           87.32%
                                                    =======           ======                  =======          ======
                                                                                             
Prepaid Items and Fees Related                                                            
  to Purchase of Real Estate(8)                         303             2.02                      303            1.78
                                                                                             
Working Capital Reserve(9)                              673             4.49                      673            3.96
                                                    =======           ======                  =======          ======
                                                                                             
Public Offering Proceeds                                                                     
  Available for Investment                          $11,999            79.99%                 $13,869           81.58%
                                                    =======           ======                  =======          ======
                                                                                             
Acquisition Fees (included                                                                   
  in purchase price)(10)                                249(11)         1.66                      276(11)        1.62
                                                    -------           ------                  -------          ------
                                                                                             
Amount Available for                                                                         
  Investment in Real Estate(12)                     $11,750            78.33%                 $13,593           79.96%
                                                    =======           ======                  =======          ======
</TABLE> 


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                    MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING                  MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
                                                    -----------------------                  -------------------------
                                                                                         SALE OF 5,000,000 SHARES(1) PLUS
                                                   SALE OF 5,000,000 SHARES(1)          1,136,364 SHARES OF 8% PREFERRED(2)
                                                   ---------------------------          -----------------------------------
                                                                     PERCENT OF                                  PERCENT OF
                                                                  PUBLIC OFFERING                             PUBLIC OFFERING
                                                      AMOUNT          PROCEEDS                  AMOUNT           PROCEEDS
                                                  --------------      --------               --------------      --------
                                                  (000S OMITTED)                             (000S OMITTED)
                                                  --------------                             --------------

<S>                                                <C>            <C>                        <C>              <C>   
Gross Offering Proceeds                              $35,000(3)       100.00%                    $50,000         100.00%
                                                     -------          ------                     -------         ------
                                                                                     
Public Offering Expenses:                                                            
  Selling Discounts and                                                              
    Commissions(4)(5)                                  2,625            7.50                       3,375           6.75
  Other Organizational Expenses                                                      
    and Offering Expenses(6)(7)                        1,120            3.20                       1,570           3.14
                                                     -------          ------                     -------         ------
                                                                                     
Amount Available to Invest                           $31,255           89.30%                    $45,055          90.11%
                                                     =======          ======                     =======         ======
                                                                                     
Prepaid Items and Fees Related                                                       
  to Purchase of Real Estate(8)                          333            0.95                         333           0.67
                                                                                     
Working Capital Reserve(9)                               274            0.78                       1,000           2.00
                                                     =======          ======                     =======         ======
                                                                                     
Public Offering Proceeds                                                             
  Available for Investment                           $30,648           87.57%                    $43,722          87.44%
                                                     =======          ======                     =======         ======
                                                                                     
Acquisition Fees (included                                                           
  in purchase price)(10)                                 598(11)        1.71                         872(11)       1.74
                                                     -------          ------                     -------         ------
                                                                                     
Amount Available for                                                                 
  Investment in Real Estate(12)                      $30,050           85.86%                    $42,850          85.70%
                                                     =======          ======                     =======         ======
</TABLE>

                                                   25
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------
(1)  When an aggregate of $15,000,000 is raised from the sale of Units and
     Shares, the Minimum Common Offering will be completed and Units or Shares
     will be issued to investors. 
    
(2)  At least 152,000 shares of 8% Preferred must be sold, although no shares of
     8% Preferred will be issued until there has been an Initial Closing.      

(3)  Assumes none of the 8% convertible Preferred is sold.
(4)  If the Minimum Common Offering is successfully completed, the Company will
     pay a selling commission of $.98 per Unit sold and $0.49 per Share (except
     that no commission will be paid with respect to any Shares sold to the
     officers and directors of the Company or the Soliciting Dealers or any of
     their employees for their own accounts).  Also, a dealer manager fee is
     payable to the Sales Agent in the amount of one-half of one percent of the
     gross proceeds from this Offering.
(5)  If a Minimum Preferred Offering is successfully completed, the Company will
     pay a selling commission of $0.66 per share of 8% Preferred (except that no
     commission will be paid with respect to any shares of 8% Preferred sold to
     the officers and directors of the Company).
(6)  With respect to the offering of Units and Shares, Other Organization and
     Offering Expenses represent certain expenses incurred in connection with
     the formation, qualification and registration of the Company and in
     marketing and distributing the Shares under applicable federal and state
     law, and any other expenses actually incurred and directly related to the
     offering and sale of the Units and Shares, except selling commissions.
     Such other expenses include (i) a financial advisory fee of one percent of
     the gross proceeds from this Offering payable to a consultant, Strategic
     Planning Consultants, Inc., (ii) a non-accountable expense allowance
     payable to the Sales Agent in an amount equal to one percent of the Gross
     Offering Proceeds, (iii) an expense reimbursement of up to one-half of one
     percent payable to the Sales Agent or Soliciting Dealers for bona fide due
     diligence expenses, and (iv) a wholesaling fee payable to an independent
     wholesaler of one-half of one percent.  See "The Offering."  Some of the
     expenses ($400,000) were previously paid by Funding Co. and are reflected
     on the books of the Company as a result of the merger.  See "The Offering"
     for a complete description of the fees and expense reimbursements payable
     to the Sales Agent and the Soliciting Dealers.  See "The Offering."
(7)  With respect to shares of the 8% Preferred, Other Organization and Offering
     Expenses represent certain expenses incurred in connection with the
     marketing and distribution of such shares under applicable federal and
     state law, and any other expenses actually incurred and directly related to
     the offering and sale of such shares, except selling commissions.  Such
     other expenses include (i) a financial advisory fee of one and one-half
     percent of the gross proceeds from the offering of the shares of 8%
     Preferred payable to a consultant, Strategic Planning Consultants, Inc.
     See "The Offering."
(8)  Includes prepaid interest, points, loan commitment fees and legal and other
     costs of acquisition.  All such items shall be capitalized.
    
(9)  In the event of a Maximum Combined Offering, the net proceeds derived
     therefrom will be used principally for acquisition of properties not yet
     identified.      
    
(10) Acquisition Fees is defined as the total of all fees and commissions paid
     by any person to any person, not affiliated with the Company, in connection
     with the selection, financing and purchase of any property by the Company
     or the Operating Partnership, whether designated as real estate
     commissions, acquisition fees, finders' fees, selection fees, non-recurring
     management fees, consulting fees or any other similar fees or commission
     howsoever designated and howsoever treated for tax or accounting purposes.
     None of such amounts are payable to any member of management or any
     affiliate of management.   Although it is assumed that all the foregoing
     fees will be paid by the sellers of Properties, sellers generally fix the
     selling price at a level sufficient to cover the cost of any Acquisition
     Fee so that, in effect, the Company, as purchaser, will bear such Fee as
     part of the purchase price.      

(11) The Acquisition Fees reflected are calculated as if the Company were to
     utilize the maximum amount of leverage (50%) that is permitted, assuming
     similar types of properties to the Properties were acquired under similar
     terms.  The amount of Acquisition Fees based on the Company's planned use
     of leverage as described under "Description of Properties" would be $66,000
     in the case of a Minimum Common 

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
     Offering (0.44%), $66,000 in a Minimum Combined Offering (0.39%), $499,000
     in the case of a Maximum Common Offering (1.43%), and $499,000 in a Maximum
     Combined Offering (1.00%). 
(12) In a Minimum Common Offering of $15,000,000, or in a Minimum Combined
     Offering of $17,006,400, approximately $11,700,000 will be used to fund the
     acquisition of four Properties which have a total purchase price of
     $14,200,000 utilizing mortgage financing of approximately $2,500,000.  See
     table in "Prospectus Summary -- Description of Properties" above for
     information about the order in which such Properties will be acquired.  In
     a Maximum Common Offering of $35,000,000, approximately $30,050,000 will be
     used to fund the acquisition of the first four Properties, supplemented by
     next closing the two commercial and retail Properties (Hewlett-Packard
     Building and Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building) for a combined
     purchase price of $43,100,000 utilizing an aggregate of approximately
     $8,500,000 of mortgage debt and partnership units valued at approximately
     $3,890,000.  The table below sets forth the combined proceeds of this
     Offering required to accomplish each of these purchases according to their
     proposed terms of acquisition.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Combined Offering
                                                                 Proceeds Required to  
              Property                 Purchase Price               Close Purchase              
              --------                 --------------               --------------
     <S>                               <C>                       <C>
     Sandpainter Apartments              $ 1,800,000                  
     Northwest Garden Apartments           6,950,000                  
     Orangewood Place Apartments           2,200,000                  
     Arrow Village Apartments              3,250,000                   $15,000,000  
     Westwood/Sportmart Building          12,900,000                    18,000,000  
     Hewlett-Packard Building             16,000,000                    26,000,000   
</TABLE>

                              DISTRIBUTION POLICY
    
     The Company intends to make regular quarterly Distributions commencing with
the first full calendar quarter after the Initial Closing.  While distributions
are made in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to qualify for taxation as
a REIT, the Company is generally required to make distributions to its
shareholders in an amount at least equal to (a) the sum of (i) 95% of the
Company's REIT Taxable Income and (ii) 95% of the net income, if any, from
foreclosure property in excess of the special tax on income from foreclosure
property minus (b) the sum of certain items of noncash income.  Such
distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the
following taxable year if declared before the Company timely files its federal
income tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular
distribution after such declaration.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations --
Annual Distribution Requirements."  The Company's ability to make distributions
will be substantially dependent on the receipt of distributions from the
Operating Partnership.  The Company intends to cause the Operating Partnership
to distribute to its partners the Operating Partnership's available cash which
available cash will be determined in the discretion of the Company as general
partner of the Operating Partnership.  Initially, the Operating Partnership's
principal source of revenue will be payments of rents from the tenants of the
Properties.  Each OP Unit outstanding is entitled to receive the same cash
Distribution as is made to each outstanding share of Common Stock.  Holders of
OP Units will be entitled to participate in distributions pro rata with holders
of the Common Stock.  Within 60 days of the end of each quarter in which
shareholders have been paid Distributions, the Company will send to shareholders
a statement identifying the source of such Distributions.      

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
    
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company reflecting
the pro forma combined capitalization of the Company and reflecting the
acquisitions of Properties as of March 31, 1996 after giving effect to the
completion of a Minimum Common Offering.      

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                  March 31, 1996
                                           ----------------------------
                                                           Pro Forma
                                                            Minimum
                                           Historical        Common
                                           -----------   --------------

<S>                                        <C>           <C>
DEBT:
  Mortgage notes payable................     $      -    $   2,500,000
                                             --------    -------------
MINORITY INTEREST.......................            -                -
                                                         -------------
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common Stock(1).......................        2,747           24,176
  8% Convertible Preferred Stock(2).....            -                -
  1995 Convertible Preferred Stock(2)...       10,210           10,210
  Additional paid-in capital............      420,155       13,373,732
  Accumulated earnings (deficit)........      (64,795)         (64,795)
                                             --------    -------------
         Total stockholders' equity.....      368,317       13,343,323
                                             --------    -------------
Total capitalization....................     $368,317    $15,843,323(3)
                                             ========    =============
</TABLE>      

- ---------------
(1)  Reflects sale of Units and Shares offered hereby.  Assumes none of the Unit
     price was allocated to the Series "A" Warrants.
(2)  At the Final Closing of this Offering, the Company expects to have two
     series of preferred stock outstanding: 8% Convertible Preferred Stock and
     1995 Convertible Preferred Stock.  The 8% Convertible Preferred Stock is
     being offered to institutional and other accredited investors concurrently
     with this Offering.  Up to 1,136,364 shares of 8% Convertible Preferred
     Stock are being offered at $13.20 per share ($15,000,004 in the aggregate).
     The shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock are held primarily by
     members of management. See "Principal Shareholders" and "Description of
     Securities-- 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock."
(3)  Assumes that no Series "A" Warrants, Series "D" Warrants or Series "E"
     Warrants are exercised, nor the 10% Convertible Notes are converted (See
     "Description of Securities -- 10% Convertible Notes due October 1, 1996,"
     "--10% Convertible Notes due October 1, 1996, Series B," "-- Series "A"
     Warrants, "-- Series "D" Warrants" and "-- Series "E" Warrants").

                                    DILUTION
    
     As of March 31, 1996 on a pro forma combined basis the net tangible
deficiency of the Company was $(717,065) or $(2.61) per share of Common Stock.
After giving effect to the completion of a Minimum Common Offering, a Maximum
Common Offering and receipt and application of the net proceeds therefrom (after
deducting underwriting commissions and discounts and estimated offering
expenses), the adjusted pro forma tangible assets of the Company as of March 31,
1996 would have exceeded its total pro forma liabilities by $13,273,369 ($5.49
per Share) for a Minimum Common Offering and $30,420,029 ($5.77 per Share) for a
Maximum Common Offering representing an immediate increase in net tangible book
value of $8.10 per Share for a Minimum Common Offering and $8.38 per Share for a
Maximum Common Offering to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of
$1.51 per Share for a Minimum Common Offering and $1.23 per Share for a Maximum
Common Offering to new investors purchasing shares in the Offering.  Pro forma
net tangible book value per share represents the amount of the Company's total
pro forma tangible assets less its total      

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
    
pro forma liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding. The following table illustrates this per share dilution that would
have occurred if the offering had been consummated as of March 31, 1996:      

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Minimum     Maximum
                                                                                  Common      Common
                                                                                 Offering    Offering
                                                                                 ---------   ---------
<S>                                                                              <C>         <C>
 
Initial public offering price per Share.......................................    $7.00(1)    $7.00(1)
                                                                                  -------     -------
Pro forma net tangible book value per Share before the Offering...............      (2.61)      (2.61)
Increase in net tangible book value per Share attributable to price paid by
 new investors in the Offering................................................       8.10        8.38
                                                                                  -------     -------
Pro forma net tangible book value per Share after Offering(1).................       5.49        5.77
                                                                                  -------     -------
 
Dilution in net tangible book value per Share to new investors
 in the Offering(2)...........................................................    $  1.51     $  1.23
                                                                                  =======     =======
</TABLE>      

- ---------------
(1)  Assumes no value assigned to the Series "A" Warrants which are part of the
     Units.  If all Series "A" Warrants were exercised, new investors would
     experience dilution in net tangible book value per share of $1.05 for a
     Minimum Common Offering and $0.75 for a Maximum Common Offering.
    
     The following tables set forth as of March 31, 1996, with respect to the
existing Shareholders and the new investors, a comparison of the number and
percentage of Shares purchased and cash or other consideration paid and the
average price per share.  The calculations are based on the public offering
price of $7.00 per Share, before deduction of underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. Further, it
assumes no separate value is assigned to the Series "A" Warrants which are part
of the Units.     

                            Minimum Common Offering
                            -----------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Shares Purchased       Total Consideration     Average Price per Share
                             --------------------   -----------------------   -----------------------
                              Number     Percent       Number      Percent
                             ---------   --------   ------------   --------
<S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>
Existing Shareholders          274,714        11%    $   464,795         3%              $1.69
  Shares outstanding(1)                                                               
                                                                                      
New Investors                2,142,858        89%     15,000,006        97%               7.00
                             ---------       ---     -----------       ---               -----
Total                        2,417,572       100%    $15,464,801       100%              $6.40
                             =========       ===     ===========       ===               =====
</TABLE>
                            Maximum Common Offering
                            -----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                               Shares Purchased       Total Consideration     Average Price per Share
                             --------------------   -----------------------   -----------------------
                              Number     Percent       Number      Percent
                             ---------   --------   ------------   --------
<S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>
Existing Shareholders          274,714         5%    $   464,795         1%              $1.69
   Shares outstanding(1)                                                                 
New Investors                5,000,000        95%     35,000,000        99%               7.00
                             ---------       ---     -----------       ---               -----
Total                        5,274,714       100%    $35,464,795       100%              $6.72
                             =========       ===     ===========       ===               =====
</TABLE>

- ---------------
    
(1)  Includes shares outstanding as of March 31, 1996.      

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
    
     The foregoing table does not give effect to the possible exercise of
warrants outstanding at March 31, 1996 to purchase an aggregate of 535,633
shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.64 per share
nor does the table give effect to the possible exercise of convertible notes
payable as of March 31, 1996 into 57,507 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $4.50.  If all such warrants were exercised in full and notes converted
in full, the percentage of the total consideration paid by existing shareholders
and new investors would be 15% and 85% in a Minimum Common Offering, and seven
percent and 93% in a Maximum Common Offering, respectively, and the average
price per Share paid by existing shareholders and new investors would be $2.74
and $7.00 in a Minimum Common Offering and $2.74 and $7.00 in a Maximum Common
Offering, respectively.      

                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    
     The following table sets forth selected financial information on a pro
forma basis for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 1996  and year
ended December 31, 1995 and on an historical basis for the Prior Ownership Group
("POG") for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the
years in the three year period ended December 31, 1995.  The combined historical
operating data of POG for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 have
been derived from the historical combined financial statements audited by BDO
Seidman, LLP, independent accountants, whose report with respect thereto is
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.      
    
     "Funds from Operations" as defined by the National Association of Real
Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") equals net income or (loss) excluding gains
or (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus depreciation and
amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint
ventures.  Management considers Funds from Operations to be an appropriate
measure of the performance of an equity REIT.  Note, however, that the "Funds
from Operations" measure presented by the Company may not be comparable to other
similarly titled measures used by other REITs.  Funds from Operations should not
be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles) as an indication of the Company's
financial performance or to cash flows from operating activities (determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as a measure of
liquidity.      
    
     The pro forma financial information is presented as if (i) the Company had
owned the Properties at the beginning of the pro forma periods; (ii) the Company
qualified as a REIT, distributed all of its taxable income and, therefore
incurred no tax expense during the year, (iii) 5,000,000 (2,142,858 in a Minimum
Common Offering) shares of Common Stock were sold in the Offerings at the
initial public offering price of $7.00 per share; (iv) 1,136,364 shares of 8%
Convertible Preferred were sold in the Maximum Combined Offering at the offering
price of $13.20 per share; and (v) the net proceeds of the Minimum Common
Offering and the Maximum Common Offering and the Maximum Combined Offering were
applied as described in the "Estimated Use of Proceeds" as of the beginning of
the periods presented for the operating data and as of March 31, 1996 for the
balance sheet data.      

     The following selected financial information should be read in conjunction
with the discussion set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and all of the financial
statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The pro forma financial
information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual financial position
and results of operations of the Company would have been as of and for the
periods indicated, nor does it purport to represent the future financial
position and results of operations for future periods.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Company                                    POG
                                                                Pro Forma                               Historical(1)
                                                                ---------                             -------------------
                                                                  1995                            1995        1994        1993
                                              ----------------------------------------------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                                                         (In thousands except per share)
                                               Minimum     Minimum      Maximum     Maximum
                                               Common      Combined     Common     Combined
                                              Offering     Offering    Offering    Offering
                                              ---------   ----------   ---------   ---------

<S>                                           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING DATA:
 Rental Revenues...........................   $  2,478     $  2,478    $  6,164    $  6,164    $ 3,686    $ 3,633    $ 3,547
 
 Income (loss) from
  continuing operations....................         79          273       1,180       1,731        (43)      (176)       (74)
 Net income (loss).........................         79          273       1,124       1,676        (43)      (176)       (74)
 Dividends on preferred shares.............          -          161           -       1,200          -          -          -
 Net income (loss attributable
  to common shares.........................         79          112       1,124         476        (43)      (176)       (74)
 Net income (loss) per
  common share(2)..........................       0.02         0.03        0.17        0.07          -          -
 Average number of shares
  outstanding..............................      3,753        3,753       6,609       6,609          -          -          -
    Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges and preferred
  dividends(4).............................       1.41         1.70        3.04        1.40          -          -          -
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Real estate after
  accumulated depreciation.................     14,320       14,320      41,783      41,783     23,456     24,458     25,462
 Total assets..............................     16,341       15,711      42,967      48,305     23,985     24,912     26,081
 Total debt................................      2,500            -       8,462           -     19,514     19,906     20,242
 Stockholders'/partners equity.............     13,343       15,213      31,623      45,423      4,043      4,701      5,489
 
OTHER DATA:
 Pro forma Funds from Operations(3):
 Income (loss) before minority
  interest.................................         79          273       1,180       1,731        (43)      (176)       (74)
 Depreciation..............................        534          534       1,565       1,565      1,068      1,068        947
 Minority interest share...................          -            -         (55)        (55)         -          -          -
                                              --------     --------    --------    --------    -------    -------    -------
 Pro forma Funds from Operations...........        613          807       2,690       3,241      1,025        892        873
 
 Cash flows from operating activities......        862        1,055       3,117       3,668      1,148        900        705
 Cash flows from investing activities(5)...    (12,224)     (12,224)    (23,346)    (23,346)
 Cash flows from financing activities(6)...     12,529       12,770      23,700      27,979     (1,007)      (948)       947
 At end of period:
  Commercial Properties....................          -            -           2           2          2          2          2
  Apartment Properties.....................          4            4           4           4          -          -          -
</TABLE>     

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Three Months Ended March 31,
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Company                                 POG
                                                               Pro Forma                            Historical(1)
                                                               ----------                           -------------
                                                                  1996                            1996         1995
                                              ---------------------------------------------     ---------   ----------
                                                                 (In thousands except per share)
                                               Minimum     Minimum      Maximum     Maximum
                                               Common      Combined     Common     Combined
                                              Offering     Offering    Offering    Offering
                                              ---------   ----------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING DATA:
 Rental Revenues...........................    $   655      $   655     $ 1,588     $ 1,588       $   903      $ 908
                                               =======      =======     =======     =======       =======      ===== 
 Income (loss) from
  continuing operations....................         88          136         305         481           (29)       (14)
 Net income (loss).........................         88          136         302         479           (29)       (14)
 Dividends on preferred shares.............          -          161           -         300             -          -
 Net income (loss attributable
  to common shares.........................         88           96         302         179           (29)       (14)
 Net income (loss) per
  common share(2)..........................       0.02         0.03        0.05        0.03             -          -
 Average number of shares
  outstanding..............................      3,753        3,753       6,609       6,609             -          -
    Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges and preferred
  dividends(4).............................       2.83         3.40        2.72        1.60             -          -
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Real estate after
  accumulated depreciation.................     14,320       14,320      41,728      41,728        23,205          -
 Total assets..............................     16,587       15,957      43,157      48,495        23,729          -
 Total debt................................      2,500            -       8,462           -        19,416          -
 Stockholders'/partners equity.............     13,343       15,213      30,490      44,290         3,920          -
 
OTHER DATA:
 Pro forma Funds from Operations(3):
 Income (loss) before minority
  interest.................................         88          136         305         481           (29)       (14)
 Depreciation..............................        133          133         391         391           267        267
 Minority interest share...................          -            -          (3)         (3)            -          -
                                               -------      -------     -------     -------       -------      -----
 Pro forma Funds from Operations...........        221          269         693         869           238        253
 
 Cash flows from operating activities......        159          207         578         755           182        341
 Cash flows from investing activities(5)...        (26)         (26)        (26)        (26)
 Cash flows from financing activities(6)...        (11)        (164)        (39)       (304)         (192)      (270)
 At end of period:
  Commercial Properties....................          -            -           2           2             2          2
  Apartment Properties.....................          4            4           4           4             -          -
</TABLE>     

- ---------------
(1)  Reflects the Company's income (loss) before minority interest of the Prior
     Ownership Group's predecessors.
    
(2)  Assumes 3,752,822 (Minimum Offerings) and 6,609,964 (Maximum Offerings)
     weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding including the
     dilutive effect of 463,133 Series "D" Warrants and 72,500 Series "E"
     Warrants plus the dilutive effects of the 1995 Preferred Convertible shares
     and the 10% Convertible Notes.  Net income (loss) per common share also
     assumes that annual preferred dividends of $161,000 (Minimum Combined
     Offering) and $1,200,000 (Maximum Combined Offering) will be paid.     

(3)  "Funds from Operations" as defined by the National Association of Real
     Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") equals net income or (loss) excluding
     gains or (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus
     depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated
     partnerships and 

                                       32
<PAGE>
     
     joint ventures. Management considers Funds from Operations to be an
     appropriate measure of the performance of an equity REIT. Note, however,
     that the "Funds from Operations" measure presented by the Company may not
     be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other REITs. Funds
     from Operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income
     (determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as
     an indication of the Company's financial performance or to cash flows from
     operating activities (determined in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting principles) as a measure of liquidity.     
(4)  For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
     and preferred dividends, "earnings" consist of earnings before income
     taxes, extraordinary items and fixed charges.  "Fixed charges and preferred
     dividends" consist of interest on all indebtedness and preferred dividends.
     Earnings on the POG properties were insufficient to cover fixed charges and
     preferred dividends by $43,000, $176,000 and $74,000 for the years ended
     December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
(5)  Represents historical improvements and additions to properties which are
     assumed to equal estimated improvements and acquisitions of the Properties
     in the amounts of $11,820,000 (Minimum Offerings) and $22,938,139 (Maximum
     Offerings).
(6)  Includes (i) net proceeds from the Offerings of $12,975,006 (Minimum Common
     Offering), $14,845,006 (Minimum Combined Offering), $31,255,000 (Maximum
     Common Offering) and $45,055,004 (Maximum Combined Offering), (ii)
     repayment of mortgage notes from proceeds of the Offerings of $2,500,000
     (Minimum Combined Offering), $8,000,000 (Maximum Common Offering) and
     $16,461,861 (Maximum Combined Offering) and (iii) dividends on preferred
     stock of $160,512 (Minimum Combined Offering) and $1,200,000 (Maximum
     Combined Offering).

           MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the "Selected
Financial Information" as well as the financial statements listed in the index
on page F-1.  The minimum offerings include the following Properties, referred
to as the Proposed Acquisitions:  The Arrow Village Apartments, Azusa,
California, the Northwest Garden Apartments, Peoria, Arizona, the Orangewood
Place Apartments, Phoenix, Arizona, and the Sandpainter Apartments, Phoenix,
Arizona.  The Maximum Common Offering and the Maximum Combined Offering include
the Proposed Acquisitions, as well as the following properties referred to as
the Prior Ownership Group ("POG"):  the Hewlett-Packard Building, Van Nuys,
California, and the Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building, Los Angeles,
California.
    
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS     
    
     Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 to 1995     
    
     For the three months ended March 31, 1996, revenues in excess of excess of
expenses were $383,969 compared to $197,590 for the prior period.  The change
results from the following factors:  an increase in rental revenues of $108,487,
a decrease in operating expenses of $81,910 and an increase in management fees
of $4,018.     
    
     Rental revenues increased in 1995 by $108,487 (20%) primarily attributable
to an increase in rental revenues of $45,952 from the Arrow Village Apartments
due to the completion of the renovation of the property in May 1995.  In
addition, rental revenues increased by $31,667 from Northwest Garden Apartments
and by $30,868 from the other two properties.  These increases are due primarily
to increases in average rents.     
    
     Property operating expenses decreased by $81,910 (33%).  The decrease was
primarily attributable to a decrease of $93,867 at Arrow Village Apartments
after the renovation.  The remaining three properties' operating expenses were
relatively the same in both periods.     

                                       33
<PAGE>
     
     Management Fees increased by $4,018 (17%), principally due to the increases
in rental revenues described above.  Property management fees are a function of
the revenue generated by the property.     
    
     Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 1995 to 1994     

     For the year ended December 31, 1995, revenues in excess of expenses were
$1,178,899 compared to $854,190 for the prior year.  The change results from the
following factors:  an increase in rental revenues of $587,396 offset by
increases in operating expenses of $233,252 and management fees of $29,435.

     Rental revenues increased in 1995 by $587,396 (33%) primarily attributable
to an increase in rental revenues of $416,818 from the Arrow Village Apartments
due to the completion of the renovation of the property in May 1995.  In
addition, rental revenues increased by $129,338 from Northwest Garden Apartments
and by $41,240 from the other two properties.  These increases are due primarily
to increases in average rents.

     Property operating expenses increased by $233,252 (27%).  The increase was
primarily attributable to an increase of $244,050 incurred by Arrow Village
Apartments after the renovation.  The remaining three properties' operating
expenses were relatively the same in both periods.

     Management fees increased by $29,435 (40%), principally due to the
increases in rental revenues described above.  Property management fees are a
function of the revenue generated by the property.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP
    
     Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 to 1995     
    
     For the three months ended March 31, 1996, the net loss amounted to $29,492
compared to a net loss of $14,198 for the three months ended March 31, 1995.
The changes results primarily from the following factors:  decrease in rental
revenues of $4,762, a decrease in property operating expenses of $7,513, and an
increase in interest expense of $18,044.  As can be derived from these changes,
the operations of the Prior Ownership Group were static between the two periods
with the only significant change occurring in interest expense due to the
increase in interest rates for variable rate debt.     

     Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 1995 to 1994
    
     For the year ended December 31, 1995, the net loss amounted to $43,417
compared to a net loss of $176,503 for the year ended December 31, 1994.  The
change results primarily from the following factors:  an increase in rental
revenues of $52,694, a decrease in property operating expense of $133,700, and
an increase in interest expense of $53,508.     

     Rental revenues increased in 1995 by $52,694 or one percent.  The increase
was primarily attributable to the effect of minor increases during 1995 in the
rents allowable under lease agreements currently in effect for several tenants
of the Hewlett-Packard Building.
    
     Property operating expenses (including management fees and depreciation and
amortization) decreased $133,700 or 12% in 1995 as compared to 1994.  The
decrease was primarily a result of a reduction of repair expenses associated
with the 1994 Los Angeles earthquake of $82,040, a decrease in property taxes of
$35,968 caused by a reassessment of the Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart
Building, and decreases in other operating expenses aggregating $14,784
consisting primarily of workers compensation insurance, cleaning contract,
security services and payroll taxes.     

     Interest expense increased by $53,508 or three percent in 1995 as a result
of the increase in interest rates for the variable rate debt which was partially
offset by lower average outstanding debt during the period compared to the prior
year.

     Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 1994 to 1993

     For the year ended December 31, 1994 the net loss amounted to $176,303
compared to a net loss of $74,328 for the year ended December 31, 1993.  The
change results primarily from the following factors:  an 

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
increase in rental revenues of $86,193, an increase in property operating
expenses of $145,469 and an increase in interest expense of $42,699.

     Rental revenues increased in 1994 by $86,193 or two percent.  The increase
was primarily attributable to the effect of a 4% increase in average occupancy
of the Hewlett-Packard Building during the period as compared to the same period
of the prior year.

     Property operating expenses increased $145,469 or seven percent in 1994 as
compared to 1993.  The property operating expense increase is primarily due to a
$31,250 decrease in management fees, caused by the two commercial buildings
changing management companies during 1994, and a $25,991 decrease in other
property operating expenses, primarily maintenance expenses which has been
offset by $82,040 in repair expenses made during 1994 necessitated by the Los
Angeles earthquake.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $120,670
primarily due to the amortization of tenant improvements and leasing commissions
associated with the increased occupancy in the Hewlett-Packard Building.

     Interest expense increased by $42,699 or two percent as a result of the
increase in interest rates for variable rate debt which was partially offset by
lower average outstanding debt during the period compared to the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    
     MINIMUM OFFERINGS.  If the Minimum Common Offering is completed, the
Company expects to acquire the Proposed Acquisition properties for an
approximate purchase price of $14.3 million, which will include mortgage debt of
approximately $2.5 million, and have cash and cash equivalents remaining of
approximately $2,197,000.  In the case of a Minimum Combined Offering, the
Company expects to acquire the Proposed Acquisition Properties without any
mortgage debt and have cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,547,000.
Mortgage debt, upon completion of the Minimum Common Offering and related
transactions, will consist of:     

     .    $2.5 million mortgage bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7.875% per
          annum. The loan from the Federal National Mortgage Association
          ("FannyMae") was closed in April 1996 and has monthly installments
          based on a 25-year amortization of $18,706 through April 2003, at
          which time all outstanding principal and interest would be due. The
          mortgage is secured by the Arrow Village Apartments.
    
     Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 to 1995     
    
     Historical cash flows from operations on the Proposed Acquisition
properties increased from $69,739 for the three months ended March 31, 1995 to
$139,323 for the three months ended March 31, 1996.  The increase is principally
due to increases in average rents, increases in occupancy rates at Arrow Village
Apartments and decreases in operating expenses at Arrow Village Apartments.     
    
     Historical cash flows used in investing activities were $154,436 for the
three months ended March 31, 1995 and $28,223 for the three months ended March
31, 1996.  The decrease in outflow is principally due to the completion of the
renovation of Arrow Village Apartments which occurred during the period from
September 1994 through May 1995.     
    
     Historical cash flows used in financing activities were $91,050 for the
three months ended March 31, 1995 while cash flows used in financing activities
were $126,100 for the three months ended March 31, 1996.  The principal
differences between the two years are an increase in distributions of $86,600
during 1995, and a decrease in mortgage proceeds on Arrow Village Apartments of
$139,500 during 1996.     
    
     Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 1995 to 1994     

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
     Historical cash flows from operations on the Proposed Acquisition
properties increased from $394,573 for the year ended December 31, 1994 to
$543,183 for the year ended December 31, 1995.  The increase is principally due
to increases in average rents.

     Historical cash flows used in investing activities were $246,140 for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and $301,642 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
These outflows are principally due to the renovation of Arrow Village Apartments
which occurred during the period from September 1994 through May 1995.

     Historical cash flows used in financing activities decreased from $355,341
for the year ended December 31, 1994 to $277,664 for the year ended December 31,
1995.  The principal differences between the two years are an increase in
distributions of $209,803 during 1995, mortgage proceeds on Arrow Village
Apartments of $200,000 during 1995.
    
     MAXIMUM OFFERINGS.  Upon the completion of the Maximum Common Offering and
related transactions and use of proceeds, the Company expects to have acquired
the Proposed Acquisition properties and the POG properties for an approximate
purchase price of $43.1 million which will include mortgage debt of
approximately $8.5 million, and have cash and cash equivalents remaining of
approximately $1,359,000.  Mortgage debt, upon the completion of the Maximum
Common Offering and related transactions, will consist of:     
    
     .    $5.96 million mortgage bearing interest at 2.5% above the Federal Home
          Loan Bank's 11th District Cost of Funds (7.73% at March 31, 1996).
          Principal and interest is payable monthly in installments necessary to
          fully amortize the then outstanding principal balance at the current
          interest rate by February 28, 2022. The mortgage, currently held by
          Topa Savings Bank, Los Angeles, California, is secured by the Westwood
          Self-Storage/Sportmart Building.     

     .    $2.5 million mortgage bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7.875% per
          annum.  The loan from the Federal National Mortgage Association
          ("FannyMae") was closed in April 1996 and has monthly installments
          based on a 25-year amortization of $18,706 through April 2003, at
          which time all outstanding principal and interest would be due.  The
          mortgage is secured by the Arrow Village Apartments.

     If the Maximum Combined Offering is completed, the Company expects to
acquire real estate properties for an approximate purchase price of $43.1
million.  The mortgage debt, if any, will be adjusted by management as
considered advantageous to the Company.  As a result, there may be no
indebtedness or as much as 50% indebtedness as shown in "Estimated Use of
Proceeds."
    
     Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 1996 to 1995     
    
     Cash flows from operations on the POG properties decreased by $158,271
between the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996.  This decrease in cash
flows from operations is primarily due to the $124,261 decrease in cash flows
from changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.     
    
     Cash flows used in financing activities of the POG properties were $269,734
and $191,647 for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996.  Net cash used
in financing activities consisted of reductions of the mortgages on both of the
POG properties totaling $99,621 and $98,168 during 1995 and 1996 and
distributions to the owner of the Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building of
$170,113 and $93,479 during 1995 and 1996.     
    
     Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 1995 to 1994 and 1993     

     Cash flows from operations on the POG properties increased each year
between 1993 and 1995, starting at $705,273 during 1993, and increasing to
$900,264 during 1994 and $1,147,669 during 1995.  This increase in cash flows
from operations is due to the increase in revenues from the Hewlett-Packard
Building due to it becoming fully occupied during 1993, the increase in other
assets during 1993 due to the payment of lease commissions in association with
the lease-up of the Hewlett-Packard Building and the continued reduction of

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
property operating expenses, except for earthquake repair related expenses of
$82,040 during 1994, secured by the owner of the POG properties.

     Cash used in investing activities was $1,559,647 for the year ended
December 31, 1993, but there was essentially no activity for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995.  The large investing outflows in 1993 were for
tenant improvements incurred during the lease-up of the Hewlett-Packard Building
during 1993.

     Cash flows from financing activities of the POG properties were inflows
during 1993 of $946,840, while during 1994 and 1995 total outflows were $947,621
and $1,006,576.  Cash flows from financing activities during 1993 were due to
increases in the mortgage balance of the Hewlett-Packard Building of
approximately $1,197,000 to finance tenant improvements and lease commissions
paid, as described above, which was partially offset by distributions to the
owner and the reduction of the mortgage of the Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart
Building.  Net cash used in financing activities of $947,621 and $1,006,576
during 1994 and 1995 consisted of reductions of the mortgages on both of the POG
properties totaling $336,378 and $391,934 during 1994 and 1995 and distributions
to the owner of the Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building of $611,243 and
$614,642 during 1994 and 1995.

     The Company anticipates that distributions will be paid from net cash
available for distribution, which is expected to exceed net income.  The Company
intends to pay distributions quarterly. The Company is required to distribute at
least 95% of its REIT Taxable Income annually.  A portion of the distributions
will represent a return of capital.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations --
Requirements for Qualification -- Annual Distribution Requirements."  Amounts
accumulated for distribution will be invested by the Company primarily in short-
term investments.

     Based on the current condition of the Properties proposed to be acquired by
the Company, no material capital commitments, such as renovations or planned
improvements, have been identified by the Company.

     The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements generally
through its initial working capital and net cash provided by operations.  The
Company believes that the above short-term liquidity sources will be adequate to
satisfy the cash requirements of the Company for the 12 months following the
completion of the Offering.

     The Company expects to meet certain long-term liquidity requirements, such
as scheduled debt maturities, primarily through net cash flow and the
refinancing of certain long-term debt.

INFLATION

     In the last three years, inflation has not had a significant impact on the
Properties because of the relatively low inflation rate.  Generally, the
residential properties have been able to pass on increases in costs and
operating expenses resulting from inflation to their residents, who generally
lease apartment units for initial periods of one year or less, generally with
increases upon renewal.

     Substantially all of the commercial tenants' leases contain provisions
designed to protect the property from the effects of inflation.  Such provisions
include clauses enabling the property to receive percentage rentals based on
tenants' gross sales, which generally increase as prices rise, and/or escalation
clauses, which generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases.
Such escalation clauses are often related to increases in the consumer price
index.  In addition, many of the leases are for terms less than ten years which
may enable the property to replace existing leases with new leases at higher
base and/or percentage rentals if rents of the existing leases are below the
then existing market rate.  Most of the commercial leases also require the
tenants to pay either their pro rata share of operating expenses or their pro
rata share of the excess operating expenses over predetermined fixed cost levels
or base year costs.  Such operating costs include common area maintenance, real
estate taxes and insurance, thereby reducing the property's exposure to
increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
                             CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     Arthur P. Herring, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman of
the Board of Directors of the Company, has been engaged in the acquisition,
financing and management of real estate properties for the last 24 years through
various corporate and private entities.  The only real estate project in which
Mr. Herring is currently involved is a mobile home park in Pacifica, California,
of which he is a general partner.  To the extent Mr. Herring is required to
devote time to such project, a conflict of interest may arise as to the time
necessary to manage the affairs of the Company.

     In the future, neither Mr. Herring nor any of the principal officers of the
Company may acquire an interest in properties or develop or manage properties
which meet the investment parameters of the Company without the consent of the
Board of Directors of the Company.  Any consent of the Board of Directors
required in order to permit such transactions would require the approval of the
Board of Directors excluding those directors proposed to be engaged in such
transactions, but including a majority of the Independent Directors.

     The vote of a majority of the Independent Directors, as well as the vote of
a majority of the Board of Directors, will be required for the approval of all
actions taken by the Board (regardless of whether such actions involve
conflict); members of the Board having conflicting interests will be required to
dispose of such interests or refrain from participating in any decisions
regarding such interests.

     The Company intends to closely control its costs by contracting for certain
services where feasible and desirable.  At the time of the acquisition of the
Initial Properties, all of such Properties will continue to be managed by the
professionals which were managing the Properties prior to acquisition.  However,
in the future, where the Company determines it is desirable to contract for
other outside property management services or make changes therein, it will
consider retaining T.K.L. Partnership, a property management Company, so long as
their services are competitive in cost and quality with services available from
wholly unrelated entities.  Kelly Loegering and Thomas J. Loegering, Jr. are
beneficiaries of Regent IV Trust which is one of the principal shareholders of
the Company (see "Principal Shareholders"), and co-owners of T.K.L. Partnership.

                                   MANAGEMENT

     The Company will operate under the direction of the Board, the members of
which are accountable to the Company and its shareholders as fiduciaries.  The
Board will be responsible for the management and control of the affairs of the
Company; however, the executive officers of the Company will manage the
Company's day-to-day affairs and the acquisition and disposition of investments,
subject to the Board's supervision.  The Company currently has five directors;
it must have at least three and may have no more than nine directors.  As a
matter of policy, the Company will maintain a majority of the Board who are
Independent Directors; that is, persons who are not employed by or otherwise
affiliated with the Company prior to becoming directors.  A majority of such
Independent Directors must approve all decisions of the Board of Directors.  The
Board is divided into three classes serving staggered three year terms.  See
"Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and the Company's Charter and By-Laws --
Classification of the Board of Directors."

     Any director may resign at any time and may be removed with or without
cause by the shareholders upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the
votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors at a special meeting
called for the purpose of such proposed removal.  The notice of such meeting
shall indicate that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of such meeting is to
determine if a director shall be removed.  A vacancy created by death,
resignation or removal of a director may be filled by a vote of a majority of
the remaining directors.  Each director will be bound by the Company's Charter
and By-Laws.

     The directors are not required to devote all of their time to the Company
and are only required to devote such of their time to the affairs of the Company
as their duties require.  The directors will meet quarterly or more 

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
frequently if necessary. It is not expected that the directors will be required
to devote a substantial portion of their time to discharge their duties as
directors. Consequently, in the exercise of their fiduciary responsibilities,
the directors will be relying heavily on the executive officers of the Company.
The Board is empowered to fix the compensation of all officers that it selects
and may pay directors such compensation for special services performed by them
as it deems reasonable. Initially, the Company does not intend to pay to
Independent Directors any fee; however, such fee may be instituted in the
future. The Company will not pay any director compensation to the officers of
the Company who also serve as directors.

     The general investment and borrowing policies of the Company are set forth
in this Prospectus.  The directors shall establish further written policies on
investments and borrowings and shall monitor the administrative procedures,
investment operations and performance of the Company to assure that such
policies are in the best interest of the shareholders and are fulfilled.  Until
modified by the directors, the Company shall follow the policies on investments
and borrowings set forth in this Prospectus.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

     The executive officers and directors of the company are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                      Age    Position                                        Term Expires  
- ----                      ---    --------                                        ------------  
                                                                                               
<S>                       <C>   <C>                                              <C>           
Arthur P. Herring          53   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive               1996      
                                Officer and Chief Financial Officer                                        
                                                                               
Dois Brock                 46   Director, President, Controller and Secretary        1997      
                                                                               
Gerald S. Weisstein        56   Director                                             1998      
                                                                               
Charles B. Allen           55   Director                                             1998      
                                                                               
Mark Ross                  41   Director                                             1997       
                                                                               
Jacob Segal                48   Vice President - Portfolio Administration      
</TABLE>

     The following is a biographical summary of the experience of the directors
and executive officers of the Company.

     ARTHUR P. HERRING - 53, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  Mr. Herring joined the Company at its
inception in 1994.  Since 1985, Mr. Herring has been the Managing General
Partner of The L&H Group of Companies, a real estate operating and investment
company.  From 1983 to 1984, Mr. Herring was a founding officer, executive vice
president, chief lending officer and a member of the board of directors of
Olympic National Bank, Los Angeles, California.  From 1976 to 1983, Mr. Herring
was a senior vice president and senior loan and credit officer for Republic
Bank, Torrance, California.  He was vice president, commercial lending, of Union
Bank, Los Angeles, California, from 1969 to 1976.  Mr. Herring received his
bachelor's degree from Boston College and a master's degree in Business
Administration from the University of Southern California.

     DOIS BROCK - 46, President, Controller and Secretary of the Company.  Mr.
Brock joined the Company at its inception in 1994.  From March 1989 to the
present, Mr. Brock has been self-employed as a financial consultant doing
business as Realtech, Seattle, Washington.  Prior to that, Mr. Brock was senior
vice president of Bel-Air Savings and Loan Association, Los Angeles, California,
from 1985 to 1989.  From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Brock was president of Olympic
National Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of Olympic National Bancorp, Los
Angeles, California.  From 1981 to 1983, Mr. Brock was the sole proprietor of
Pacific Bank Services, a consulting firm in Costa Mesa, California.  From 1978
to 1981, Mr. Brock was vice president and a principal of Western Associated
Lending Services, Santa Ana, California.  Mr. Brock is a licensed real estate
salesperson in the States of California and Washington and a licensed general
contractor.  He also has been a member of the Federal Home Loan 

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
Mortgage Corporation Advisory Board. He has lectured extensively in the area of
zoning and land use. Mr. Brock received a B.S. degree in Business from
California State University at Long Beach in 1974.

     GERALD S. WEISSTEIN - 56.  Mr. Weisstein became a director of the Company
in 1994.  Since 1993, Mr. Weisstein has been a principal of Center Financial
Advisors.  In 1990 Mr. Weisstein founded W. S. Weisstein & Associates, a firm in
Los Angeles engaged in investment banking and financial and real estate
consulting activities.  Prior to that, from 1985 to 1990, Mr. Weisstein was
President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Bank of Los Angeles and
its parent holding corporation, BKLA BANCORP.  From 1982 to 1985, Mr. Weisstein
was President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Olympic National Bank,
Los Angeles, California.  Prior to that for more than ten years Mr. Weisstein
served in various Vice Presidential capacities with several banks, including
Imperial Bank, Union Bank and Security Pacific National Bank in Los Angeles,
California.  Mr. Weisstein has been a member of the board of directors of the
Los Angeles Business Council since 1976 and was the chairman in 1985.  Mr.
Weisstein is active in numerous charitable and philanthropic activities and has
received several honors, including Man of the Year for the San Fernando Valley
Boys and Girls Club and the Spirit of Life Award from the City of Hope.  Mr.
Weisstein has been a member of the United Jewish Welfare Fund, a director of the
Institute of Cancer and Blood Research, a director of St. Vincent Foundation of
St. Vincent's Hospital of Los Angeles and a member of the Chancellors Associates
of the University of California at Los Angeles.  Mr. Weisstein received a B.S.
degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1962, attended graduate
school at Dartmouth College and received a law degree from Southwestern School
of Law in 1970.  Mr. Weisstein has lectured extensively in the area of banking
regulation and financing.

     CHARLES B. ALLEN - 55.  Mr. Allen became a director of the Company in 1995.
Mr. Allen is the President of Monterey Consulting Associates, Inc., Watsonville,
California, which he founded in 1993.  This company is engaged in the
development of the Science, Technology, Education and Policy Center at Fort Ord,
California.  The company works as Governmental Relations, Economic and Business
Development liaison with the California State Legislature and county and local
government agencies for the University of California, Santa Cruz.  Since 1982,
Mr. Allen has also been the President of both Heritage Development Corporation
and Landmark Estate Company, Inc., Watsonville, California.  As president of
both companies, he has served several state and local government agencies by
negotiating and coordinating major agency land acquisition projects.  He also
directed the land development activities for five major private land development
projects within the Monterey Bay region of California and provided general real
estate brokerage and property management for clients within Monterey and Santa
Cruz Counties.  Mr. Allen has been heavily involved in community and charitable
activities in the Monterey Bay area.  Mr. Allen received his bachelor's degree
from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, California, and
an associate of arts from Hartnell College, Salinas, California.

     MARK ROSS - 41.  Mr. Ross became a director of the Company in 1995.  Since
1989, Mr. Ross has been President of Auerbach Financial Equities, Inc. and
Auerbach Financial, Inc.  Prior to that, starting in 1987, he was Director of
Business Development and later Vice President of Marketing and Acquisition of
Auerbach Leasing and Management Company.  His current responsibilities include
supervision of all acquisitions, financing requirements, dispositions, and asset
management for the Auerbach real estate portfolio.  He oversees real estate
mortgage brokerage, equity placement, and third party buyer and seller
representation.  Prior to joining Auerbach, in 1981, Mr. Ross founded and was
President of R&R Organization, Inc., a property management service concern
specializing in apartments located in the Los Angeles basin.  Mr. Ross is a
member of the National Association of Realtors and The International Council of
Shopping Centers.  His community activities include service on the Boards of
Directors of Jewish Family Services of Santa Monica and the University of
Judaism in Los Angeles.  Mr. Ross graduated in 1976 from Loyola University of
Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, as well as
Communication Arts.

     JACOB SEGAL - 48, Vice President - Portfolio Administration.  Mr. Segal
joined the Company in 1994.  From 1990 to the present Mr. Segal, who is a real
estate broker, has been independently employed as a real estate and real estate
finance consultant in both advisory, instructional and brokerage capacities.
For the period 1988 to  1989 he was Senior Vice President, Acquisition of JDS
Capital Corporation, a company formed to acquire and operate income properties.
From January 1987 to October 1987, Mr. Segal was Vice President, Acquisition of

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
William Walters Co., advisor for REIT of California, an equity real estate
investment trust.  From 1985 to 1986, he was Senior Vice President, Director of
Acquisitions for Oak Capital Corporation, a syndicator of apartment properties.
From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Segal was Vice President of Gehr Corporation, a real
estate investment affiliate of Gehr Industries, Inc., a wire and cable
manufacturer and distributor.  From 1979 to 1982, he was Acquisition Manager for
Calmark Properties, a syndicator and developer of income properties.  Mr.
Segal's responsibilities in his prior positions were to identify and research
real estate markets and properties, analyze, negotiate for and acquire income
producing properties.  Mr. Segal has an MBA from the UCLA Graduate School of
Management and is a member of the American Management Association and Town Hall
of California.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     Executive Committee.  Promptly following the Initial Closing of the
Offering, the Board of Directors will establish an executive committee (the
"Executive Committee") which will be granted the authority to acquire and
dispose of real property and the power to authorize, on behalf of the full Board
of Directors, the execution of certain contracts and agreement.  The Company
expects that the Executive Committee will consist of the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, the President and two Independent Directors.
    
     Audit Committee.  The Board of Directors has established an audit committee
consisting of two Independent Directors and one "inside" director (the "Audit
Committee"). The Audit Committee will make recommendations concerning the
engagement of independent auditors, review with the independent auditors the
plans and result of the audit engagement, approve professional services provided
by the independent auditors, review the independence of the independent
auditors, consider the range of audit and non-audit fees and review the adequacy
of the Company's internal accounting controls.      

     Compensation Committee.  Promptly following the Initial Closing of the
Offering, the Board of Directors will establish a compensation committee (the
"Compensation Committee") to determine compensation, including awards under the
Company's Stock Incentive Plan, for the Company's executive officers.  The
Company expects that the Compensation Committee will consist of not less than
two Independent Directors.

     Nominating Committee.  Promptly following the Initial Closing of the
Offering, the Board of Directors will establish a nominating committee (the
"Nominating Committee") to nominate persons to serve on the Company's Board of
Directors as vacancies arise.  The Nominating Committee shall consist of three
directors, at least two of whom must be Independent Directors.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS COMPENSATION AND INCENTIVES

     The Company will compensate designated key managers of the Company with
cash compensation and certain incentives including stock option and bonus plans.
The below table sets forth the estimated annual base salary to be paid to the
Chief Executive Officer, President and Vice President, as well as the stock
options for the officers and directors.

         

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Annual       Common Stock
                             Position                                Salary        Options(1)
                             --------                              -----------    ------------
<S>                      <C>                                       <C>            <C>
Arthur P. Herring*       Chairman, CEO and CFO                     $100,000(2)         60,000
Dois Brock               President, Controller and Secretary       $ 72,000(2)         50,000
Gerald S. Weisstein*     Director                                        --            15,000
Charles B. Allen         Director                                        --            15,000
Mark Ross*               Director                                        --            15,000
Jacob Segal              Vice President                            $ 48,000            30,000
</TABLE>      

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------
    
*    Member of Audit Committee      
(1)  To be issued upon Final Closing of the Offering.  These options are
     nonqualified stock options.  They have a ten year term; vest 25% per year
     commencing one year after date of grant; and are exercisable at $7.00 per
     share.
(2)  Employment Agreements for Messrs. Herring and Brock contain provisions for
     bonus payments based on performance criteria customary in the REIT
     industry, as determined by the Compensation Committee.  No such bonuses are
     presently planned.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

     The Company's Charter limits the liability of the Company's directors and
officers to the Company and its shareholders for money damages to the fullest
extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law.  Maryland law presently
permits the liability of directors and officers to a corporation or its
shareholders for money damages to be limited, except (i) to the extent that it
is proved that the director or officer actually received an improper benefit or
profit, or (ii) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication is
entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the director's or officer's
action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty
and was material to the cause of action, as adjudicated in the proceeding.  This
provision does not limit the ability of the Company or its shareholders to
obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission.

     The Company's By-Laws require the Company to indemnify its directors,
officers and certain other parties to the fullest extent permitted from time to
time by Maryland law.  The Company's Charter and By-Laws also permit the Company
to indemnify its directors who have served another corporation or enterprise in
various capacities at the request of the Company.  The MGCL presently permits a
corporation to indemnify its directors, officers and certain other parties
against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be
made a party by reason of their service to or at the request of the Company,
unless it is established that:  (i) the act or omission of the indemnified party
was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in
bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the
indemnified party actually received an improper personal benefit; or (iii) in
the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnified party had reasonable cause
to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.   Indemnification may be made
against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding;
provided, however, that if the proceeding is one by or in the right of the
Company, indemnification may not be made with respect to any proceeding in which
the director or officer has been adjudged to be liable to the Company.  In
addition, a director or officer may not be indemnified with respect to any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or officer in
which the director or officer was adjudged to be liable on the basis that the
personal benefit was improperly received.  The termination of any proceeding by
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of
any order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that
the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct required
for indemnification to be permitted.  Indemnification under the provisions of
the MGCL is not deemed exclusive to any other rights, by indemnification or
otherwise, to which an officer or director may be entitled under the Company's
Charter or By-Laws, or under resolutions of shareholders or directors, contract
or otherwise.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company,
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that, in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in such Act and is therefore unenforceable.

     Prior to the Initial Closing of the Offering, the Company will obtain a
directors and officers liability insurance policy.  The directors and officers
liability insurance insures (i) the directors and officers of the Company from
any claim arising out of an alleged wrongful act by such persons while acting as
directors and officers of the Company and (ii) the Company to the extent that it
has indemnified the directors and officers for such loss.

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

     The Company has established a stock incentive plan (the "Stock Incentive
Plan") to enable executive officers, key employees and directors of the Company
and the Operating Partnership to participate in the ownership of the Company.
The Stock Incentive Plan is designed to attract and retain executive officers,
other key employees and directors of the Company and the Operating Partnership
and to provide incentives to such persons to maximize the Company's cash flow
available for distribution.  The Stock Incentive Plan provides for the award to
such executive officers and employees of the Company and the Operating
Partnership (subject to the Ownership Limit) of stock-based compensation
alternatives such as nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options and
provides for the grant to Independent Directors (subject to the Ownership Limit)
of nonqualified stock options on a formula basis.

     The Stock Incentive Plan will be administered by the Compensation
Committee, which is authorized to select from among the eligible employees of
the Company and the Operating Partnership the individuals to whom options are to
be granted and to determine the number of shares to be subject thereto and the
terms and conditions thereof.  The Compensation Committee is also authorized to
adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration of the Stock
Incentive Plan.  Nonqualified stock options shall be granted to Independent
Directors in accordance with the formula set forth in the Stock Incentive Plan.

     The Stock Incentive Plan was approved by the Company's shareholders at a
meeting held on August 14, 1995.  The following awards may be made under the
Plan:

     Nonqualified stock options will provide for the right to purchase Common
Stock at a specified price which may be less than fair market value on the date
of grant (but not less than par value), and usually will become exercisable in
installments after the grant date.  Nonqualified stock options may be granted
for any reasonable term.

     Incentive stock options, if granted, will be designed to comply with the
provisions of the Code and will be subject to restrictions contained in the
Code, including exercise prices equal to at least 100% of fair market value of
Common Stock on the grant date and a ten year restriction on their term, but may
be subsequently modified to disqualify them from treatment as an incentive stock
option.

     Promptly after the Final Closing of the Offering, the Company expects to
issue to certain officers, directors and key employees of the Company and the
Operating Partnership options to purchase, subject to the Ownership Limit, an
aggregate of 185,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Incentive
Plan.  The term of each of such option will be ten years from the date of grant.
Commencing one year from the Final Closing, each such option vests 25% per year
over four years and is exercisable at a price per share equal to the public
offering price per Share in the Offering.  The expected allocations of the
options to such persons is as presented above in the "Directors and Executive
Officers Compensation and Incentives."

     500,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment, will be reserved for
issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan.  There is no limit on the number of
awards that may be granted to any one individual (other than an Independent
Directors who annually receive a fixed number of options automatically) so long
as the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant) of shares
with respect to which an incentive stock option is first exercisable by an
optionee during any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000, the grant does not
violate the Ownership Limit or cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes.  See "Description of Securities -- Restrictions
on Ownership."

     Federal Income Taxes.  If the option has no readily ascertainable fair
market value, no income is recognized by a participant at the time an option is
granted.  If the option is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), no income will be
recognized upon the participant's exercise of the option.  Income is recognized
by a participant when he or she disposes of shares acquired under an ISO.  The
exercise of a nonqualified stock option ("NQSO") generally is a taxable event
that requires the participant to recognize, as ordinary income, the difference
between the shares' fair market value on the exercise date and the option price.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
     The employer (either the Company or its affiliate) will be entitled to
claim a federal income tax deduction on account of the exercise of a NQSO.  The
amount of the deduction is equal to the ordinary income recognized by the
participant.  The employer will not be entitled to a federal income tax
deduction on account of the grant or the exercise of an ISO.  The employer may
claim a federal income tax deduction on account of certain dispositions of
Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO.

401(K) PLAN

     The Company intends to establish a qualified retirement plan, with a salary
deferral feature designed to qualify under Section 401 of the Code (the "401(k)
Plan").  The 401(k) Plan will permit the employees of the Company and the
Operating Partnership to defer a portion of their compensation in accordance
with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Code.  The 401(k) Plan will allow
participants to defer up to 15% of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax
basis subject to certain maximum amounts.  Matching contributions may be made in
amounts and at times determined by the Company.  Amounts contributed by the
Company and the Operating Partnership for a participant will vest over a period
of years to be determined and will be held in trust until distributed pursuant
to the terms of the 401(k) Plan.

     Employees of the Company and the Operating Partnership will be eligible to
participate in the 401(k) Plan if they meet certain requirements concerning
minimum age and period of credited service.  All contributions to the 401(k)
Plan will be invested in accordance with participant elections among certain
investment options.  Distributions from participant accounts will not be
permitted before age 59 1/2, except in the event of death, disability, certain
financial hardships or termination of employment.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

     Effective as of the Initial Closing, the Company will enter into employment
agreements with Messrs. Herring and Brock for a term of five years subject to
automatic one year extensions unless terminated.  The agreements will provide
for annual compensation in the amounts set forth under "Executive Compensation"
above and will contain provisions for bonus consideration based on performance
standards consistent with those established in the REIT industry for senior
executives of REITs of a size similar to the Company.  Bonus payments under the
employment agreements will be determined by the Compensation Committee and at
their discretion may be paid in cash; deferred for future payment; paid in
unregistered Common Stock of the Company; paid through additional grant of
options or some combination of the above.  In addition, each agreement includes
provisions restricting the officers from competing with the Company during the
term of such employment; granting the officers certain "piggyback" registration
rights for their securities in the Company;  providing for salary and benefit
continuance for six months if the officer is permanently disabled; and providing
for a severance payment in the amount of 2.99 times the officer's average salary
and bonus over the past five years (or such shorter time as the officer was
employed), payable in 36 equal monthly installments, in the event of a change of
control of the Company resulting in the officer's demotion or reduction in his
compensation or responsibilities within two years of the change of control
event.  Change of control is generally defined to include a consolidation in the
hands of one Person of 30% or more of the voting securities of the Company, a
business combination after which the existing shareholders of the Company hold
less than 51% of the voting securities of the resulting entity, or a change in
membership of the Board of Directors resulting in 50% or more of the Board of
Directors not being nominated by management.

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

     The following tables set forth information as of the date hereof as to each
person or entity who owns of record or is known by the Company to own
beneficially five percent or more of the Company's outstanding voting securities
and information as to the securities ownership of management.  All stock
ownership shown below is direct unless otherwise indicated.

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1995      
                                                      Convertible
                                        Common         Preferred                      Percent of All
                Name                     Stock         Stock(1)             Voting Shares Outstanding, Assuming
- ------------------------------------   ---------      -----------      ---------------------------------------------
                                                                        Minimum     Minimum     Maximum     Maximum
                                                                        Common     Combined     Common     Combined
                                                                       Offering    Offering    Offering    Offering
                                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Arthur P. Herring(3)                   33,678(3)            360,000       11.45%      10.52%       6.25%       4.59%
2221 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 110
El Segundo, CA 90245

Elizabeth W. Herring(2)                33,678(3)            360,000       11.45%      10.52%       6.25%       4.59%
215 John Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Danube Rousse Inc.(2)              33,678(3)            360,000       11.45%      10.52%       6.25%       4.59%
215 John Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Michelle Loegering, as Trustee(4)      33,678(3)            360,000       11.45%      10.52%       6.25%       4.59%
Regent IV Trust
19800 Hawthorne Boulevard
No. 258-306
Torrance, CA 90503
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1)  See "Description of Securities -- 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock" for
     details on restrictions on conversion of this stock.
(2)  Elizabeth W. Herring is the sole owner of The Danube Rousse Inc., and by
     virtue of such ownership has voting and investment control of the Company's
     Common Stock owned by The Danube Rousse Inc.  Arthur P. Herring is the
     spouse of Elizabeth W. Herring.  Mr. Herring has advised the Company that
     he disclaims any pecuniary beneficial interest of the Company's stock owned
     by The Danube Rousse Inc.
(3)  Represents approximately 12.26% of the 274,714 shares of Company Common
     Stock presently outstanding.
(4)  Michelle Loegering, as Trustee of Regent IV Trust, has voting and investing
     control of the Company's stock owned by Regent IV Trust.  Ms. Loegering is
     otherwise not affiliated with the Company.  The beneficiaries of Regent IV
     Trust are Michelle Loegering, Kelly Loegering and Thomas J. Loegering, Jr.,
     none of whom are affiliated with the Company.

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER STOCK OWNERSHIP

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995                                                                    
                                           Percent       Convertible      Percent                   Percent      Common     Percent 
                                 Common       of          Preferred          of       Series "D"       of        Stock         of 
        Name/Position           Stock(4)    Class      Stock(1)(2)(4)      Class     Warrants(1)     Class     Options(3)    Class  
- -----------------------------   --------   --------   -----------------   --------   ------------   --------   ----------   --------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>                 <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>
Charles B. Allen, Director                                       --                                               15,000        8.1%
Dois Brock, President                                        95,000           9.3%      45,000          9.7%      50,000       27.0%
Arthur P. Herring(4)             33,678       12.3%         360,000          35.2%     107,500         23.2%      60,000       32.4%
Mark Ross, Director                                              --                                               15,000        8.1%
Jacob Segal,                                                 25,000           2.4%                                30,000       16.2%
  Vice President
Gerald S. Weisstein,                                         30,000           3.0%      10,000          2.2%      15,000        8.1%
  Director
Directors and Officers
    as a group(5)                33,678       12.3%         510,000          50.0%     162,500         35.1%     185,000      100.0%

                                =======    =======          =======          ====      =======         ====      =======      =====
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1)  See "Description of Securities" for information about these securities.
     None of the warrants may be exercised presently.  The warrants set forth
     opposite Messrs. Brock and Herring's names are not exercisable, by
     agreement, until six months after the end of the Company's first fiscal
     year wherein its audited consolidated financial statements reflect an
     Adjusted Equity value of $25,000,000 or more plus Funds from Operations of
     $2,500,000 or more.  The warrants set forth opposite Mr. Weisstein's name
     are not exercisable, by their terms, for a 35-month period commencing at
     the end of the 13th month after the Final Closing of the Offering.
(2)  Except as set forth in note 4 below, the named holder has exclusive voting
     and investment control over such securities.
(3)  None of such options is exercisable until one year from the Final Closing.
(4)  Mr. Herring's spouse, Elizabeth W. Herring, controls voting and investment
     of all assets of The Danube Rousse Inc. which holds the shares of Common
     Stock, 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series "D" Warrants set forth
     opposite Mr. Herring's name.
(5)  The percentage of all voting securities of the Company (Common Stock and
     1995 Convertible Preferred Stock) owned by all officers and directors of
     the Company as a group is 15.8%.

                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES

     The Company's investment objective is to pay to its shareholders
predictable quarterly Distributions which grows as a result of increases in cash
flow and capital gains from the sale of properties.  The Company will seek to
realize its objective through its acquisition of ownership interests in the
Properties and selective acquisitions of other properties in the future which
can be acquired on favorable terms and yields.  The yields from the diversified
portfolio of residential income and commercial income properties will be
maximized through a balance of Distribution payments, reinvested capital,
Property loan financing and active management of the Company's Properties.

     The Company intends to achieve these objectives by purchasing a diversified
portfolio of garden-style apartments and suburban commercial and retail income
properties in the Western United States.  The Properties will be leased to a
variety of residential, retail and commercial tenants.  The amount of money
raised by the Company in the Offering and borrowed from lenders will affect the
number of Properties the Company will be able to purchase.  The more Properties
the Company purchases, the more diversified it will be and the less it will be
affected by any single Property that does not perform as expected.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
     The Company expects to acquire additional properties through the Operating
Partnership, although it is not required to do so.  The Board will consider
causing the Company, at any time, to make investments directly without the
involvement of the Operating Partnership if such direct investment is deemed to
be in the best interests of the Company and the Operating Partnership.  The
Company will seek to utilize numerous property acquisition and financing
strategies to realize its objective.  Favorable acquisitions will be
accomplished by using tax deferred exchanges, stock for equity swaps, partial
acquisitions and joint venture arrangements.

     The Company may purchase or lease properties for long-term investment,
expand and improve the Properties to be acquired or sell such Properties, in
whole or in part, when circumstances warrant.  Where the Company participates
with other entities in property ownership, through joint ventures or other types
of co-ownership, these investments may be subject to existing mortgage financing
and other indebtedness which may have priority over the equity interest of the
Company

     While the Company emphasizes equity real estate investments, it may, in its
discretion, invest in mortgages, stock or other REITs and other real estate
interests, subject to limitations on a REIT under the Code.  See "Federal Income
Tax Considerations -- Requirements for Qualification."  Such mortgage
investments may include participating or convertible mortgages.  However, the
Company has no plans to invest in such assets at this time.

     The Company's investment objectives and techniques may be changed by the
board (including a majority of the Independent Directors)  without the approval
of the shareholders.  While the Company intends to achieve its objective by
purchasing a diversified portfolio of income producing properties (see
"Description of Properties"), the Company's investment policies may vary as new
investment opportunities and techniques evolve.  Any such change may affect the
types of non-real estate short-term investments in which the Company invests
during the interim periods in which capital is not fully invested in Properties.
As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, the Company will also
determine the investment policies of the Operating Partnership.

     There are no limitations on the percentage of the Company's assets that may
be invested in any one property or venture.  The Board of Directors may
establish limitations as it deems appropriate from time to time.  No limitations
have been set on the number of properties in which the Company will seek to
invest or in the concentration of investments in any one geographic region.

Acquisition Plan

     To insure the highest quality property purchases the Company has adopted an
acquisition plan.  The Company's plan is to seek high quality properties in
areas with a large and diverse employment base, and then provide solutions for
certain types of financial problems.  These problems include:

     .    Sellers that need exchanges to defer capital gains tax
     .    Owners that have over-financed their property and impaired their cash
          flow
     .    Partnership owners that wish to sell out but find little market for
          their partnership interests
     .    Excellent properties that require capital for clearly established
          demands for expansion
     .    Owners that seek to improve the security and cash flow of their
          property by replacing debt with equity

     The Company will not buy troubled properties and seek to make them good.
The plan is to attract the best real estate opportunities by providing financial
solutions that benefit the Company and the owner/seller.

Target Properties

     Management believes that, in today's real estate market, many of properties
are over burdened with debt as a result of the severity of the economic
recession.  The debt, placed on the properties in prior years, is now
inconsistent with reduced cash flows being received by the properties.  Owners
are faced with the current lessened 

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
ability to service existing debt and lessened property value. Their attempts to
rely on traditional lenders to assist in refinancing is proving to be illusory.
The assets with which the Company will build its portfolio will be residential
income properties as well as selected income-producing commercial properties
often with debt which is "obsolete" in today's market or which possess
unsatisfactory terms or features. It is intended that such loans will be recast
through negotiations with both seller and lender, resulting in the retirement or
restructuring of the debt. The Company, therefore, will concentrate on the
solution to property financing problems, not the solution of property
performance problems.

     Apartment projects consisting of 50-200 units for middle to upper income
tenants located in the economic markets of the Western United States, with a
major emphasis on the broad markets available in California, together with
certain retail and commercial properties including commercial retail shopping
centers and suburban office buildings, will be the core of the Company's asset
base.  Purchase prices for properties are expected to be between $1,000,000 --
$16,000,000. All properties must be performing in that they have a verifiable
record of stable income that has been actually received at the levels used to
qualify the property for purchase. This income should equal or be very similar
to the average income received over the past 12 months. Income that will be
considered is income actually received, not that which is scheduled. All
expenses of the projects must be stable and verifiable. Underwriting criteria to
be used by the Company will not be entirely based on the seller's actual
expenses. Additional allowances for deferred maintenance, future maintenance,
property taxes and replacement reserves will be included at the time of purchase
and in revenue/expense models used in managing the portfolio. The decision-
making focus will be on cash-on-cash returns, current yield, price per unit, and
percentage of replacement cost.

     In selecting properties in which to make investments, the Company will
consider the extent to which a particular property may generate depreciation.
Depreciation deductions may reduce taxable income generated by the Company which
may enable the Company to pay Distributions which are partially free from
current taxation.  The Company will depreciate its real properties for tax
purposes on a straight-line basis over a 27.5 year period for residential rental
properties and a 39 year period for commercial properties, except where the Code
requires a different depreciation period, as it may with respect to property
leased to governments and to foreign lessees.  See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations."

Investments in Loans

     The Company has no current plans to make Loans, although it is not
prohibited from doing so.  The Company would attempt to structure any Loan in a
manner which would provide an economic return similar to that which the Company
could expect in an acquisition transaction.  The Board, including a majority of
Independent Directors, must approve any transaction structured as a Loan.  Some
Loans may, in addition to providing a base rate of interest, be combined with
provisions permitting the Company to participate in the economic benefits of any
increase in gross revenues of the real property securing repayment of the Loan.
See "Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Requirements for Qualification as a
REIT."  If Loans are made, they are not currently expected to comprise a
significant portion of the Company's portfolio.

Other Investments

     There can be no assurance as to when the Company's capital may be fully
invested in Properties.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Requirements
for Qualification as a REIT."  Pending such investment, the balance of the
proceeds of the Offering will be invested in Permitted Temporary Investments,
which are defined to mean short-term U.S. Government securities, bank
certificates of deposit and other short-term liquid investments.  To maintain
its REIT status, the Company also may invest in securities that qualify as "real
estate assets" and produce qualifying income under the REIT Provisions of the
Code.  The Company expects that such securities will consist primarily of shares
issued by other REITs and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or
FHLMC.  If all the proceeds derived from the Offering are not invested or
committed to be invested by the Company prior to the expiration of the later of
24 months after the date of this Prospectus or one year after the termination of
the Offering, then the proceeds not so invested or committed will, promptly
after the expiration of such period, be distributed pro rata to the shareholders
as a return of capital. without any deductions for Organizational and Offering
Expenses or Acquisition Fees or Expenses.  For the purpose of the foregoing

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
provision, funds will be deemed to have been committed to investment within such
period and will not be returned to shareholders to the extent written agreements
in principle have been executed at any time prior to the expiration of such
period, regardless of whether such investments are consummated, and also to the
extent any funds have been reserved to make contingent payments in connection
with any Property, regardless of whether any such payments are made.

     If at any time the character of the Company's investments would cause the
Company to be deemed an "investment company" for purposes of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Company shall take such action as is necessary in order
to ensure that the Company is not deemed to be such an "investment company."
The Company will continually review its investment activity to attempt to ensure
that it does not come within the application of the Investment Company Act of
1940.  Among other things, it will attempt to monitor the proportion of its
portfolio which is placed in various investments so that the Company does not
come within the definition of an investment company under such Act.

     The Company's working capital and other reserves will be invested in
Permitted Temporary Investments.  The Company will evaluate such factors as the
relative risks and rate of return, the Company's cash needs and other
appropriate considerations when making short-term investments on behalf of the
Company.  The rate of return of Permitted Temporary Investments may be less than
or greater than would be obtainable from real estate investments.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

     In general, the Company will not:

     .    invest in commodities or commodity futures contracts, such limitation
          not being applicable to futures contracts when used solely for the
          purpose of hedging in connection with the Company's ordinary business
          of investment in real estate and mortgages,

     .    make investments in Unimproved Real Property or indebtedness secured
          by a deed of trust or mortgage loans on Unimproved Real Property.
          "Unimproved Real Property" means property which has the following
          three characteristics: (i) an equity interest in property which was
          not acquired for the purpose of producing rental or other operating
          income, (ii) no development or construction is in process on such
          property, and (iii) no development or construction on such property is
          planned in good faith to commence on such property within one year,

     .    issue debt securities in the absence of adequate cash flow to cover
          debt service.

     .    engage in trading, as compared with investment activities,

     .    invest more than five percent of the value of its assets in the
          securities of any one issuer,

     .    invest in securities representing more than ten percent of the
          outstanding voting securities of any one issuer,

     .    lend money to or lease Property to or from Affiliates of the Company
          without the approval of a majority of the Independent Directors.

CHANGE IN INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND LIMITATIONS

     The Independent Directors will review the Company's investment policies at
least annually to determine that the policies being followed by the Company are
in the best interest of the shareholders.  Each such determination and the basis
therefor shall be set forth in the minutes of the Company.  The methods of
implementing the Company's investment policies also may vary as new investment
techniques are developed.  The 

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
methods of implementing the investment objectives and policies of the
Company, except as otherwise provided in the Organizational Documents, may be
altered by a majority of the directors (including a majority of the Independent
Directors) without the approval of the shareholders.

LEASING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

     The Company believes in an aggressive leasing and property management
strategy conducted by professionals with extensive experience, knowledge of
local markets and an established track record with prospective residential or
commercial tenants.  All of the Company's leasing and property management
activities will be conducted in-house or by engaging independent in-place
property managers.  As necessary, the Company will engage independent property
managers.  The Company's overall property management and leasing strategy is
designed to keep the occupancy of its Properties as high as possible at rental
rates within the average range of rates for similar properties in the vicinity.
The Company will attempt to minimize operating expenses in management, leasing,
marketing, finance and other activities for all of the Properties through use of
its experienced personnel and certain economies of scale available to it.

FINANCING STRATEGY/LEVERAGE
    
     While one of the Company's investment objectives will be diversification,
the number of different properties the Company can acquire will be affected by
the amount of funds available to it.  Since the Company may have a minimum of
$15,000,000 and a maximum of $50,000,004 in Gross Offering Proceeds, the full
extent of the Company's actual operations cannot be determined at this time.
The Company's goal, subject to the availability of mortgage financing, is to
borrow not more than 50% of the gross asset value of all of its properties as
determined by management, but there is no limit on borrowings on individual
Properties.  Gross asset value of the Properties will be calculated by totaling
lenders' appraised values for Properties being financed with (i) in the case of
unleveraged Property, such Property's undepreciated acquisition cost, if the
acquisition occurred within six months of the applicable determination date, or
the value of the Property as determined by an independent appraiser within 90
days of the applicable determination date, or (ii) in the case of leveraged
Property, the lenders' appraised value if such appraisal is dated within six
months of the applicable determination date, or the value of the Property as
determined by an independent appraiser within 90 days of the applicable
determination date.  Gross asset value of Company Properties will be determined
prior to each acquisition of a Property which involves mortgage financing and
prior to the refinancing of any Property.     

     It is expected that, by operating on a leveraged basis, the Company will
have more funds available and, therefore, will make more investments than would
otherwise be possible, resulting in a more diversified portfolio.  Although the
Company's liability for repayment of indebtedness is expected to be limited to
the value of the Property securing such liability and the rents or profits
derived therefrom, leveraging increases risks to the Company because mortgage
principal and interest payments, as well as other fixed charges, must be paid in
order to prevent foreclosure on such Property by mortgagees regardless of the
generation of income by Properties.  See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated with
Borrowing."  To the extent that the Company does not obtain mortgage loans on
its Properties, its ability to acquire additional Properties will be restricted.

     In addition to mortgage financing, the Company may seek financing (subject
to the foregoing 50% debt-to-equity limitation) in the form of debt securities.
The Company will determine its financing opportunities in light of the then
current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market
values of properties, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors.
If the Board determines that additional funding is desirable, the Company may
raise such funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt securities or
other methods as appropriate.

     It is anticipated that certain borrowings will be made through the
Operating Partnership, although the Company may also incur indebtedness that may
be reloaned to the Operating Partnership on the same terms and conditions as are
applicable to the Company's borrowing of such funds.  See "Operating Partnership
Agreement."  Indebtedness through the Operating Partnership may be in the form
of purchase money obligations, public or 

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
privately placed debt instruments, financing from institutional lenders, and may
be unsecured or secured as appropriate.

     The Board also has the authority to cause the Operating Partnership to
issue additional OP Units in any manner as it deems appropriate, including in
exchange for property.  See "Operating Partnership Agreement -- Capital
Contributions."

                        OPERATING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

     The following summary of the Operating Partnership Agreement, including the
descriptions of certain provisions set forth elsewhere in this Prospectus, is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Operating Partnership Agreement,
which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part.

MANAGEMENT

     The Operating Partnership will be organized as a Delaware limited
partnership pursuant to the terms of the Operating Partnership Agreement.
Generally, pursuant to the Operating Partnership Agreement, the Company as the
sole general partner of the Operating Partnership will have full, exclusive and
complete responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the
Operating Partnership, including the ability to cause the Operating Partnership
to (i) enter into certain major transactions including acquisitions,
dispositions and refinancings, (ii) change the Operating Partnership's line of
business and distribution policies, (iii) sell some or all of the Operating
Partnership's assets, (iv) otherwise dispose of some or all of the Operating
Partnership's assets in a merger or other reorganization, or (v) dissolve.

     Except as required by applicable law, the OP Limited Partners will have no
authority to transact business for, or participate in, the management of the
Operating Partnership; however, the consent of a majority of the outstanding
percentage interests of the OP Limited Partners (unless the Company owns more
than 50%, directly or indirectly, of the equity of such OP Limited Partner) will
be required with respect to certain extraordinary actions involving the
Operating Partnership including (i) the amendment, modification or termination
of the Operating Partnership Agreement other than to reflect permitted transfers
of interests in the Operating Partnership and certain other events, (ii) a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors or the appointment of a
custodian, receiver or trustee for any of the assets of the Operating
Partnership, (iii) the institution of any proceeding for bankruptcy of the
Operating Partnership, (iv) the transfer of any general partner interests in the
Operating Partnership, including through any merger, consolidation or
liquidation of the Company and (v) the admission of any additional or substitute
general partner in the Operating Partnership.

TRANSFERABILITY OF OP UNITS

     With certain limited exceptions, the OP Limited Partners may not transfer
their interests in the Operating Partnership, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of the Company, which the Company may withhold in its sole
discretion.  The Company may not consent to any transfer that would cause the
Operating Partnership to be treated as a corporation or a publicly traded
partnership for federal income tax purposes.

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

     The Company will contribute as its initial capital contributions to the
Operating Partnership any Properties acquired with the net proceeds of the
Offering and any cash remaining from the net proceeds following acquisition of
such properties in exchange for an approximately initial 99% general partner
interest.  Until other limited partners are admitted to the Operating
Partnership, the remaining one percent is held by Arthur P. Herring and Dois
Brock.  See "Management -- Executive Officers and Directors."  Upon the
admission of other limited partners, Messrs. Herring and Brock will resign as
limited partners.  (See "Operating Partnership Agreement -- 

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
Capital Contributions." The Company will be deemed to have made a capital
contribution to the Operating Partnership in the amount of the gross proceeds of
the Offering and the Operating Partnership will be deemed simultaneously to have
paid the underwriter's discount and other expenses paid or incurred in
connection with the Offering. The value of each OP Limited Partner's capital
contribution shall equal its pro rata share of the value of the interests
received by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership Agreement
provides that, in connection with any proper Operating Partnership purpose, the
Company may borrow funds from a financial institution or other lender and lend
such funds to the Operating Partnership on the same terms and conditions as are
applicable to the Company's borrowing of such funds. Moreover, the Company is
authorized to cause the Operating Partnership to issue Operating Partnership
interests to the Company, the OP Limited Partners or any other party as an
additional OP Limited Partner for less than fair market value if the Company has
concluded in good faith that such issuance is in the best interests of the
Company and the Operating Partnership. Under the Operating Partnership
Agreement, the Company generally is obligated to contribute the proceeds of a
share offering as additional capital to the Operating Partnership; however, the
Company may elect to use such proceeds to acquire assets directly rather than
through the Operating Partnership if such direct acquisition is determined by a
majority of the Independent Directors to be in the best interests of the
Operating Partnership and the Company. The Company will be deemed to have made a
capital contribution to the Operating Partnership in the amount of the gross
proceeds of such share offering and the Operating Partnership will be deemed
simultaneously to have paid any associated fees and expenses incurred in
connection with such share offering. Upon contribution of the proceeds of a
share offering, the number of the Company's OP Units in the Operating
Partnership shall be increased by the number of Company shares issued in the
share offering (taking into account any adjustment in the "conversion factor," a
multiplier intended to adjust for the occurrence of share splits, mergers,
consolidations or similar pro rata share transactions which otherwise would have
the effect of diluting the ownership interests of the OP Limited Partners or the
shareholders of the Company), and the Company's percentage interest in the
Operating Partnership will be increased on a proportionate basis based upon the
number of such additional OP Units. The percentage interests of the OP Limited
Partners will be decreased on a proportionate basis, based on the number of
their OP Units, in the event of additional capital contributions by the Company
or any other party. In addition, if the Company or any other party contributes
additional capital to the Operating Partnership, the Company may elect to
revalue the assets of the Operating Partnership under appropriate circumstances
to their fair market values (as determined by the Company). In such event, the
capital accounts of the partners will be adjusted to reflect the manner in which
the unrealized gain or loss inherent in such property (that has not been
reflected in the capital accounts previously) would be allocated among the
partners under the terms of the Operating Partnership Agreement if there were a
taxable disposition of such property for such fair market value on the date of
the revaluation.

REDEMPTION RIGHTS

     Pursuant to the Operating Partnership Agreement, the OP Limited Partners
will receive the redemption rights, which will enable them to cause the
Operating Partnership to redeem their interests in the Operating Partnership.
The redemption price is the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number)
of (i) the value of the whole number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
number of OP Units offered for redemption, and (ii) the Conversion Factor which
is currently 1 for 1.  At the election of the Company, the Company may purchase
the OP Units for either cash or the whole number of shares of Common Stock
described above.

     The redemption price will be paid in cash in the event that the issuance of
shares of Common Stock to the redeeming OP Limited Partner would (i) result in
any person owning, directly or indirectly, shares of Common Stock in excess of
the Ownership Limit, (ii) result in the Common Stock of the Company being owned
by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of
attribution), (iii) result in the Company being "closely held" within the
meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, (iv) cause the Company to own, actually
or constructively, ten percent or more of the ownership interests in a tenant of
the Company's or the Operating Partnership's real property, within the meaning
of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code, or (v) cause the acquisition of shares of
Common Stock by such redeeming OP Limited Partner to be "integrated" with any
other distribution of shares of capital stock for purposes of complying with the
Securities Act.  Subject to limitations described in the Operating Partnership
Agreement regarding compliance with applicable securities laws, antitrust laws
and general transfer restrictions affecting the tax status of the Operating
Partnership, the redemption rights may be exercised by 

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
an OP Limited Partner at any time after 18 months following the date on
admission of such OP Limited Partner to the Operating Partnership, provided
that, not more than two redemptions of any single OP Limited Partner may occur
during each calendar year and each OP Limited Partner may not exercise the
redemption right for less than 500 OP Units, or if such OP Limited Partner holds
less than 500 OP Units, all of the OP Units held by such OP Limited Partner.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

     The Company has agreed to file, immediately prior to 18 months following
admission of the first additional OP Limited Partner to the Operating
Partnership, a registration statement with the Commission for the purpose of
registering the sale of shares of Common Stock issuable to future holders of OP
Units upon redemption thereof.  The Company will use its best efforts to have
the registration statement declared effective and to keep it effective for a
period of two years.  Upon effectiveness of such registration statement, those
persons who receive shares of Common Stock upon redemption of OP Units may sell
such shares in the secondary market without being subject to the volume
limitations or other requirements of Rule 144.  The Company (on behalf of the
Operating Partnership) will bear expenses incident to such registration
requirements, except that such expenses shall not include any underwriting
discounts or commissions, Commission or state securities registration fees,
transfer taxes or certain other fees or taxes relating to such shares.

OPERATIONS

     The Operating Partnership Agreement requires that the Operating Partnership
be operated in a manner that will enable the Company to satisfy the requirements
for being classified as a REIT, to avoid any federal income or excise tax
liability imposed by the Code, and to ensure that the Operating Partnership will
not be classified as a "publicly traded partnership" for purposes of Section
7704 of the Code.

     In addition to the administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred
by the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership will pay all
administrative costs and expenses (the "Company Expenses") of the Company except
those attributable to properties owned by the Company directly, and the Company
Expenses will be treated as expenses of the Operating Partnership.  The Company
Expenses generally will include (i) all expenses relating to the formation and
continuity of existence of the Company, (ii) all expenses relating to the public
offering and registration of securities of the Company, (iii) all expenses
associated with the preparation and filing of any periodic reports by the
Company under federal, state or local laws or regulations, (iv) all expenses
associated with compliance by the Company with laws, rules and regulations
promulgated by any regulatory body and (v) all other operating or administrative
costs of the Company incurred in the ordinary course of its business on behalf
of the Operating Partnership.  The Company Expenses, however, will not include
any administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred by the Company that
are attributable to properties owned by the Company directly.  The Company
currently does not have any such properties, but may acquire such properties in
the future.

DISTRIBUTIONS

     The Operating Partnership Agreement provides that the Operating Partnership
will distribute cash from operations (including net sale or refinancing
proceeds, but excluding net proceeds from the sale of the Operating
Partnership's property in connection with the liquidation of the Operating
Partnership) on a quarterly (or, at the election of the Company, more frequent)
basis, in amounts determined by the Company in its sole discretion, to the
partners in accordance with their percentage interests in the Operating
Partnership.  Upon liquidation of the Operating Partnership, after payment of,
or adequate provision for, debts and obligations of the Operating Partnership,
including any partner loans, any remaining assets of the Operating Partnership
will be distributed to all partners with positive capital accounts in accordance
with their respective positive capital account balances.  No Partner in the
Operating Partnership, including the Company, has an obligation to restore a
negative balance in such Partner's capital account following a liquidation of
the Operating Partnership.

ALLOCATIONS

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
     Income, gain and loss of the Operating Partnership for each taxable year
generally will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their
respective interests in the Operating Partnership, subject to compliance with
the provisions of Code Section 704(b) and 704(c) and Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder.

TERM

     The Operating Partnership will continue until December 31, 2094, or until
sooner dissolved upon (i) the bankruptcy (as defined in the Operating
Partnership Agreement), dissolution or withdrawal of the Company (unless the
remaining Partners elect, pursuant to the voting requirements in the Operating
Partnership Agreement, to continue the Operating Partnership), (ii) the sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Operating
Partnership, (iii) the redemption of all limited partnership interests in the
Operating Partnership (other than those held by the Company, if any), (iv) the
election by the General Partner, or (v) the entry of a decree of judicial
dissolution.

TAX MATTERS

     Pursuant to the Operating Partnership Agreement, the Company will be the
tax matters partner of the Operating Partnership and, as such, will have
authority to handle tax audits and to make tax elections under the Code on
behalf of the Operating Partnership.

                           DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

     Although the Company has not yet purchased any Properties, it has
agreements to purchase interests in six Properties subject to the completion of
a Minimum Common Offering or Maximum Common Offering.  See "Property
Descriptions" below for detailed descriptions of each of the Properties' uses,
financing and operating histories.  In the event of a Minimum Common Offering,
four of the Properties will be acquired.  Management proposes to acquire such
properties in the following order:  Sandpainter Apartments, Northwest Garden
Apartments, Orangewood Place Apartments and Arrow Village Apartments.  In a
Maximum Common Offering, in addition to those properties, management proposes to
acquire two additional properties in the following order:  Westwood Self-
Storage/Sportmart Building and Hewlett-Packard Building.  While management
expects to acquire the Properties in this order, circumstances may change
requiring rearrangement of the acquisition order.  In a Maximum Combined
Offering, management would pay down debt on any Properties already owned and use
the balance to acquire one or more additional properties which meet the criteria
set forth above in "Investment Objectives and Policies."

     Management is presently evaluating various potential property acquisitions
and is engaging in discussions with sellers regarding the purchase of properties
for the Company.  During the continuation of the Offering, and at such time
during the negotiations of a potential property acquisition when management
believes a reasonable probability exists that such property will be acquired by
the Company, this Prospectus will be supplemented to disclose such potential
property acquisition.  This generally will occur upon the signing of a legally
binding purchase agreement or after the execution of a letter of intent to
purchase a property and the obtaining of a commitment for financing, but may
occur before or after such events depending on the particular circumstances
surrounding each potential acquisition.  Any such supplement to this Prospectus
will set forth available data with respect to the acquisition including the
proposed terms of the purchase, a description of the property to be acquired,
and other information considered appropriate for an understanding of the
transaction.  Further data will be made available after any acquisition has been
consummated during the Offering also by means of a supplement to this
Prospectus.  See "Reports to Shareholders" for a description of other reports to
shareholders which will describe property acquisitions.

     IT SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE INITIAL DISCLOSURE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR A
SUPPLEMENT OF ANY POTENTIAL ACQUISITION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS AN 

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
ASSURANCE THAT THE COMPANY ULTIMATELY WILL CONSUMMATE SUCH POTENTIAL ACQUISITION
OR THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED CONCERNING THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION WILL NOT
CHANGE BETWEEN THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR SUCH SUPPLEMENT AND ACTUAL
PURCHASE.

     If only the Minimum Common Offering or the Minimum Combined Offering is
completed, four apartment complexes (Sandpainter Apartments, Northwest Garden
Apartments, Orangewood Place Apartments and Arrow Village Apartments) described
below will be purchased.

     The Company expects that the Properties, or partnership interests relating
to certain Properties, will generally be acquired through the Operating
Partnership, but the Board may cause the Company to acquire Property or such a
partnership interest directly if such direct acquisition is determined by the
Board to be in the best interests of the Company and the Operating Partnership.
See "Operating Partnership."

PROPERTIES

     The Properties consist of four garden style apartment complexes consisting
of an aggregate of 480 units and two commercial/retail properties totaling
176,065 leasable square feet.  All of the properties are being acquired from
unaffiliated sellers in transactions whose prices and terms have been determined
by arm's-length negotiations.  In conducting such negotiations, the Company's
management had access to per unit or per square foot prices (as applicable) and
discounted cash flow sales prices for comparable buildings.  Management believes
the per unit or per square foot sales prices and capitalization rates of
comparable buildings support the purchase prices.  No appraisals were obtained.
Of the six properties, three are located in the Los Angeles, California,
metropolitan area and three are located in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan
area.  The Properties will be managed by the Company by retaining in-place
management services subject to short-term renewable contracts.

ACQUISITIONS

     Each of the Properties will be acquired by the Company according to the
terms of separate purchase agreements.

     Minimum Common Offering/Minimum Combined Offering.  The aggregate purchase
price for the four Properties to be acquired under a Minimum Common Offering or
Minimum Combined Offering (Sandpainter Apartments, Northwest Garden Apartments,
Orangewood Place Apartments and Arrow Village Apartments) will be approximately
$14,200,000, payable by the Company as follows:  (i) approximately $11,700,000
in cash and (ii) $2.5 million mortgage bearing interest at a fixed rate of
7.875% per annum.  The loan from the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FannyMae") was closed in April 1996 and has monthly installments based on a
25-year amortization of $18,706 through April 2003, at which time all
outstanding principal and interest would be due.  The mortgage is secured by the
Arrow Village Apartments.

     Maximum Common Offering.  In a Maximum Common Offering, the four Properties
described above in Minimum Common Offering will be acquired together with the at
least two additional Properties (Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building and
Hewlett-Packard Building).  These additional Properties will bring the total
aggregate purchase price for the six Properties to $43,100,000  payable by the
Company as follows:  (i) approximately $30,050,000 in cash; (ii) approximately
$3,800,000 in retained partnership interests; and (iii) taking title to three
Properties (Arrow Village Apartments, Hewlett-Packard Building and Westwood
Self-Storage/Sportmart Building) subject to approximately $8,500,000 in new and
existing mortgage debt.  The debt secured by the Arrow Village Apartments is as
described above for the Minimum Common Offering.  The debt on the Westwood Self-
Storage/Sportmart Building currently is an assumable loan with Topa Savings Bank
that will be assumed with a balance of approximately $5,960,000 and is payable
in monthly installments to fully amortize the balance by the year 2022.  The
interest rate is adjustable at 2.5% over the Federal Home Loan Bank 11th
District cost of funds index.

COMPETITION

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
     All of the apartments, retail and commercial properties are located in
developed residential and commercial areas.  There are generally numerous other
apartment, retail and commercial properties within a five-mile radius of the
Properties.  The amount of rentable space in the area could have a material
affect on the Company's ability to rent space and the rents charged in the
apartments, as well as the retail and commercial properties.  In addition, the
Company will be competing with others who may have greater resources and
experience than the Company and its officers and directors for tenants.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS

     The following is a description of each of the properties and the terms of
purchase:

     Sandpainter Apartments, 2225 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona, is
a 116-unit garden style apartment complex built in  1979 on five landscaped
acres and consisting of eight frame and stucco buildings with full on-site
amenities including a swimming pool and laundry facilities.  Most units are
subject to semi-annual leases which expire at various times throughout the year.
The property is located within the Phoenix I-17 commercial corridor where the
commute to downtown is under ten minutes and neighborhood community and shopping
is immediately convenient.  Major employers within a three-mile radius of the
property include Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Grand Canyon University, Park Central
Mall, Phoenix College, and Encanto Park.  Competition in the area for tenants is
strong between the many apartments within a five-mile radius, including
Orangewood Place Apartments, although given their separation, and the number of
apartment projects in the area, management believes the likelihood of direct
competition with Orangewood Place Apartments is minimal.  The number of rentable
units in the area could have a material effect on the Company's ability to rent
units and the rental rates received.  The seller of this property represents
occupancy for the past five years to be as follows:  95% (1991), 92% (1992), 92%
(1993), 94% (1994) and 95% (1995).  Although it is not possible to reconstruct
or verify the occupants of each unit for each month of the periods indicated
above, the Company's investigations support the accuracy of seller's
representations.  The effective annual rental rate per unit for each of the past
five years is approximately $3,497 (1991), $3,202 (1992), $3,226 (1993), $3,675
(1994) and $3,790 (1995).

     The purchase price is $2,200,000 where the Company will purchase the
Property for cash.  The seller's book value of the Property at December 31, 1995
was $1,667,144, net of depreciation.  In the opinion of management, this
Property will be adequately covered by insurance at acquisition.  The Property
is to be held as an income investment and title will be held in fee by the
Operating Partnership.  The depreciation tax basis will equal the purchase price
less the portion of the purchase price allocated to the land and will be
depreciated by the straight-line depreciation method over 28.5 years.  The
annual realty tax is $13,072.42.

     Northwest Garden Apartments, 9350 North 67th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona, is a
198-unit garden style apartment complex located in a northwest suburb of
Phoenix, Arizona, in an established residential and commercial area convenient
to shopping, employment, and community centers.  Northwest Garden Apartments is
in Peoria on the border with Glendale, two cities in the Northwest Region of
Maricopa County.

     Glendale and Peoria are near the I-17 industrial corridor, which has a
concentration of high technology firms in the Northwest Region.  Northwest
Garden Apartments is within one mile of the North Grand employment center, an
area containing light industry and professional office space.  The City of
Peoria possesses a major portion of the available commercial and industrial
zoned property in metro Phoenix.  Peoria markets itself aggressively to
companies looking for a progressive city with an educated labor force, low
priced housing, and access to the growing Phoenix Metro area.

     The property was built in 1984 and has been refurbished and maintained in
good condition.  Competition for tenants is strong among the many surrounding
apartment complexes within a five-mile radius.  The number of rentable units in
the area could have a material effect on the Company's ability to rent units and
the rental rate received.  Most units are subject to annual leases which expire
at various times throughout the year.  The seller of this property represents
occupancy for the past five years to be as follows:  94% (1991), 93% (1992), 94%
(1993), 95% (1994) and 96% (1995).  Although it is not possible to reconstruct
or verify the occupants of each unit for each month of the periods indicated
above, the Company's investigations support the accuracy of seller's

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
representation.  The effective annual rental rate per unit for each of the past
five years is approximately $4,157 (1991), $4,253 (1992), $4,350 (1993), $5,000
(1994) and $5,540 (1995).

     The purchase price is $6,950,000 cash.  The seller's book value of the
Property at December 31, 1995 was $3,118,666, net of depreciation.  In the
opinion of management this Property will be adequately covered by insurance at
the Closing.  The Property is to be held as an income investment and title will
be held in fee by the Operating Partnership.  The depreciation tax basis will
equal the purchase price less the portion of the purchase price allocated to the
land and will be depreciated by the straight-line depreciation method over 28.5
years.  The annual realty tax is $48,662.86.

     Orangewood Place Apartments, 7328 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, is
an 84-unit garden style apartment complex located in an established residential
and commercial area convenient to shopping, employment, and community centers.
The property was built in 1984 and has been refurbished and well-maintained.
Most units are subject to semi-annual leases which expire at various times
throughout the year.  Competition for tenants is strong among the many
surrounding apartment complexes within a five-mile radius, including Sandpainter
Apartments, although given their separation, and the number of apartments
projects in the area, management believes the likelihood of direct competition
with Sandpainter Apartments is minimal.  The number of rentable units in the
area could have an adverse affect on the Company's ability to rent units and the
rental rate received.  The seller of this property represents occupancy for the
past five years to be as follows:  89% (1991), 92% (1992), 92% (1993), 95%
(1994) and 96% (1995).  Although it is not possible to reconstruct or verify the
occupants of each unit for each month of the periods indicated above, the
Company's investigations support the accuracy of seller's representations.  The
effective annual rental rate per unit for each of the past five years is
approximately $2,467 (1991), $2,984 (1992), $3,000 (1993), $3,750 (1994) and
$3,990 (1995).

     Orangewood Place Apartments is strategically located within the Interstate
17 commercial corridor; I-17 being the most heavily traveled portion of the
entire Metropolitan Phoenix freeway system.  The property is located just one
mile west of the freeway on 27th Avenue.  The commute time to midtown or
downtown Phoenix from Orangewood Place Apartments is less than fifteen minutes.
The residents have a similar short drive north to Phoenix's largest regional
shopping center, Metro Center, and its neighboring business and research and
development parks.  Major employers within a three-mile radius of Orangewood
Place Apartments are Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Grand Canyon University, Metro
Center Mall and Chistown Shopping Center.

     The purchase price is $1,800,000 and the Company intends to purchase the
property for cash.  The seller's book value of the Property at December 31, 1995
was $1,182,869, net of depreciation.  In the opinion of management, this
Property will be adequately covered by insurance at acquisition.  The Property
is to be held as an income investment and title will be held in fee by the
Operating Partnership.  The depreciation tax basis will equal the purchase price
less the portion of the purchase price allocated to the land and will be
depreciated by the straight-line depreciation method over 28.5 years.  The
annual realty tax is $17,475.38.

     Arrow Village Apartments, 186615 Arrow Highway, Azusa, California, is an
82-unit garden style apartment complex located in an established residential
area in close proximity to employment, shopping, and community centers.
Competition for tenants is strong from numerous surrounding apartments complexes
in the  neighborhood.  The subject Property will compete with tenant amenities
and property management responsiveness.  The depreciation tax basis will equal
the purchase price less the portion of the purchase price allocated to the land
and will be depreciated by the straight-line depreciation method over 18.5
years.  Most units are subject to annual leases which expire at various times
throughout the year.  The property was built in 1977 and refurbished in 1995 by
the Sellers after purchasing it from a bank which had acquired it in
foreclosure.  When acquired by the Seller, the property was in a state of
disrepair and, through neglect, most of the tenant base had left.  After
refurbishing the property which was completed in Summer 1995, the seller re-
rented all the units at an average effective rental per unit of approximately
$6,700 per year, which is slightly below the surrounding market for comparable
properties.  No records of occupancy are available to the Company for years
prior to 1993 when it was foreclosed upon by a bank.  Based on financial data
available from seller, the Company estimates that occupancy rates for the
Property were 64% in 1993 and 66% in 1994.  In 1995, occupancy went down to 59%
during the construction/rehabilitation period and climbed to 99% in October
after completion of rehabilitation where it 

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
remained until the end of the year. The effective rent per unit for 1995 is
$6,456. In determining the purchase price for the Property, the Company assumed
a vacancy allowance of six percent. The average 1995 annual market rental rate
per unit for comparable properties was $7,236, $7,260 and $6,510, respectively,
for three similar properties located in the area.

     The purchase price is $3,250,000 consisting of $750,000 cash and $2,500,000
of mortgage debt.  The seller's book value of the Property at December 31, 1995
was $2,209,379, net of depreciation.  Arrow Village Apartments closed in April
1996 a $2,500,000 mortgage bearing interest at the rate of 7.875% per annum.
The loan is from the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FannyMae") and has
monthly installments based on a 25-year amortization of $18,706 through April
2003, at which time all outstanding principal and interest would be due.  In the
opinion of management, this Property will be adequately covered by insurance at
acquisition, except that earthquake insurance is not available from any source.
This Property is to be held as in income investment and title will be held in
fee by the Operating Partnership.  The annual realty tax rate is approximately
1.25% of the purchase price or $40,625.

     Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building, 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los
Angeles, California, is a 104,000 square foot, three-story over parking building
built in 1987.  The present use for this building is to provide a large single
tenant retail location on its ground floor supported with ample parking.  The
second and third floors of this building are configured and operated as a retail
self-storage targeted toward both individuals and businesses.  The Company
intends to continue this use as it holds the Property as an income investment
property.  The ground floor is leased by Sportmart, Inc., an Illinois based
national sporting goods discount retail distributor.  Sportmart, Inc. leases the
entire 31,600 square foot ground floor (32.7% of the total square feet) and is
the only tenant to lease in excess of ten percent of the total leasable square
footage.  The Sportmart lease expires in January 1998 and contains two options
to extend this lease for a period of ten years each.  Currently, the total rent
per annum from this lease is $506,872 on a full service basis where Sportmart,
Inc. reimburses the owner for one-third of the building operating expenses.
This reimbursement equals approximately $44,450 per annum.  The second and third
floors of the building are operated as a self-storage facility containing 802
individual storage units and which is effectively 100% occupied with a waiting
list.  The 64,934 leasable square feet on the two floors represents 67.3% of the
total square footage of the building.  Each storage unit lessee executes a
separate lease.  These leases are for varying lengths of time, but generally for
periods of time of one year or less.  The total rent received from these leases
equals a combined total of approximately $900,000 per annum.  The occupancy
reports for the last five years by seller of the Property is as follows:  84%
(1991), 88% (1992), 98% (1993), 97% (1994) and 99% (1995).  The Company's
investigations support the accuracy of seller's reports.  The effective annual
rental price per square foot for each of the last five years is $12.99 (1991),
$13.66 (1992), $15.12 (1993), $15.05 (1994) and $15.45 (1995).  There were no
free rent periods or give-backs.

     The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1995 tenant lease
expirations for the next ten years of the Property assuming no tenants exercise
renewable options:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   Percent of Total
                                                                              Annual           Average Base Rent    Lease Rentable
       Lease                 Number of                                      Minimum Rent        Per Square Foot      Square Feet
    Expiration                Leases              Lease Rentable           Under Expiring       Under Expiring      Represented by
       Year                  Expiring              Square Feet                Leases                 Lease         Expiring Leases
    ----------               ---------            --------------          --------------       ----------------    ---------------
    <S>                      <C>                  <C>                     <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
      1995                        -                        -                        -                    -  
      1996                      802                   64,934                  900,000                13.86               67.3
      1997                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      1998                        1                   31,600                  506,872                16.04               32.7
      1999                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2000                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2001                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2002                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2003                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
</TABLE> 

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
    <S>                      <C>                    <C>                      <C>                   <C>                 <C>  
      2004                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
</TABLE>

     The building location is in the suburban West Los Angeles area of the City
of Los Angeles in a mixed residential and commercial area on a major north-south
artery.  The self-storage building draws on both commercial business users as
well as individuals.  The building has good visibility and freeway access.

     Competition for tenants, either retail or self-storage lessees, is strong
in this highly urbanized environment.  The focus of the building is on the
middle to upper income market where there are relatively few other retail or
self-storage locations as large and accessible.  Notwithstanding, within a five-
mile radius there are many competitors with comparable facilities which may have
resources greater than that of the Company.

     The Property will be acquired by the Operating Partnership which will form
a new limited partnership ("AMREIT No. 1901") with the Property's current owner
which will manage the self-storage portion of the business.  The purchase price
for the property is $12,900,000.  The seller's book value of the Property at
December 31, 1995 was $9,688,890, net of depreciation.  The Operating
Partnership will contribute $4,648,100 to AMREIT No. 1901 for a 67% interest in
AMREIT No. 1901, and the seller will contribute the property for a 33% interest
(with an agreed value of $2,290,000).  AMREIT No. 1901 will assume existing
mortgage debt on the property of $7,450,000, and $1,448,139 of the cash
contributed by the Operating Partnership will be used to pay down existing
mortgage debt.  This loan, with the reduced principal balance of approximately
$5,961,861, will be assumed at an interest rate which floats at 2.5% over the
11th District Federal Home Loan Bank rate which is, when combined with the 2.5%
margin, presently 7.731%.  The scheduled loan maturity is February 2007 and
contains no prepayment penalty.  The principal balance due at maturity, assuming
the presently prevailing interest rate of 7.31% over the remaining loan term,
would be approximately $3,857,458.  The Company intends to replace this
financing with fixed rate financing in the future.

     The Operating Partnership will receive a priority 10.5% return from cash
flow from operations on funds invested in AMREIT No. 1901.  The seller will
receive an eight percent preferred return on its equity from cash flow from
operations after the Operating Partnership's priority return.  Remaining cash
flow from operations will be divided 50/50.  Proceeds from sale or refinancing
of the Property will be distributed (i) first, to pay debts of AMREIT No. 1901,
(ii) next, to provide a preferential return to the Operating Partnership on
certain portions of its net capital contributions prior to distributions to all
partners, (iii) next, distributions will be made to all partners on a pro rata
basis until the partners' net capital accounts are returned in full, (iv) next,
any unpaid preferred returns will be paid to the partners, and (v) any balance
will be distributed 50% to the seller, provided that if the seller's net capital
contribution falls below ten percent of its original capital contribution (i.e.,
below $229,000), such balance will be distributed to the partners pro rata in
accordance with the balance of their respective net capital contributions.

     As a part of the transaction, the Company has granted to the seller a
redemption right wherein, assuming the preferred return requirements are being
met by the cash flow from operations of the Property, the seller may require the
Company to redeem all or a portion of seller's partnership interest in AMREIT
No. 1901 for cash, or, in an amount equal to seller's net capital contribution
to AMREIT No. 1901.  In the opinion of management, this Property will be
adequately covered by insurance at acquisition, except that earthquake insurance
is not presently available from any source.  The depreciation tax basis will
equal the purchase price less the portion of the purchase price allocable to the
land and depreciation will be over a 28.5 year life in a straight-line method.
The realty tax rate will be approximately 1.2% of the purchase price, or
$154,000.

     Hewlett-Packard Building, 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California,
is a Class A, eight-story, suburban office building containing 85,750 rental
square feet which was built in 1990 and which is fully leased.  The present use
for this building is to provide modern office space for corporate offices for
businesses and professionals.  The Company intends to continue this use as it
holds the Property as an income investment property.  The three principal
tenants of this building, each of which occupy in excess of ten percent of the
rental square footage and which collectively account for 83.3% of the total
rental square footage are (i) Hewlett-Packard Company whose lease is for 39,000
square feet (45.4% of the total rentable square footage).  Hewlett-Packard
Company is a national manufacturer and distributor of electronics and computer
hardware and software for both 

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
retail consumers and industrial consumers. The lease with Hewlett-Packard
Company expires on January 31, 2003 and requires a two year notice to vacate.
There are two options to extend this lease for successive five-year periods.
Presently, the total rent per annum from this lease is $832,372; (ii) FHP, Inc.,
whose lease is for 17,276 square feet (20.2% of the total rental square
footage). FHP is a national health maintenance organization headquartered in
California. This lease expires April 12, 1997 and requires no less than a six
month notice to vacate. There is one option to renew for a period of 5 years.
Presently, the total rent per annum from this lease is $373,152; and (iii)
Industrial Bank whose lease is for 18,143 square feet (21.2% of the total
rentable square footage). Industrial Bank is a California commercial bank
specializing in providing banking and financial services to both retail
customers and small-to-medium sized businesses in the San Fernando Valley and
the Greater Los Angeles Area. This lease expires November 13, 1998. There are
four options to extend this lease for successive five-year periods. Presently,
the total rent per annum from this lease is $485,931. The Property location is
in suburban Los Angeles with excellent freeway visibility and vehicle access.
The building began leasing in 1990 and has had the following levels of occupancy
in the last five years: 34% (1991), 53% (1992), 100% (1993), 100% (1994) and
100% (1995). Effective annual rental rates per square foot for the last five
years were: $26.66 (1991), $24.77 (1992), $23.19 (1993), $22.83 (1994) and
$22.85 (1995). There were no free rent periods or give-backs. Competition for
tenants in the area for Class A office space is very keen. The Property is
located in a market where it is designed to attract both local and regional
tenants. While the Property is presently fully leased should one of the three
major tenants vacate the amount of comparable rentable space in the area could
have a materially adverse effect on the Company's ability to rent the vacated
space at the present rental rates in a timely manner. Competitors in the market
for tenants have greater resources in some cases.

     The following table set forth as of December 31, 1995 tenant lease
expirations for the next ten years of the Property assuming no tenants exercise
renewable options:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   Percent of Total
                                                                              Annual           Average Base Rent    Lease Rentable
       Lease                 Number of            Lease Rentable            Minimum Rent        Per Square Foot      Square Feet
    Expiration                Leases               Square Feet             Under Expiring       Under Expiring      Represented by
       Year                  Expiring                                         Leases                 Lease         Expiring Leases
    ----------               ---------            --------------          --------------       ----------------    ---------------
    <S>                      <C>                  <C>                     <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
      1995                        -                        -                        -                    -  
      1996                        1                    2,492                   65,789                27.72                2.9
      1997                        2                   24,563                  460,596                23.02               28.6
      1998                        1                   18,143                  485,931                29.28               21.2
      1999                        -                    1,546                   16,536                23.57                1.8
      2000                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2001                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2002                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
      2003                        1                   39,000                  832,372                21.36              45.51
      2004                        -                        -                        -                    -                  -
</TABLE>

     The Property will be acquired by the Operating Partnership which will form
a new limited partnership ("AMREIT No. 5805") with the Property's current owner
where the Operating Partnership will be the sole general partner and title will
be held in the name of AMREIT No. 5805.  The purchase price for the property is
$16,000,000.  The seller's book value of the Property at December 31, 1995 was
$13,767,124, net of depreciation.  The Operating Partnership will contribute
$6,400,000 to AMREIT No. 5805 for an 80% interest in AMREIT No. 5805, and the
seller will contribute the property for a 20% interest (with an agreed value of
$1,600,000).  AMREIT No. 5805 will assume existing mortgage debt on the property
of approximately $10,720,000, and $2,720,000  of the cash contributed by the
Operating Partnership will be used to pay down existing mortgage debt to
approximately $8,000,000.  (In a Maximum Common Offering, existing mortgage debt
will be paid in full.)  This $8,000,000 loan will be assumed at a rate of
interest of nine percent payable interest only until the scheduled maturity of
December 29, 1998 when the principal balance is due.  There is no prepayment
penalty.  The Company will seek to immediately refinance this loan upon
acquisition at more favorable terms and rate.  The Operating Partnership will
receive a priority 10.5% return from cash flow from operations on funds invested
in AMREIT No. 

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
5805. The seller will receive an eight percent preferred return on its equity
from cash flow from operations after the Operating Partnership's priority
return. Remaining cash flow from operations will be divided 50/50. Proceeds from
sale or refinancing of the Property will be distributed (i) first, to pay debts
of AMREIT No. 5805, (ii) next, to provide a preferential return to the Operating
Partnership on certain portions of its net capital contributions prior to
distributions to all partners, (iii) next, distributions will be made to all
partners on a pro rata basis until the partners' net capital accounts are
returned in full, (iv) next, any unpaid preferred returns will be paid to the
partners, and (v) any balance will be distributed 50% to the Operating
Partnership and 50% to the seller, provided that if the seller's net capital
contribution falls below ten percent of its original capital contribution (i.e.,
below $160,000), such balance will be distributed to the partners pro rata in
accordance with the balance of their respective net capital contributions.

     As a part of the transaction, the Company has granted to the seller a
redemption right wherein, assuming the preferred return requirements are being
met by the cash flow from operations of the Property, the seller may require the
Company to exchange all or a portion of seller's partnership interest in AMREIT
No. 5805 for cash in an amount equal to seller's net capital contribution to
AMREIT No. 5805.

     The purchase agreement contains a $500,000 reserve for seismic
inspection/repair of the entire building.  The building is located in the San
Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles which was near the site of the January
1994 Northridge earthquake.  The building inspections conducted as a part of the
Company's due diligence reveal no material damage to the building.  As a part of
the Company's purchase agreement, the seller (i) has warranted to the Company
that no additional seismic repair is necessary and (ii) has subordinated his
$1,600,000 equity to any repair work which is found to be required.  In the
opinion of management, this Property will be adequately covered by insurance at
acquisition, except that earthquake insurance is not presently available from
any source.  The depreciation tax basis will equal the purchase price less the
portion of the purchase price allocated to the land and will be depreciated over
a 28.5 years life on a straight-line method.  The realty tax rate will be
approximately 1.2% of the purchase price or $192,000.

                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

     The following description of the Shares and other capital stock of the
Company does not purport to be complete but contains a summary of portions of
the Company's Charter and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Company's Charter.

GENERAL

     The total number of shares of stock which the Company has authority to
issue is 56,515,000 shares, of which 35,000,000 are shares of Common Stock,
$0.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), and 21,515,000 are shares of
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share ("Preferred Stock").  The Board of
Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock
in one or more series, to establish the number of shares in each series and to
fix the designation, powers, preferences and the rights of such series and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.  All shares are subject to
the Ownership Limit.  In addition, no Person may, directly or indirectly,
acquire Beneficial Ownership of a number of shares of 8% Preferred that, when
added to other equity shares of the Company Beneficially Owned by such Person,
would exceed five percent of the value of the outstanding equity shares of the
Company.

     Common Stock.  All shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be duly
authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.  Subject to the preferential rights of
any other shares or series of shares of preferred stock and to the provisions of
the Company's Charter regarding the consequences of actually or constructively
owning shares of Common Stock in violation of the Ownership Limit (as discussed
below), holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive Distributions on
such Common Stock if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board of
Directors of the Company out of assets legally available therefor and to share
ratably in the assets of the Company legally available for distribution to its
shareholders in the event of its liquidation, dissolution or winding-up after

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
payment of, or adequate provision for, all known debts and liabilities of the
Company.  The Company intends to pay quarterly Distributions, beginning with a
Distribution for the first full calendar quarter ending after the Initial
Closing.  See "Distribution Policy."

     Subject to the provisions of the Company's Charter regarding the
consequences of actually or constructively owning shares of Common Stock in
violation of the Ownership Limit and to the matters discussed below under
"Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the Company's Charter and By-Laws --
Control Share Acquisition," each outstanding share of Common Stock entitled the
holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including
the election of directors, and, except as otherwise required by law or except as
provided with respect to any other class or series of shares of stock, the
holders of such shares of Common Stock will possess the exclusive voting power.
There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock can elect all of
the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining
shares, if any, will not be able to elect any directors.  Holders of Common
Stock have no conversion, sinking fund, redemption rights or any preemptive
rights to subscribe for any securities of the Company.

     Subject to the provisions of the Company's Charter regarding the
consequences of actually or constructively owning  shares of Common Stock in
violation of the Ownership Limit, all shares of Common Stock will have equal
Distribution, liquidation and other rights, and will have no preference,
appraisal or exchange rights.

     8% Convertible Preferred Stock.  The Board of Directors has authorized the
issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock and
1,136,364 of such shares are being offered for sale in this Offering at $13.20
per share.  The 8% Preferred Stock is entitled to a $13.20 liquidation
preference.  The 8% Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, out of funds legally
available therefor, cumulative Distributions at the annual rate equal to the
greater of eight percent of the preferred liquidation amount per share, or twice
the per share amount paid as Distributions on the Common Stock, with a maximum
of $1.30 per share.  Such amount is payable in each year when and as declared by
the Board of Directors.  Such amounts are cumulative.  Each share of 8%
Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock into
which it is convertible, disregarding fractional shares, and Common Stock and 8%
Preferred Stock vote together, with the 1995 Preferred Stock, as a single class
on all matters coming before the shareholders for approval; provided, however,
that without the approval of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of 8%
Preferred Stock, the Company may not (i) amend the Articles of Incorporation or
Articles Supplementary to alter or change any rights, preferences or privileges
of 8% Preferred Stock so as materially and adversely to affect the 8% Preferred
Stock; (ii) increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of 8% Preferred
Stock or effect a stock split or reverse stock split of the 8% Preferred Stock;
(iii) authorize another class or series of shares senior to the 8% Preferred
Stock with respect to distribution of assets on liquidation, it being understood
that the Board of Directors of the Company may authorize another class or series
of preferred shares in parity with the 8% Preferred Stock with respect to
distributions, including liquidating distributions; (iv) so long as
Distributions to holders of 8% Preferred Stock are not current, purchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire any Common Stock, directly or indirectly, except the
purchase of Common Stock from an employee or consultant of the Company; (v)
merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation or sell all or
substantially all of its assets to any other corporation, except any such
transaction not requiring approval of the Common Stock; or (vi) voluntarily
elect to wind up and dissolve.  For a period of 60 months commencing 90 days
after the Final Closing, at the option of the holder, each share of 8% Preferred
Stock is convertible into two shares of Common Stock, such conversion ratio
being subject to normal anti-dilution adjustments.

     1995 Convertible Preferred Stock.  The Board of Directors has authorized
the issuance of up to 1,100,000 shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock and
has issued 1,021,500 shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock.  See
"Capitalization."  The 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to no
Distributions and is entitled to one vote per share for each share of Common
Stock into which it is convertible, disregarding fractional shares, and Common
Stock and 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock will vote together, with the 8%
Preferred Stock, as a single class on all matters coming before the shareholders
for approval although, without the approval of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company may not
undertake any of the actions described in clauses (i) through (vi) in the above
description of 8% Preferred Stock.  On liquidation, each 

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
share of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to a $0.01 liquidation
preference (the "Preferred Liquidation Amount"), subject to adjustment in the
event of adjustments in the conversion price. For a period ending on October 31,
2005, at the option of the holders, each share of 1995 Convertible Preferred
Stock is convertible into one share of Common Stock, at the Preferred
Liquidation Amount, provided, however, that no such conversion may occur until
six months after the end of the Company's first fiscal year wherein its audited
consolidated financial statements reflect total equity of $25,000,000 or more
(with cumulative depreciation recorded in such consolidated financial statements
since the acquisition of applicable properties added back and as adjusted for
the difference, if any, between the agreed value of acquired property and the
value of such property recorded by the Company in such consolidated financial
statements) ("Adjusted Equity Value") plus Funds from Operations of $2,500,000
or more. The term "Funds from Operations" means net income of the Company as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus
depreciation, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint
ventures. The conversion price is subject to normal anti-dilution adjustments.
In addition, by contract with the Company, holders of 385,000 shares of 1995
Convertible Preferred Stock (including 25,000 held by Dois Brock, President of
the Company, 150,000 held by The Danube Rousse Inc. (a principal shareholder)
and 150,000 held by Regent IV Trust (a principal shareholder), and the balance
held by three other Persons who are neither part of management or principal
shareholders) have agreed not to convert those shares into Common Stock of the
Company until six months after the end of the Company's first fiscal year
wherein the Company's Adjusted Equity Value is $40,000,000 or more, and its
Funds from Operations are $4,000,000 or more. Furthermore, by contract with the
Company, holders of 391,500 shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock
(including 50,000 held by Dois Brock, 25,000 held by Jacob Segal, Vice President
of the Company, 30,000 held by Gerald Weisstein, a director of the Company,
115,000 held by The Danube Rousse Inc., 115,000 held by Regent IV Trust, and the
balance held by three other Persons who are neither part of management or
principal shareholders) will not be permitted to convert those shares to Common
Stock until six months after the end of the Company's first fiscal year wherein
the Company's Adjusted Equity Value is $70,000,000 or more, and its Funds from
Operations are $7,000,000 or more.

     Preferred Stock.  In addition to the 8% Convertible Preferred Stock and the
1995 Convertible Preferred Stock, the preferred stock may be issued from time to
time in one or more series as authorized by the Board of Directors.  Prior to
issuance of shares of each series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall
designate that series to distinguish it from all other series and classes of
stock of the Company, shall specify the number of shares to be included in the
series and shall set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions,
qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption.  Subject to the express
terms of any other series of preferred stock outstanding at the time and
notwithstanding any other provision of the Articles of Incorporation, the Board
of Directors may increase or decrease the number of shares of, or alter the
designation or classify or reclassify, any unissued shares of any series of
preferred stock by setting or changing, in any one or more respects, from time
to time before issuing the shares, and the terms, preferences, conversion or
other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of the shares
of any series of preferred stock.

     10% Convertible Notes Due October 1, 1996.  The Company has issued in
October 1995 an aggregate of $202,500 of 10% Convertible Notes due October 1,
1996 ("10% Notes").  These Notes bear interest at ten percent per annum, payable
on maturity of the Note.  Such Notes are convertible into unregistered shares of
Common Stock of the Company at a conversion price of $4.50 per share.  Such
conversion may take place on the earlier of 90 days after the Final Closing or
September 30, 1996, at the option of the holder.  They are redeemable by the
Company on or before September 30, 1996.

     10% Convertible Notes Due October 1, 1996, Series B.  The Company has
issued in November and December 1995 an aggregate of $56,281.50 aggregate
principal amount of 10% Convertible Notes due October 1, 1996, Series B ("Series
B Notes").  See "Risk Factors -- General Investment Risks -- Potential
Securities Act Liability."  The Series B Notes bear interest at ten percent per
annum, payable on maturity of the Notes.  They are convertible into unregistered
shares of Common Stock of the Company at a conversion price of $4.50 per share.
Such conversion may take place on the earlier of 90 days from the Final Closing
or September 30, 1996, at the option of the holder.  They are redeemable by the
Company on or before September 30, 1996.  The Series B Notes were sold without
an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.  Accordingly, any
Series B Noteholder 

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
desiring to rescind its purchase of Series B Notes may require the Company to
refund its purchase price plus interest from the date of purchase to the date of
rescission payment.

     10% Notes, due April 15, 1997.  The Company has issued an aggregate of
$245,555.55 of 10% Notes, due April 15, 1997.  The Notes were sold at a ten
percent discount and bear interest at ten percent per annum, payable at
maturity.  The Notes are not convertible into any equity securities of the
Company and are redeemable by the Company at any time.

     Series "A" Warrants.  The Series "A" Warrants will be issued as part of the
Units.  They will have a three year life, are immediately exercisable, and will
allow the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock for $7.00.  These
warrants are detachable from the Units immediately on issuance and contain
appropriate anti-dilution clauses and will be fully transferable from the date
of the close of the Offering.  The Common Stock issued upon exercise of these
warrants has been registered under the Securities Act and will be freely
tradable.  The Company does not intend to list the Series "A" Warrants on any
market or exchange.

     Series "D" Warrants.  The Company has authorized and has issued 463,133
Series "D" Warrants.  Such warrants permit the purchase of one share of Common
Stock at $3.50 per share subject to normal anti-dilution provisions and are non-
transferable.  In general, they are exercisable for a 35-month period commencing
at the end of the 13th month after the Final Closing of the Offering.  57,133 of
such warrants have been issued to former shareholders of Funding Co. on the
basis of one warrant for each two shares of Funding Co. exchanged into Company
Common Stock.  406,000 of such warrants have been issued in combination with
1,021,500 shares of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock to various parties as
consideration for accepting a substantially subordinate position to the public
shareholders of the Company, including certain former shareholders of Funding
Co. who are members of management, in the form of 1995 Convertible Preferred
Stock.  See "Principal Shareholders -- Director and Officer Stock Ownership.
Holders of 336,000 of such warrants have agreed with the Company that they will
not exercise their rights to purchase Common Stock pursuant to the warrant until
six months after the end of the Company's first fiscal year wherein its audited
consolidated financial statements reflect an Adjusted Equity Value of
$25,000,000 or more plus Funds from Operations of $2,500,000 or more.  Transfers
of the Series "D" Warrants will be subject to Rule 144 promulgated under the
Securities Act ("Rule 144").  Such warrants may not be sold in the absence of
registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is
available, including exemptions contained in Rule 144.  All Series "D" Warrants
expire 48 months after the Final Closing of the Offering.  In the future, Common
Stock issued upon exercise of these warrants will be registered for resale under
the Securities Act.

     Series "E" Warrants.  As compensation to Brookstreet Securities Corporation
for assisting the Company in selling $202,500 of 10% Notes, the Company has
issued in October 1995 72,500 Series "E" Warrants.  These Warrants may not be
exercised until 90 days after the date of the Final Closing.  They will have a
two year life commencing on the date of the Final Closing and will allow the
holder to purchase one share of Common Stock for $4.50 per share.  Transfers of
the Series "E" Warrants will be subject to Rule 144.  Such warrants may not be
sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption
from registration is available, including exemptions contained in Rule 144.  In
the future, the Common Stock issued upon exercise of these warrants will be
registered for resale under the Securities Act.

RESTRICTION ON OWNERSHIP

     In order for the Company to qualify as a REIT, not more than 50% in value
of its outstanding shares may be owned by any five or fewer individuals
(including certain tax-exempt entities) during the last half of each taxable
year of the Company, and the outstanding shares must be owned by 100 or more
Persons independent of the Company and each other during at least 335 days of a
12 month taxable year or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year
for which an election to be treated as a REIT is made.  For purposes of the
"five or fewer test," a holder of a warrant, option to acquire Equity Stock, or
certain convertible securities of the Company, is deemed to own the shares for
which he has an option to purchase or a conversion right and the multiple
classes of Shares may raise special valuation issues.  The Company, therefore,
may prohibit certain acquisitions and transfers of 

                                       64
<PAGE>
 
Shares so as to facilitate the Company's continued qualification as a REIT under
the Code. However, there can be no assurance that such prohibition will be
effective.

     In order to assist the Board in preserving the Company's status as a REIT,
the Charter contains a basic Ownership Limit which prohibits any Person or group
of Persons from acquiring, directly or indirectly, Beneficial Ownership of more
than 9.8% in value of the outstanding equity shares of the Company.  Value will
be determined by market prices.  Shares owned by a Person or a group of Persons
in excess of the Ownership Limit are deemed "Excess Shares."  Shares owned by a
Person who individually owns of record less than 9.8% of outstanding equity
shares may nevertheless be Excess Shares if such Person is deemed part of a
group for purposes of this restriction.  In addition, in order to protect the
integrity of the Ownership Limit set forth in the Company's Charter, no Person
may, directly or indirectly, acquire or hold, beneficial ownership of a number
of shares of 8% Preferred that, when added to other equity shares of the Company
beneficially owned by such Person, would exceed five percent of the value of the
outstanding equity shares of the Company.  The Board of Directors will cause the
shareholdings of Persons owning 8% Preferred to be regularly monitored in order
to assist in the prevention of an inadvertent violation of the five percent
restriction.

     As noted by tax counsel to the Company in its opinion, these ownership
restrictions do not mathematically assure compliance with the ownership
requirements for qualified REIT status of the Company.  See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations -- Summary of Tax Opinions."  For example, if five individuals
each purchased Common Stock with a value representing 9.8% of the total
outstanding equity shares of the Company, their aggregate 49% ownership interest
by value at the time of purchase could theoretically increase over time to over
50% of the value of the Company if the value of the Common Stock were to
increase relative to the value of the 8% Preferred.  However, due to the
liquidation preference and other features of the 8% Preferred, the Company
believes it is extremely unlikely that such a relative market value fluctuation
would occur.  Because it is more likely that the value of the 8% Preferred could
increase relative to the value of the Common Stock, the additional five percent
ownership restriction has been imposed with respect to holders of the 8%
Preferred (including holders of both Common Stock and 8% Preferred) to assure
compliance with the REIT ownership requirements.

     In addition to the right to prevent a transfer of 8% Preferred or other
equity shares of the Company, the Company has the right, by written notice, to
require a beneficial owner of this Company's shares to sell to the Company that
number of shares of 8% Preferred necessary to prevent such Person from exceeding
the five percent restriction.  The purchase price for such shares is a cash
amount equal to the aggregate market value of such shares on the date that the
Company sends notice that it is exercising its right to purchase 8% Preferred
from such Person in order to protect the five percent restriction.  Subject to
applicable law, the purchase right granted to the Company may be assigned by the
Company to any Person which would not be in violation of the five percent
restriction.

     The Charter stipulates that any purported issuance or transfer of shares
shall be invalid with respect to those shares that result in the transferee-
shareholder owning equity shares in excess of the Ownership Limit.  If the
transferee-shareholder acquires Excess Shares, such Person is considered to have
acted as an agent for the Company and holds such Excess Shares on behalf of the
ultimate shareholder.

     The Ownership Limit does not apply to offerors which, in accordance with
applicable federal and state securities laws, make a cash tender offer, where at
least 85% of the outstanding shares (not including shares or subsequently issued
securities convertible into common stock which are held by the tender offeror
and/or any "affiliates" or "associates" thereof within the meaning of the
Exchange Act) are duly tendered and accepted pursuant to the cash tender offer.
The Ownership Limit also does not apply to the underwriter in a public offering
of the Shares.  The Ownership Limit does not apply to a Person or Persons which
the directors so exempt from the Ownership Limit upon appropriate assurances
that the Company's qualification as a REIT is not jeopardized.

                                       65
<PAGE>
 
     All Persons who own five percent or more of the outstanding shares (or one
percent or more if the Company has more than 200 but fewer than 2,000
shareholders) during any taxable year will be asked by the Company to deliver a
statement or affidavit setting forth the number of shares of all classes
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such Persons.

DISTRIBUTIONS

     The Company intends after the Initial Closing to declare Distributions on a
quarterly basis.  It is anticipated that the declaration of Distributions will
commence at the end of the first full calendar quarter after the Initial
Closing.  Distributions will be paid to investors who are shareholders as of the
record date selected by the directors.  Distributions will be paid on a
quarterly basis regardless of the frequency with which such Distributions are
declared.  The Company is required to distribute annually its Distributable REIT
Taxable Income to comply with the REIT Provisions.  Generally, income
distributed as Distributions will not be taxable to the Company under federal
income tax laws unless the Company fails to comply with the REIT Provisions.

     Distributions will be paid at the discretion of the directors, in
accordance with the earnings, cash flow and general financial condition of the
Company.  The directors' discretion will be directed, in substantial part, by
their obligation to cause the Company to comply with the REIT Provisions.
Because the Company may receive income from interest or rents at various times
during its fiscal year, Distributions may not reflect income earned by the
Company in that particular period but may be made in anticipation of cash flow
which the Company expects to receive during a later quarter and may be made in
advance of actual receipt in an attempt to make distributions relatively
uniform.  The Company can borrow to make distributions if the borrowing is
necessary to maintain the Company's REIT status or if the borrowing is part of a
liquidation strategy to partially or completely liquidate investments in
Properties by borrowing against those Properties.

     The Company is not prohibited from distributing its own securities in lieu
of making cash distributions to shareholders, provided that such securities
distributed to shareholders are registered under the Securities Act and approved
for listing by the securities exchange on which the Company's other shares are
traded.  Shareholders who receive marketable securities in lieu of cash
distributions may incur transaction expenses in liquidating such securities.

REPURCHASE OF SHARES

     The Company has the authority to redeem Excess Shares immediately upon
becoming aware of existence of such Excess Shares or after giving the Person in
whose hands such shares are Excess Shares 30 days to the transfer such Excess
Shares to a Person whose ownership of such shares would not exceed the Ownership
Limit and, therefore, would no longer be considered Excess Shares.  The price
paid upon redemption by the Company shall be the lesser of the price paid for
such Excess Shares by the shareholder in whose possession the redeemed shares
were formerly Excess Shares or the fair market value of the Excess Shares.  The
Company may purchase Excess Shares or otherwise repurchase shares if such
repurchase does not impair the capital or operations of the Company.

TRANSFER AGENT

     The transfer agent and registrar for the Shares will be Gemisys
Corporation.  The transfer agent's address is 7103 South Revere Parkway,
Englewood, Colorado 80112, and its phone number is (303) 705-6000.

                                       66
<PAGE>
 
                   CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF
                       THE COMPANY'S CHARTER AND BY-LAWS

     The following paragraphs summarize certain provisions of Maryland law and
the Company's Charter and By-Laws.  The summary does not purport to be complete
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's
Charter and By-Laws, copies of which are exhibits to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The Company's Charter provides that the number of directors of the Company
shall be established by the By-Laws but shall not be less than three nor more
than nine.  The present Board has five members.  Any vacancy on the Board of
Directors will be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting
called for that purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors, except that a
vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be filled by
a majority of the entire board of directors.  The Charter provides for a
staggered Board of Directors consisting of three classes as nearly equal  in
size as practicable.  One class will hold office initially for a term expiring
at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 1996, another class will
hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders
to be held in 1997 and another class will hold office initially for a term
expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 1998.  As the term
of each class expires, directors in that class will be elected for a term of
three years and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.  The
Company believes that classification of the Board of Directors will help to
assure the continuity and stability of the Company's business strategies and
policies as determined by the Board of Directors.

     The classified director provision could have the effect of making the
removal of incumbent directors more time-consuming and difficult, which could
discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to
obtain control of the Company, even though such an attempt might be beneficial
to the Company and its shareholders.  At least two annual meetings of
shareholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors.  Thus, the classified board provision could
increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions.
Holders of shares of voting stock will have no right to cumulative voting for
the elections of directors.  Consequently, at each annual meeting of
shareholders, the holders of a majority of outstanding shares of voting stock
will be able to elect all of the successors of the class of directors whose term
expires at that meeting.

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

     The Company's Charter provides that a director may be removed with or
without cause by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast in the election of directors.  This provision, when coupled
with the provision in the By-Laws authorizing the Board of Directors to fill
vacant directorships, could preclude shareholders from removing incumbent
directors except upon the existence of a substantial affirmative vote and by
filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees upon the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election
of directors.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

     Under the MGCL, certain "Business Combinations" (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer
or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland
corporation and any person who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the
voting power of the corporation's shares or an affiliate of the corporation who,
at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the
beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then
outstanding voting stock of the corporation (an "Interested Shareholder") or an
affiliate of an Interested Shareholder are prohibited for five years after the
most recent date on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested
Shareholder.  Thereafter, any such Business Combination must be recommended by
the Board of Directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote
of at least (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding

                                       67
<PAGE>
 
voting shares of the corporation and (ii) 66-2/3% of the votes entitled to be
cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of the corporation other than
shares held by the Interested Shareholder with whom the Business Combination is
to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation's shareholders
receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the
consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the
Interested Shareholder for its shares.  These provisions of Maryland law do not
apply, however, to Business Combinations that are approved or exempted by the
Board of Directors of the corporation prior to the time that the Interested
Shareholder becomes an Interested Shareholder.  A Maryland corporation may adopt
an amendment to its Charter or by-laws electing not to be subject to the special
voting requirements of the foregoing legislation (i.e., the Business Combination
Statute).  The Company has not adopted such an amendment to its Charter.

CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS

     The MGCL provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired
in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent
approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter,
excluding shares of stock owned by the acquiror or by officers or directors who
are employees of the corporation.  "Control Shares" are voting shares of stock
which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by
such person, or in respect of which such person is able to exercise or direct
the exercise of voting power, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting
power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
(i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less
than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power.  Control
shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a
result of having previously obtained shareholder approval.  A "control share
acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain
exceptions.

     A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon
satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses),
may compel the Board of Directors to call a special meeting of shareholders to
be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares.
If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the
question at any shareholders meeting.

     If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person
does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then,
subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or
all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously
been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of
voting rights for control shares, as of the date of the last control share
acquisition or of any meeting of shareholders at which the voting rights of such
shares are considered and not approved.  If voting rights for control shares are
approved at a shareholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a
majority or more of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may
exercise appraisal rights.  The fair value of the shares are determined for
purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per
share paid in the control share acquisition, and certain limitations and
restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters' rights do not
apply in the context of a control share acquisition.

     The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in
a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the
transaction, or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws of the corporation.

AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CHARTER

     The Company's Charter, including its provisions on classification of the
Board of Directors and removal of directors, may be amended only by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the capital stock
entitled to vote.

                                       68
<PAGE>
 
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS AND ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

     In order for shareholders to call special meetings, the By-Laws require the
written request of holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 25% of all
votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.  Such provisions do not, however,
affect the ability of shareholders to submit a proposal to the vote of all
shareholders of the Company in accordance with the By-Laws, which provide for
the additional notice requirements for shareholder nominations and proposals at
the annual meetings of shareholders.

     The By-Laws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken at a
meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting by unanimous written
consent, if such consent sets forth such action and is signed by each
shareholder entitled to vote on the matter and a written waiver of any right to
dissent is signed by each shareholder entitled to notice of the meeting but not
entitled to vote at it.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

     The Company's Charter and By-Laws limit the liability of the Company's
directors and officers to the Company and its shareholders to the fullest extent
permitted from time to time by Maryland law.  Maryland law presently permits the
liability of directors and officers to a corporation or its shareholders for
money damages to be limited, except (i) to the extent that it is proved that the
director or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit, or (ii)  to
the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication is entered in a
proceeding based on a finding that the director's or officer's action, or
failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was
material to the cause of action, as adjudicated in the proceeding.  This
provision does not limit the ability of the Company or its shareholders to
obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission.

     The Company's By-Laws require the Company to indemnify its directors,
officers and certain other parties to the fullest extent permitted from time to
time by Maryland law.  The Company's Charter and By-Laws also permit the Company
to indemnify its directors who have served another corporation or enterprise in
various capacities at the request of the Company.  The MGCL presently permits a
corporation to indemnity its directors, officers and certain other parties
against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be
made a party by reason of their service to or at the request of the Company,
unless it is established that: (i) the act or omission of the indemnified party
was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in
bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the
indemnified party actually received an improper personal benefit ; or (iii) in
the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnified party had reasonable cause
to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.  Indemnification may be made
against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding;
provided, however, that if the proceeding is one by or in the right of the
Company, indemnification may not be made with respect to any proceeding in which
the director or officer has been adjudged to be liable to the Company.  In
addition, a director or officer may not be indemnified with respect to any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or officer in
which the director or officer was adjudged to be liable on the basis that the
personal benefit was improperly received.  The termination of any proceeding by
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of
any order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that
the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct required
for indemnification to be permitted.  Indemnification under the provisions of
the MGCL is not deemed exclusive to any other rights, by indemnification or
otherwise, to which an officer or director may be entitled under the Company's
Charter or By-Laws, or under resolutions of shareholders or directors, contract
or otherwise.

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE COMPANY'S
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS

     The provisions in the Charter regarding the Ownership Limit and the
classification of the Board of Directors, the business combination provisions of
the MGCL, the control shares acquisition provisions of the MGCL, and the advance
notice provisions of the By-Laws could have the effect of delaying, deferring,
discouraging or preventing a transaction or a change of control of the Company
in which holders of some, or a 

                                       69
<PAGE>
 
majority of the capital stock of the Company, might receive a premium for their
shares over the then prevailing market price or which such holders might believe
to be otherwise in their best interest.

                        SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     Upon the completion of a Minimum Common Offering and a Maximum Common
Offering, the Company will have outstanding 2,417,572 shares and 5,274,714
shares, respectively, of its Common Stock.  Upon the completion of a Minimum
Preferred Offering, there will be 152,000 shares of 8% Preferred outstanding,
and the maximum number of shares of 8% Preferred which may be sold is 1,136,364
shares.  The shares of Common Stock issued in the Offering will be freely
tradable by persons other than "affiliates" of the Company without restriction
under the Securities Act, subject to the limitations on ownership set forth in
the Charter.  See "Description of Securities -- Restriction on Ownership."  In
addition to the shares of Common Stock and 8% Preferred issued in the Offering,
assuming a Maximum Combined Offering, and subject to reaching a variety of
exercise or conversion criteria, the Company may issue an aggregate of up to
5,637,368 additional shares of Common Stock (subject to the Ownership Limit),
when the 8% Preferred, the 1995 Preferred Stock, Series "A," "D" and "E"
Warrants and the 10% Notes and Series "B" Notes are converted into Common Stock
or exercised.  See "Description of Securities."

     The shares of Common Stock owned by "affiliates" of the Company will be
subject to Rule 144 and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the
Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including
exemptions contained in Rule 144.  Shares issued upon conversion of 8%
Convertible Preferred Stock and the 10% Convertible Notes will be registered
under the Securities Act by the Company, as will Shares issued upon redemption
of the above-mentioned limited partnership interests.

     Pursuant to the Operating Partnership Agreement, the OP Limited Partners
will receive the Redemption Rights, which will enable them to cause the
Operating Partnership to redeem their OP Units in exchange for either shares of
Common Stock on a one-for-one basis (subject to certain anti-dilution
adjustments) or for cash under certain circumstances or at the election of the
Company.  The Redemption Rights may be exercised, in whole or in part, by an OP
Limited Partner at any time after 18 months following admission of such OP
Limited Partner to the Operating Partnership, in whole or in part.  Shares of
Common Stock issued to holders of OP Units upon exercise of the Redemption
Rights will be registered under the Securities Act.

     In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, if two years have
elapsed since the later of the date of acquisition of restricted shares from the
Company or any "affiliate" of the Company, as that term is defined under the
Securities Act, the acquiror or subsequent holder thereof is entitled to sell
within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of one percent of the then outstanding Common Stock or the average
weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks
preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner of
sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public
information about the Company.  If three years have elapsed since the date of
acquisition of restricted shares from the Company or from any "affiliate" of the
Company, and the acquiror or subsequent holder thereof is deemed not to have
been an affiliate of the Company at any time during the 90 days preceding a
sale, such person would be entitled to sell such shares in the public market
under Rule 144(k) without regard to the volume limitations, manner of sale
provisions, public information requirements or notice requirements.
    
     Subject to the Company's continued compliance with listing guides, the
Shares have been approved for trading on the NASDAQ National Market and trading
is expected to commence promptly following  the Final Closing of the Offering.
No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares,
or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market price
prevailing from time to time.  Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock or
the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing
market prices of the Common Stock.      

                                       70
<PAGE>
 
     For a description of certain restrictions on transfers of shares held by
certain shareholders of the Company, see "Underwriting" and "Description of
Securities -- Restriction on Ownership."

                       FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     The following is a general summary of all material federal income tax
considerations associated with an investment in the Units, Common Stock or the
8% Preferred that are material to a prospective holder thereof.  Thelen, Marrin,
Johnson & Bridges, which has acted as tax counsel to the Company in connection
with the formation of the Company, the Operating Partnership and the Company's
election to be taxed as a REIT, has reviewed the following discussion and is of
the opinion that it fairly summarizes the federal income tax considerations that
are likely to be material to a holder of Common Stock or 8% Preferred.  The
following discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations.
Moreover, this summary does not deal with all tax aspects that might be relevant
to a particular prospective shareholder in light of his personal circumstances;
nor does it deal with particular types of shareholders that are subject to
special treatment under the Code, such as insurance companies, financial
institutions and broker-dealers.  The Common Stock and 8% Preferred are
sometimes collectively referred to in this Section as "Equity Stock."  The Code
provisions governing the federal income tax treatment of REITs are highly
technical and complex, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by the
applicable Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and
the administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.  The following
discussion and the opinions of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges are based on
current law.

     EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH
RESPECT TO SUCH PURCHASER'S SPECIFIC FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, HOLDING AND SALE OF  STOCK IN THE COMPANY.

SUMMARY OF TAX OPINIONS

     Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges will provide the Company with an opinion
letter addressing all material federal tax consequences material to the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Common Stock, or 8% Preferred.  The
specific opinions that Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges will provide are:

     (1)  The description of law and legal conclusions herein under the heading
"Federal Income Tax Considerations," are correct in all material respects, and
the discussion fairly summarizes the federal income tax considerations that are
material to a holder of Units, Common Stock or 8% Preferred.

     (2)  The Operating Partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes and not as an association taxable as a corporation.

     (3)  The Company will be organized in conformity with the requirements for
qualification as a REIT under the Code, and the Company's proposed method of
operation will enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation
as a REIT under the Code.  However, counsel notes that, due to possible
fluctuation between the relative market values of different classes of the
Company's equity shares, the Charter restrictions relating to the Ownership
Limits of any Person do not mathematically assure that there will be compliance
with the statutory ownership requirements governing REIT status.  See
"Description of Securities -- Restriction on Ownership."

     The opinions to be rendered by counsel are based on the Code and Treasury
Regulations thereunder currently in effect, current administrative
interpretations and positions of the IRS, and existing court decisions.  No
assurance can be provided that such opinions (which do not bind the IRS or the
courts) will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if so
challenged.  In addition, no assurance can be given that future legislation,
Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions will
not significantly change the law or the conclusions reached by counsel.  Any
such change could apply retroactively to transactions 

                                       71
<PAGE>
 
preceding the date of change. In rendering its opinions, counsel will be relying
on certain representations of the Company and the Operating Partnership. To the
extent any representations upon which counsel is relying in rendering its
opinion are incorrect, counsel's opinion as to the tax consequences could be
altered. Qualification as a REIT depends upon the Company's ability to meet the
various requirements imposed under the Code through actual operating results and
ownership requirements, as discussed below. Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges
will not review these operating results or compliance with ownership
requirements, and no assurance can be given that actual operating results, or
ownership of Equity Stock, will meet these requirements. Counsel has not
rendered any opinions as to the tax consequences of an investment in or the
taxation of the Company or the Operating Partnership except as specifically
stated herein.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION OF THE COMPANY

     The Company intends to make an election to be taxed as a REIT and operate
so as to meet the requirements under the Code for qualification as a REIT,
commencing with its taxable year ending December 31, 1996.  No assurance can be
given, however, that such requirements will be met.  If the Company qualifies
for taxation as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to federal corporate
income taxes on that portion of its net income that is currently distributed to
shareholders.  The REIT provisions of the Code generally allow a REIT to deduct
such distributions paid to its shareholders.  This deduction for distributions
paid to shareholders substantially eliminates the federal "double taxation" on
earnings (i.e., taxation, once at the corporate level and once again at the
shareholder level) that usually results from investments in a corporation.

     Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, however, the Company
will be subject to federal income tax, as set forth below.  First, the Company
will be taxed at regular corporate rates on its undistributed REIT taxable
income, including undistributed net capital gains.  Second, under certain
circumstances, the Company may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" as a
consequence of its items of tax preference.  Third, if the Company has net
income from the sale or other disposition of "Foreclosure Property" that is held
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or other non-
qualifying income from Foreclosure Property, it will be subject to tax at the
highest corporate rate on such income.  Fourth, if the Company has net income
from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or other
dispositions of property other than Foreclosure Property held primarily for sale
to customers in the ordinary course of business), such income will be subject to
a 100% tax.  Fifth, if the Company should fail to satisfy either the 75% or 95%
gross income test (discussed below) but has nonetheless maintained its
qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, it
will be subject to a 100% tax on the net income attributable to the greater of
the amount by which the Company fails the 75% or 95% test, multiplied by a
fraction intended to reflect the Company's profitability.  Sixth, if the Company
fails to distribute during such year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT
ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for
such year and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the
Company will be subject to a four percent excise tax on the excess of such
required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.  Seventh, if the
Company should acquire any asset from a C corporation (i.e., a corporation
generally subject to full corporate-level tax) in a carryover basis transaction
(a basis determined by reference to the C corporation's basis) and the Company
subsequently recognizes gain on the disposition of such asset during the ten
year period (the "Recognition Period") beginning on the date on which the asset
was acquired by the Company, then, to the extent of the excess of (a) the fair
market value of the asset as of the beginning of the applicable Recognition
Period over (b) the Company's adjusted basis in such asset as of the beginning
of such Recognition Period (the "Built-In Gain"), such gain will be subject to
tax at the highest regular corporate rate, pursuant to guidelines issued by the
IRS (the "Built-in Gain Rules") in IRS Notice 88-19, assuming the Company would
make the election pursuant to such Notice if it were to make any such
acquisition.

REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION

     To qualify as a REIT, the Company must elect to be so treated and must meet
the requirements, discussed below, relating to the Company's organization,
sources of income, nature of assets and distributions of income to shareholders
under Section 856 through 860 of the Code ("REIT Requirements").

                                       72
<PAGE>
 
     Organizational Requirements.  The Code defines a REIT as a corporation,
trust or association:  (i) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors,
(ii) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by
transferable certificates of beneficial interest, (iii) that would be taxable as
a domestic corporation but for the REIT Requirements, (iv) that is neither a
financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain provisions of
the Code, (v) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons,
and (vi) during the last half of each taxable year not more than 50% in value of
the outstanding shares of which is owned, directly or indirectly, through the
application of certain attribution rules, by five or fewer individuals (as
defined in the Code to include certain entities).  In addition, certain other
tests, below, regarding the nature of its income and assets also must be
satisfied.  The Code provides that conditions (i) through (iv), inclusive, must
be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (v) must be met during
at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate
part of a taxable year of less than 12 months.  Conditions (v) and (vi) (the
"100 stockholder" and "five or fewer" requirements) does not apply until after
the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT.  For
purposes of conditions (v) and (vi), pension funds and certain other tax-exempt
entities are treated as individuals, subject to a "look-through" exception in
the case of condition (vi).

     Prior to consummation of the Offering, the Company did not satisfy
conditions (v) and (vi) above.  The Company's issuance of Equity Stock in
connection with the Offering will satisfy the 100 stockholder and five or fewer
requirements.  The Company's Charter currently includes certain restrictions
regarding transfer of its Equity Stock, and provisions to monitor the holdings
of shareholders, which are intended (among other things) to assist the Company
in continuing to satisfy conditions (v) and (vi) above.  However, due to
possible market value appreciation of the 8% Preferred relative to the Common
Stock, the Charter restrictions do not mathematically assure that there will be
compliance with the statutory ownership requirements governing REIT status.

     In addition, a corporation may not elect to become a REIT unless its
taxable year is the calendar year. The Company will have a calendar year taxable
year.

     If a REIT owns a "Qualified REIT Subsidiary," the Code provides that the
Qualified REIT Subsidiary is disregarded for federal income tax purposes, and
all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction and credit of the
Qualified REIT Subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and such items of
the REIT itself.  A Qualified REIT Subsidiary is a corporation, all of the
shares of capital stock of which have been owned by the REIT from the
commencement of such corporation's existence.  The Company currently does not
have any Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.

     In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury
Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share
of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be entitled to the income
of the partnership attributable to such share.  In addition, the character of
the assets and gross income of the partnership shall retain the same character
in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including
satisfying the gross income tests and asset tests.  Thus, the Company's
proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of the
Operating Partnership will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income
of the Company for purposes of applying the requirements described herein.

     Income Tests.  To maintain qualification as a REIT, three gross income
requirements must be satisfied annually.

     .    First, at least 75% of the Company's gross income, excluding gross
          income from certain dispositions of property held primarily for sale
          to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business
          ("prohibited transactions"), for each taxable year must be derived
          directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or
          mortgages on real property (including "rents from real property" and,
          in certain circumstances, interest) or from certain types of temporary
          investments.

                                       73
<PAGE>
 
     .    Second, at least 95% of the Company's gross income (excluding gross
          income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be
          derived from such real property investments and from dividends,
          interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities
          or from any combination of the foregoing.

     .    Third, short-term gain from the sale or other disposition of stock or
          securities, gain from prohibited transactions and gain from the sale
          or other disposition of real property held for less than four years
          (apart from involuntary conversions and sales of foreclosure property)
          must represent less than 30% of the Company's gross income (including
          gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year.

     Rents received or deemed to be received by the Company will qualify as
"rents from real property in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT
described above only if several conditions are met.

     .    First, the amount of rent generally must not be based in whole or in
          part on the income or profits of any person (except that any amount
          received or accrued shall not be excluded from the term "rents from
          real property" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage
          of percentages of receipts or sales).

     .    Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not
          qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income
          tests if the REIT, or an owner of ten percent or more of the REIT,
          directly or constructively owns ten percent or more of such tenant (a
          "Related Party Tenant").

     .    Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection
          with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent
          received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to the
          personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property."

     .    Finally, for rents to qualify as "rents from real property" the REIT
          must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services
          to tenants of such property, other than through an "independent
          contractor" who is adequately compensated and from whom the REIT does
          not derive any income; provided, however, that a REIT may provide
          services with respect to its properties and the income will qualify as
          "rents from real property" if the services are "usually or customarily
          rendered" in connection with the rental of room or other space for
          occupancy only and are not otherwise considered "rendered to the
          occupant."

     The Company does not anticipate charging rent that is based in whole or in
part on the income or profits of any person.  With the exception of certain so-
called "furnished" apartments, the Company will not derive rent attributable to
personal property leased in connection with real property that exceeds 15% of
the total rents.  The Company does not anticipate receiving rent from Related
Party Tenants.

     The Company will provide certain services with respect to the properties it
owns directly or through the Operating Partnership or other partnerships.  The
Company believes that the services that will be provided by it directly are
usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of space for
occupancy only and are not otherwise rendered to particular tenants and
therefore that the provision of such services will not cause rents received with
respect to such properties to fail to qualify as rents from real property.
Services with respect to such properties that may not be provided by the Company
directly will be performed by independent contractors.

     The Operating Partnership may, however, receive fees in consideration of
the performance of property management services with respect to certain
properties not owned entirely by the Operating Partnership.  A portion of such
fees (corresponding to that portion of a property owned by a third party) will
not qualify under the 75% or 95% gross income test.  The Operating Partnership
also may receive certain other types of income with respect to the properties it
owns that will not qualify for the 75% or 95% gross income test.  The Company
believes, however, 

                                       74
<PAGE>
 
that the aggregate amount of such fees and other non-qualifying income in any
taxable year will not cause the Company to exceed the limits on non-qualifying
income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

     If the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income
tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year
if it is eligible for relief under certain provisions of the Code.  These relief
provisions will be generally available if (i) the Company's failure to meet
these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, (ii) the
Company attaches a schedule of the sources of its income to its federal income
tax return and (iii) any incorrect information on the schedule is not due to
fraud with intent to evade tax.  It is not possible, however, to state whether,
in all circumstances, the Company would be entitled to the benefit of these
relief provisions.  For example, if the Company fails to satisfy the gross
income tests because non-qualifying income that the Company intentionally incurs
exceeds the limits on such income, the IRS could conclude that the Company's
failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause.  As discussed
above, even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with
respect to the excess net income.  See "-- Federal Income Taxation of the
Company." No similar mitigation provision provides relief if the Company fails
the 30% income test, and in such case, the Company will cease to qualify as a
REIT.  See "Risk Factors -- Adverse Consequences of Failure to Qualify as a
REIT; Other Tax Liabilities."

     Asset Tests.  At the close of each quarter of its taxable year, the Company
also must satisfy three tests relating to the nature and diversification of its
assets.

     .    First, at least 75% of the value of the Company's total assets must be
          represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items (including certain
          receivables) and government securities.

     .    Second, no more than 25% of the value of the Company's total assets
          may be represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset
          class.

     .   Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, the value of
          any one issuer's securities owned by the Company may not exceed five
          percent of the value of the Company's total assets, and the Company
          may not own more than ten percent of any one issuer's outstanding
          voting securities.

     The 5% test must generally be met for any quarter in which the Company
acquires securities of an issuer.  Although the Company plans to take steps to
ensure that it satisfies the 5% value test for any quarter with respect to which
retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that such steps will always be
successful.

     If the Company should fail to satisfy the asset requirements at the end of
a calendar quarter, such a failure would not cause it to lose its REIT status if
(i) it satisfied all of the asset tests at the close of the preceding calendar
quarter and (ii) the discrepancy between the value of the Company's  assets and
the asset requirements either did not exist immediately  after the acquisition
of any particular assets or was not wholly or partly caused by such an
acquisition (i.e., the discrepancy arose from changes in the market values of
its assets).  If the condition described in clause (ii) of the preceding
sentence is not satisfied, the Company still could avoid disqualification by
eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the quarter in
which such discrepancy arose.  The Company intends to maintain adequate records
of the value of its assets to facilitate compliance with the asset tests and to
take such other actions within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be
required to cure any noncompliance.

     Annual Distribution Requirements.  To qualify as a REIT, the Company is
required to   make distributions (other than capital gain distributions) to its
shareholders in an amount at least equal to (a) the sum of (i) 95% of the
Company's REIT Taxable Income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid
deduction and the Company's net capital gain) and (ii) 95% of the net income, if
any, from foreclosure property in excess of the special tax on income from
foreclosure property, minus (b) the sum of certain items of noncash income.
Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in
the following taxable year if declared before the Company timely files its
federal income tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first
regular 

                                       75
<PAGE>
 
distribution after such declaration. To the extent that the Company does not
distribute all of its net capital gain or distributes less than 100% (but at
least 95%) of its REIT Taxable Income as adjusted, it will be subject to tax
thereon at regular ordinary or capital gains corporate tax rates. Furthermore,
if the Company should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the
sum of (a) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for that year, (b) 95% of its REIT
Capital gain net income for that year and (c) any undistributed taxable income
from prior periods, the Company would be subject to a four percent excise tax on
the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
In addition, during its Recognition Period, if the Company disposes of any asset
subject to the Built-In Gain Rules, the Company will be required, pursuant to
guidance issued by the IRS, to distribute at least 95% of the Built-In Gain
(after tax), if any, recognized on the disposition of the asset.

     The Company intends to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the
annual distribution requirements.

     It is expected that the Company's REIT taxable income will be less than its
cash flow due to the allowance of depreciation and other noncash charges in
computing REIT taxable income.  Accordingly, the Company anticipates that it
will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable it to satisfy the
95% distribution requirement.  It is possible, however, that the Company, from
time to time, may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the
95% distribution requirement or to distribute such greater amount as may be
necessary to avoid income and excise taxation, due to timing differences between
(1) the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses and
(ii) the inclusion of such income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at
taxable income of the Company, or if the amount of nondeductible expenses such
as principal amortization or capital expenditures exceed the amount of noncash
deductions.  In the event that such timing differences occur, the Company may
find it necessary to arrange for borrowings if possible, pay taxable stock
dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements.

     Under certain circumstances, the Company may be able to rectify a failure
to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends"
to shareholders in a later year, which may be included in the Company's
deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year.  Thus, the Company may be
able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends.  The
Company will, however, be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any
deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

     Recordkeeping Requirement.  Pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, in
order to qualify as a REIT, the Company must maintain certain records and
request on an annual basis certain information from its shareholders designed to
disclose the actual ownership of its outstanding shares.  The Company intends to
comply with such requirements, and counsel's opinion as to the Company's status
as a REIT assumes that the Company will at all times comply with such
requirements.  Counsel will not, however, monitor such compliance by the
Company.

     Earnings and Profits.  Prior to this offering, Insight Environmental
Corporation ("IEC") was merged into the Company.  Under recent final Treasury
Regulations, earnings and profits of a non-REIT predecessor corporation may
adversely affect the ability of a corporation to be eligible to be taxed as a
REIT.  Accordingly, the Company would fail to be eligible to be taxed as a REIT
if IEC had current or accumulated earnings and profits.  The Company has
represented that IEC had no earnings and profits for federal income tax
purposes.  In rendering its opinion regarding the eligibility of the Company to
qualify as a REIT, Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges is relying on such
representations.

FAILURE TO QUALIFY

     If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year
and the relief provisions do not apply, the Company will be subject to tax
(including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at
regular corporate rates.  Distributions to shareholders in any year in which the
Company falls to qualify will not be deductible by the Company nor will they be
required to be made.  In such event, to the extent of current and accumulated
earnings and profits, all distributions to shareholders will be dividends,
taxable as ordinary income, and subject to certain limitations of the Code,
corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-

                                       76
<PAGE>
 
received deduction. Unless the Company is entitled to relief under specific
statutory provisions, the Company also will be disqualified from taxation as a
REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification
was lost. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances the Company
would be entitled to such statutory relief. For example, if the Company fails to
satisfy the gross income tests because non-qualifying income that the Company
intentionally incurs exceeds the limit on such income, the IRS could conclude
that the Company's failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause.
See "Risk Factors-- Adverse Consequences of Failure to Qualify as a REIT; Other
Tax Liabilities."

TAXATION OF U.S. SHAREHOLDERS

     As used herein, the term "U.S. Shareholder" means a holder of Equity Stock
that (for United States federal income tax purposes) is (a) a citizen or
resident of the United States, (b) a corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof or (c) an estate or trust, the income of which is
subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.  For
any taxable year for which the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, amounts
distributed to taxable U.S. Shareholders will be taxed as set forth below.

     Distributions Generally.  Distributions to U.S. Shareholders, other than
capital gain dividends discussed below, will constitute dividends up to the
amount of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits and will be
taxable to the shareholders as ordinary income.  These distributions are not
eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.  To the extent
that the Company makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated
earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free
return of capital, reducing the tax basis in the U.S. Shareholder's shares, and
the distribution in excess of a U.S. Shareholder's tax basis in its Equity Stock
will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of its Equity Stock.
Distributions declared by the Company in October, November or December of any
year payable to a shareholder of record on a specified date in any such month
shall be treated as both paid by the Company and received by the shareholder on
December 31 of that year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by the
Company during January of the following calendar year.  Shareholders may not
include in their own federal income tax returns any tax losses of the Company.

     Any "deficiency dividend" will be treated as an ordinary or capital gain
dividend, as the case may be, regardless of the Company's earnings and profits.
As a result, shareholders may be required to treat certain distributions that
would otherwise result in a tax-free return of capital as taxable dividends.

     Capital Gain Distributions.  Distributions to U.S. Shareholders that are
properly designated by the Company as capital gain dividends will be treated as
long-term capital gains (to the extent they do not exceed the Company's actual
net capital gain) for the taxable year without regard to the period for which
the shareholder has held his stock.  However, corporate shareholders may be
required to treat a portion of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary
income.  Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations.

     Passive Activity Loss and Investment Interest Limitations.  Distributions
from the Company and gain from the disposition of Equity Stock will not be
treated as passive activity income, and therefore shareholders may not be able
to apply any "passive losses" against such income.  Distributions from the
Company (to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital) will
generally be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment income
limitation; under recently enacted legislation, net capital gain from the
disposition of Equity Stock generally will be excluded from investment income.

     Certain Dispositions of Stock.  In general, any gain or loss realized upon
a taxable disposition of the Equity Stock by a shareholder who is not a dealer
in securities will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of
Equity Stock have been held for more than one year and otherwise as short-term
capital gain or loss.  Losses incurred on the sale or exchange of Equity Stock
held for less than six months (after applying certain holding period rules) will
be deemed long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends
received by the selling shareholder from those shares.

                                       77
<PAGE>
 
     Capital Gains and Losses.  A capital asset generally must be held for more
than one year in order for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be
treated as long-term capital gain or loss.   The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1993 increased the highest marginal individual income tax rate to 39.6%,
but generally did not change the tax rate on net capital gains applicable to
individuals.  Thus the tax rate differential between capital gain and ordinary
income for individuals may be significant.  In addition, the characterization of
income as capital or ordinary may affect the deductibility of capital losses.
Capital losses not offset by capital gains may be deducted against and
individual's ordinary income only up to a maximum annual deduction of $3,000.
Unused capital losses may be carried forward.  All net capital gain of a
corporate taxpayer is subject to tax at ordinary corporate rates.  A corporate
taxpayer can deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with
unused losses being carried back three years and forward five years.  The issue
price of the Units will be allocated between the Series "A" Warrants and the
Common Stock.  No gain or loss will be recognized upon the exercise of a Series
"A" Warrant (except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares,
if any).  Capital gain or loss will be recognized upon the later sale or
exchange or the Warrants or the shares acquired by the exercise of the Warrants.

     Purchase of 8% Preferred by the Company.  While the 8% Preferred is
generally not redeemable, the Company does have the right to purchase 8%
Preferred from a holder if ownership by the holder could violate ownership
limitations imposed by the Company's Charter designed to protect the REIT status
of the Company.  The treatment to be accorded to any purchase by the Company (as
distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of 8% Preferred can
only be determined on the basis of particular facts as to each holder at the
time of the purchase.  In general, a holder of 8% Preferred will recognize
capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received by
the holder of 8% Preferred upon the sale and such holder's adjusted tax basis in
the 8% Preferred purchased (provided the 8% Preferred is held as a capital
asset),  if such purchase (i) results in a "complete termination" of the
holder's stock interest in all classes of stock of the Company under Section
302(b)(3) of the Code,  (ii) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect to
the holder's interest in the Company under Section 302(b)(2) of the Code, or
(iii) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the holder
under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code.  In applying these tests, there must be
taken into account not only any 8% Preferred owned by the holder, but also such
holder's ownership of Common Stock, other series of preferred shares and any
options (including stock purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing.  The
holder must also take into account any such securities (including options) which
are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of constructive ownership
rules set forth in Section 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

     A "substantially disproportionate" reduction in the interest of a holder
will have occurred if, as a result of the purchase, (1) the holder's ownership
of all of the outstanding voting stock of the Company is reduced immediately
after the purchase to less than 80% of the holder's percentage interest in such
stock immediately before the redemption; (2) the holder's percentage ownership
of the Common Stock after and before the purchase meets the same 80%
requirement, and (3) the holder owns, immediately after the purchase, less than
50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote.
Based upon current law, it is possible that purchase of 8% Preferred from a
holder would be considered "not essentially equivalent to a dividend."  However,
whether a distribution is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" depends on
all of the facts and circumstances.  The application of these tests to a
purchase of 8% Preferred is unclear, and a holder intending to rely on any of
these tests at the time such a purchase occurs should consult his own tax
advisor to determine their application to its particular situation.

     If the purchase does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the
Code, then the purchase proceeds received from the 8% Preferred will be treated
as a distribution on 8% Preferred.  If the purchase is taxed as a dividend, the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the 8% Preferred will be transferred to any other
stock holdings of the holder in the Company.

     Treatment of Tax-Exempt Shareholders.  Tax-exempt entities ("Exempt
Organizations"), including individual retirement accounts and pension and profit
sharing trusts described in Section 401(a) of the Code and exempt from tax under
Section 501(a) of the Code ("Qualified Trusts") generally are exempt from
federal income taxation; however, they are taxable on their "unrelated business
taxable income" ("UBTI").  Distributions from the Company to an Exempt
Organization generally will not constitute UBTI, but there are three exceptions
to that general rule.  First, if an Exempt Organization has borrowed to acquire
or carry its Equity Stock, a portion of its 

                                       78
<PAGE>
 
income from the Company will constitute UBTI pursuant to the "debt-financed
property" rules. Second, social clubs, voluntary employees' beneficiary
associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trust and qualified group legal
services plans that are exempt from taxation under Code sections 501(c)(7), (9),
(17) and (20), respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which
generally will require them to characterize distributions from the Company as
UBTI. Third, Qualified Trusts that hold more than ten percent (by value) of the
interests in the Company will be required to treat a certain percentage of the
Company's distributions as UBTI if (i) the Company would not qualify as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes but for the application of a "look-through"
exception to the five or fewer requirement applicable to shares held by
Qualified Trusts and (ii) the Company is "predominantly held" by Qualified
Trusts. The Company will be considered predominantly held by Qualified Trusts if
either (i) a single Qualified Trust holds more than 25% by value of the
interests in the Company or (ii) one or more Qualified Trusts, each owning more
than ten percent by value of the interests in the Company, hold in the aggregate
more than 50% of the interests in the Company. The percentage of any Company
distribution treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of (a) the UBTI earned by the
Company (treating the Company as if it were a Qualified Trust and therefore
subject to tax on UBTI) to (b) the total gross income (less certain associated
expenses) of the Company. A de minimis exception applies where the ratio set
forth in the preceding sentence is less than five percent for any year.

SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

     The rules governing United States income taxation of non-resident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and foreign trusts and
estates (collectively, "Non-U.S. Shareholders") are complex, and no attempt will
be made herein to provide more than a summary of such rules.  PROSPECTIVE NON-
U.S. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE
IMPACT OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LAWS WITH REGARD TO AN INVESTMENT
IN THE EQUITY STOCK, INCLUDING ANY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

     Distributions to Non-U.S. Shareholders that are not attributable to gain
from sales or exchanges by the Company of U.S. real property interests and are
not designated by the Company as capital gains dividends will be treated as
dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of current or
accumulated earnings and profits of the Company.  Such distributions ordinarily
will be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the
distribution unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax.
However, if income from the investment in the Equity Stock is treated as
effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Shareholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, the Non-U.S. Shareholder generally will be subject to federal income
tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. Shareholders are taxed with
respect to such distributions (and also may be subject to the 30% branch profits
tax in the case of a Non-U.S. Shareholder that is a foreign corporation).  The
Company expects to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross
amount of any such distributions made to a Non-U.S. Shareholder unless (i) a
lower treaty rate applies and any required form evidencing eligibility for that
reduced rate is filed with the Company or (ii) the Non-U.S. Shareholder files an
IRS Form 4224 with the Company claiming that the distribution is effectively
connected income.  Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings
and profits of the Company will not be taxable to a shareholder to the extent
that such distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of the Non-U.S.
Shareholder's Equity Stock, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such
shares.  To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated
earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of a Non-U.S. Shareholder's
Equity Stock, such distributions will give rise to tax liability if the Non-U.S.
Shareholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or
disposition of his, her or its Common Stock, as described below.  Because it
generally cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not
such distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and
profits, the entire amount of any distribution normally will be subject to
withholding at the same rate as a dividend.  However, amounts so withheld are
refundable to the extent it is determined subsequently that such distribution
was, in fact, in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits of the
Company.

     For any year in which the Company qualifies as a REIT, distributions that
are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by the Company of U.S. real
property interests will be taxed to a Non-U.S. Shareholder under the provisions
of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA").  Under
FIRPTA, distributions attributable to gain from sales of U.S. real property
interests are taxed to a Non-U.S. Shareholder as if 

                                       79
<PAGE>
 
such gain were effectively connected with a U.S. business. Non-U.S. Shareholders
thus would be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S.
Shareholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special
alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals).
Distributions subject to FIRPTA also may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax
in the hands of a foreign corporate shareholder not entitled to treaty relief or
exemption. The Company is required by currently applicable Treasury Regulations
to withhold 34% of any distribution that is designated by the Company as a
capital gains dividend. However, because the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1993 provides for an increase in the rate of withholding for distributions
made by certain domestic partnerships, trust and estates to 35%, it is likely
that the Treasury Regulations will be amended to impose a similar withholding
rate on REIT capital gain dividends. The amount withheld is creditable against
the Non-U.S. Shareholder's FIRPTA tax liability.

     Gain recognized by a Non-U.S. Shareholder upon a sale of his, her or its
Equity Stock generally will not be taxed under FIRPTA if the Company is a
"domestically controlled REIT," defined generally as a REIT in which at all
times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of the stock was
held directly or indirectly by foreign persons.  It is currently anticipated
that the Company will be a "domestically controlled REIT" and, therefore, the
sale of the Equity Stock will not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA.  However,
because the Equity Stock will be publicly traded, no assurance can be given that
the Company will continue to be a "domestically controlled REIT."  Furthermore,
gain not subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a Non-U.S. Shareholder if (i)
investment in the Equity Stock is effectively connected with the Non-U.S.
Shareholder's U.S. trade or business, in which case the Non-U.S. Shareholder
will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. Shareholders with respect to such
gain, or (ii) the Non-U.S. Shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was
present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and
certain other conditions apply, in which case the nonresident alien individual
will be subject to a U.S. tax on the individual's capital gains including by way
of withholding by the Company.  If the gain on the sale of the shares of Equity
Stock were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the Non-U.S. Shareholder
would be subject to the same treatment as U.S. Shareholders with respect to such
gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax, a special alternative
minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals and the possible
application of the 30% branch profits tax in the case of foreign corporations).

INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX

     Under certain circumstances, U.S. Shareholders may be subject to backup
withholding at a rate of 31% on payments made with respect to, or cash proceeds
of a sale or exchange of, Equity Stock.  Backup withholding will apply only if
the holder (i) fails to furnish his or her taxpayer identification number
("TIN") (which, for an individual, would be his or her Social Security Number),
(ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the IRS that he or she has
failed properly to report payments of interest and dividends or is otherwise
subject to backup withholding or (iv) under certain circumstances, fails to
certify, under penalties of perjury, that he or she has furnished a correct TIN
and (a) that he or she has not been notified by the IRS that he or she is
subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest and dividend
payments or (b) that he or she has been notified by the IRS that he or she is no
longer subject to backup withholding.  Backup withholding will not apply with
respect to payments made to certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and
tax-exempt organizations.

     U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
qualifications for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption.  Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Rather, the amount of any backup withholding with respect to a payment to a U.S.
Shareholder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Shareholder's United
States federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Shareholder to a
refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

     Additional issues may arise pertaining to information reporting and backup
withholding for Non-U.S. Shareholders.  Non-U.S. Shareholders should consult
their tax advisors with regard to U.S. information reporting and backup
withholding.

                                       80
<PAGE>
 
ANTI-ABUSE REGULATIONS

     The United States Treasury Department issued Treasury Regulations at the
end of 1994 which authorize the IRS, in certain "abusive" transactions involving
partnerships, to disregard the form of the transaction and recast it for federal
tax purposes as the IRS deems appropriate (the "Anti-Abuse Regulations").  The
Anti-Abuse Regulations would apply where a partnership is formed or utilized in
connection with a transaction (or series of related transactions) with a
principal purpose of substantially reducing the present value of the partners'
aggregate federal tax liability in a manner inconsistent with the intent of the
partnership provisions of the Code.  Prior to the issuance of the Anti-Abuse
Regulations, officials at the IRS and the Treasury Department stated publicly
that the Anti-Abuse Regulations are not intended to affect a corporation, such
as the Company, that owns an interest in a partnership and is seeking to qualify
as a REIT.

     The Anti-Abuse Regulations contain a number of examples demonstrating the
application of the Anti-Abuse Regulations to certain fact patterns.  However,
the Anti-Abuse Regulations caution that each outcome in the examples is unique
to the facts and circumstances of a particular example, and that the addition or
deletion of any fact or circumstance could alter its outcome.  In one of the
examples, a corporation that elects to be treated as a REIT contributes
substantially all of the proceeds from a public offering to a partnership in
exchange for a general partner interest.  The limited partners of the
partnership contribute real property assets to the partnership, subject to
liabilities that exceed their respective aggregate bases in such property.  In
addition, some of the limited partners have the right, beginning two years after
the formation of the partnership, to require the redemption of their limited
partnership interests in exchange for cash or REIT stock (at the REIT's option)
equal to the fair market value of their respective interests in the partnership
at the time of the redemption.  The example concludes that the use of the
partnership is not inconsistent with the intent of the partnership provisions of
the Code and, thus, cannot be recast by the IRS.  In support of this conclusion,
the example notes that the REIT may make other real estate investments and other
business decisions, including the decision to raise additional capital for these
purposes.  Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges believes that the facts of this
example do not materially differ from the facts regarding the relationship
between the Company and the Operating Partnership as described herein.  Based on
the foregoing, Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges is of the view that the Anti-
Abuse Regulations should not have any adverse impact on the Company's ability to
qualify as a REIT or the treatment of the Operating Partnership as a
partnership.  However, because the Anti-Abuse Regulations are extremely broad in
scope and would be applied based on an analysis of all of the facts and
circumstances, counsel can give no assurance that the IRS will not attempt to
distinguish the facts of the example and the facts regarding the relationship
between the Company and the Operating Partnership, and apply the Anti-Abuse
Regulations to the Company.

TAX ASPECTS OF THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP

     The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax
considerations applicable to the Company's investment in the Operating
Partnership.  The discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or any
federal tax laws other than income tax laws.

Classification as a Partnership

     The Company will be entitled to include in its income its distributive
share of the Operating Partnership's income and to deduct its distributive share
of the Operating Partnership's losses only if the Operating Partnership is
classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership rather than an
association taxable as a corporation.  An organization formed as a partnership
will be treated as a partnership, rather than as a corporation, for federal
income tax purposes only if it has no more than two of the four corporate
characteristics that the Treasury Regulations use to distinguish a partnership
from a corporation for tax purposes.  Those four characteristics are continuity
of life, centralization of management, limited liability, and free
transferability of interests.

     The Operating Partnership has not requested a ruling from the IRS that it
will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.  Instead,
at the Initial Closing, Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges will deliver its
opinion that, based on the provisions of the Operating Partnership Agreement,
certain factual assumptions, and certain representations described in the
opinion, the Operating Partnership will not possess more 

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
than two corporate characteristics and thus will be treated for federal income
tax purposes as a partnership and not as an association taxable as a
corporation. Unlike a tax ruling, an opinion of counsel is not binding upon the
IRS, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the status of
the Operating Partnership as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If
such challenge were sustained by a court, the Operating Partnership would be
treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, as described below. In
addition, the opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges is based on existing
law, which is to a great extent the result of administrative and judicial
interpretation. No assurance can be given that administrative or judicial
changes would not modify the conclusions expressed in the opinion.

     With regard to the opinion that the Operating Partnership will be treated
as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, Section 7704 of the Code
generally provides that a "publicly traded partnership" will be taxed as a
corporation.  Section 7704(b) defines a "publicly traded partnership" as any
partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or
are readily tradable on a "secondary market" (or the substantial equivalent
thereof).  Treasury Regulations providing further clarification of the meaning
of the term "publicly traded partnership" were issued on December 4, 1995.
These regulations provide limited safe harbors from the definition of a
"publicly traded partnership."  Pursuant to one of those safe harbors ("Private
Placement Safe Harbor"), interests in a partnership will not be treated as
readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof if
(i) all of the partnership interests are issued in a transaction (or
transactions) that is not required to be registered under the Securities Act and
(ii) the partnership does not have more than 100 partners at any time during the
taxable year of the partnership.  For purposes of the 100-partner limitation, a
person owning an interest in a partnership, limited liability company, grantor
trust, or S corporation ("flow-through entity") that owns an interest in the
partnership, directly or indirectly through other flow-through entities, will be
treated as a partner in the partnership only if, among other things, a principal
purpose of the use of the tiered arrangement is to permit the partnership to
satisfy the 100-partner limitation in the Private Placement Safe Harbor.

     Since the General Partner has represented that (i) the offering of OP Units
will not be registered under the Securities Act, (ii) the Operating Partnership
at no time will have more than 100 partners (taking into account as a partner,
unless otherwise advised by tax counsel, any person which indirectly owns an
interest in the Operating Partnership through a flow-through entity only if such
flow-through entity was formed either (A) less than two years prior to its
direct or indirect acquisition of an interest in the Operating Partnership, or
(B) prior to such period and has not conducted an active business for the two-
year period ending on such acquisition date), and (iii) the OP Units will not be
traded on an established securities market, we are of the opinion that the
Operating Partnership will not be treated as a publicly traded partnership.

     If for any reason the Operating Partnership was taxable as a corporation,
rather than as a partnership, for federal income tax purposes, the Company would
not be able to satisfy the income and asset requirements for REIT status.  Thus
the Company would be subject to tax as a regular corporation and would not
receive a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders.  See "Federal Income
Tax Considerations Requirements for Qualification -- Income tests" and
"Requirements for Qualification -- Asset Tests."  In addition, any change in the
Operating Partnership's status for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable
event, in which case the Company might incur a tax liability without any related
cash distribution.  Further, items of income and deduction of the Operating
Partnership would not pass through to its partners, and its partners would be
treated as shareholders for tax purposes.  Consequently, the Operating
Partnership would be required to pay income tax at corporate tax rates on its
net income, and distributions to its partners would constitute dividends that
would not be deductible in computing the Operating Partnership's taxable income.

Income Taxation of the Operating Partnership and Its Partners

     Partners, Not the Operating Partnership, Subject to Tax.  A partnership is
not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes.  Rather, the Company will
be required to take into account its allocable share of the Operating
Partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for any taxable
year of the Operating Partnership ending within or with the taxable year of the
Company, without regard to whether the Company has received or will receive any
distribution from the Operating Partnership.

                                       82
<PAGE>
 
     Partnership Allocations.  Although a partnership agreement generally will
determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, such allocations
will be disregarded for tax purposes under Section 704(b) of the Code if they do
not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder.  If an allocation is not recognized for
federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be
reallocated in accordance with the partners' interests in the partnership, which
will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances
relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item.
Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges is of the opinion that the Operating
Partnership's allocations of taxable income and loss comply with the
requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder.

     Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties and Revalued
Operating Partnership Assets.  Pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code, income,
gain, loss, and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property
that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the
partnership must be allocated for federal income tax purposes in a manner such
that the contributor is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or
unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution.
The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the
difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at the time
of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of
contribution ("Book-Tax Differences").  Treasury Regulations require
partnerships to use a "reasonable method" for allocating items affected by
Section 704(c) of the Code and outlining certain reasonable allocation methods
of accounting for Book-Tax Differences.  When the values of a partnership's
assets are adjusted, Book-Tax Differences also arise, and similar rules in
accounting for such Book-Tax Differences apply.

     In general, depreciation of amortization deductions of the Operating
Partnership will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their
percentage interests in the Operating Partnership, except to the extent that the
Operating Partnership is required under Section 704(c) and Treasury Regulations
thereunder to use a method for allocating tax depreciation deductions
attributable to contributed properties and revalued Operating Partnership assets
that generally results in the Company receiving a disproportionately large share
of such deductions in the case of contributed properties.  In addition, gain on
sale of any contributed property will generally be specially allocated to the OP
Limited Partners to the extent of any "built-in" gain with respect to such
property for federal income tax purposes.  Under the Operating Partnership
Agreement, the Company has the discretion to choose allocation methods under
Section 704(c) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder for eliminating
Book-Tax Differences.

     Basis in Partnership Interest.  The Company's adjusted tax basis in its
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership generally will be equal to (i)
the amount of cash and the basis of any other property contributed to the
Operating Partnership by the Company, (ii) increased by (A) its allocable share
of the Operating Partnership's income and (B) its allocable share of
indebtedness of the Operating Partnership, and (iii) reduced, but not below
zero, by (A) the Company's allocable share of the Operating Partnership's loss
and (B) the amount of cash distributed to the Company (including deemed
distributions as a result of reductions in the Company's allocable share of
indebtedness of the Operating Partnership).

     If the allocation of the Company's distributive share of the Operating
Partnership's loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of the Company's
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership below zero, the recognition of
such loss will be deferred until such time as the recognition of such loss would
not reduce the Company's adjusted tax basis below zero.  To the extent that the
Operating Partnership's distributions, or any decrease in the Company's share of
the indebtedness of the Operating Partnership (such decrease being considered a
constructive cash distribution to the Company), would reduce the Company's
adjusted tax basis below zero, such distributions (including such constructive
distributions) would constitute taxable income to the Company.  Such
distributions and constructive distributions normally would be characterized as
capital gain, and, if the Company's partnership interest in the Operating
Partnership has been held for longer than the long-term capital gain holding
period (currently one year), the distributions and constructive distributions
would constitute long-term capital gain.

                                       83
<PAGE>
 
     Depreciation Deductions Available to the Operating Partnership. Immediately
after the Closing, the Company will make a cash contribution and contributions
of properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for a partnership
interest in the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership then will
purchase for cash (or cash plus assumption of debts) certain properties. To that
extent, the Operating Partnership's initial basis in such properties for federal
income tax purposes generally will be equal to the purchase price paid by the
Operating Partnership. To the extent that the Operating Partnership acquires
properties in exchange for limited partnership interests in the Operating
Partnership, the Operating Partnership's initial basis in each such property for
federal income tax purposes should be the same as the transferor's basis in that
property on the date of acquisition. Although the law is not entirely clear, the
Operating Partnership intends to depreciate such depreciable property for
federal income tax purposes over the same remaining useful lives and under the
same methods used by the transferors. The Operating Partnership's tax
depreciation deductions will be allocated among the partners in accordance with
their percentage interests in the Operating Partnership (except to the extent
that the Operating Partnership is required under Section 704(c) of the Code to
use a method for allocating depreciation deductions attributable to the
contributed properties that results in the Company receiving a
disproportionately large share of such deductions).

     Sale of Operating Partnership's Property.  Generally, any taxable gain
realized by the Operating Partnership on the sale of property by the Operating
Partnership held for more than one year will be long-term capital gain, except
for any portion of such gain that is treated as depreciation or cost recovery
recapture.  Any taxable gain recognized by the Operating Partnership on the
disposition of the contributed properties will be allocated first to the OP
Limited Partners under Section 704(c) of the Code to the extent of their "built-
in gain" on those properties for federal income tax purposes.  The OP limited
partners' "built-in gain" on the contributed properties sold will equal the
excess of the OP Limited Partners' proportionate share of the book value of
those properties over the OP Limited Partners' tax basis allocable to those
contributed properties at the time of the sale.  Any remaining taxable gain
recognized by the Operating Partnership on the disposition of the contributed
properties and any taxable gain recognized by the Operating Partnership on the
disposition of the other properties, will be allocated among the partners in
accordance with their percentage interests in the Operating Partnership.  The
Board of Directors has adopted a policy that any decision to sell contributed
properties will be made by a majority of the Independent Directors.

     The Company's share of any gain realized by the Operating Partnership on
the sale of any property held by the Operating Partnership as inventory or other
property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the
Operating Partnership's trade or business will be treated as income from a
prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax.  See "Federal
Income Tax Consideration -- Requirements for Qualification -- Income Tests."
Such prohibited transaction income also may have an adverse effect upon the
Company's ability to satisfy the income tests for REIT status.  See "Federal
Income Tax Considerations -- Requirements For Qualification -- Income Tests"
above.  The Company, however, does not presently intend to allow the Operating
Partnership to acquire or hold any property that represents inventory or other
property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the
Company's or the Operating Partnership's trade or business.

STATE AND LOCAL TAX

     The Company and its shareholders may be subject to state and local tax in
various states and localities, including those in which it or they transact
business, own property, or reside.  The tax treatment of the Company and the
shareholders in such jurisdictions may differ from the federal income tax
treatment described above.  CONSEQUENTLY, PROSPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE EFFECT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS
ON AN INVESTMENT IN THE EQUITY STOCK OF THE COMPANY.

                                       84
<PAGE>
 
                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     The following is a summary of material considerations arising under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the prohibited
transactions provisions of Section 4975 of the Code that may be relevant to a
prospective purchaser of Common Stock.  This discussion does not purport to deal
with all aspects of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code that may be relevant to
particular shareholders in light of their particular circumstances.  The
statements in this discussion are based on current provisions of ERISA and the
Code, existing and currently proposed regulations thereunder, and administrative
rulings and reported judicial decisions with respect thereto.  No opinion of
counsel has been sought regarding the ERISA Considerations.  No assurance can be
given that future (and perhaps adverse or retroactive) legislative, judicial, or
administrative changes will not affect the accuracy of any statements in this
Prospectus.

     A FIDUCIARY MAKING THE DECISION TO INVEST IN COMMON STOCK OR 8% PREFERRED
ON BEHALF OF A PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER WHICH IS AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN, A TAX-
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN, OR AN IRA IS ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH HIS OWN LEGAL
ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS ARISING UNDER ERISA, SECTION 4975
OF THE CODE, AND STATE LAW WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, OR SALE OF
COMMON OR 8% PREFERRED STOCK BY SUCH PLAN OR IRA.

SPECIAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, TAX-QUALIFIED
RETIREMENT PLANS AND IRAS

     Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit plan
subject to Title I of ERISA (an "ERISA Plan") should carefully consider whether
an investment in the Common Stock or 8% Preferred (collectively, "Equity Stock")
is consistent with his fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA.  In particular,
the fiduciary requirements of Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA require
an ERISA Plan's investments to be (i) for the exclusive purpose of providing
benefits to the participants and beneficiaries of the ERISA Plan, (ii) prudent,
(iii) diversified in order to reduce the risk of large losses, unless it is
clearly prudent for investments not to be diversified, and (iv) in accordance
with the documents and instruments governing the ERISA Plan.  In determining
whether an investment in the Equity Stock is prudent for purposes of ERISA, the
appropriate fiduciary of an ERISA Plan should consider all of the facts and
circumstances, including (among other things) whether the investment is
reasonably designed, as a part of the ERISA Plan's portfolio for which the
fiduciary has investment responsibility, to meet the objectives of the ERISA
Plan, taking into consideration the risk of loss and opportunity for gain (or
other return) from the investment, the diversification, cash flow, and funding
requirements of the ERISA Plan, and the liquidity and current return of the
ERISA Plan's portfolio.  A fiduciary should also take into account the nature of
the Company's business, the length of the Company's operating history and the
possibility of unrelated business income.

     The fiduciary of an individual retirement account which is not contributed
to or sponsored by an employer or employee association (an "IRA") or of a
retirement plan not subject to Title I of ERISA because it does not cover common
law employees (a "Keogh Plan") or because it is a governmental or church plan
(together with IRAs and Keogh Plans, collectively, referred to as "Non-ERISA
Plans") should consider that a Non-ERISA Plan may only make investments that are
authorized by the appropriate governing documents or applicable state law.

     A fiduciary of ERISA Plans or the person making the investment decision for
an IRA or a Keogh Plan should also consider the application of the prohibited
transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, which generally
prohibit direct or indirect transactions between such plans and certain parties
(called "parties in interest" or "disqualified persons") that have certain
relations to the plan.  A "disqualified person" (other than a fiduciary acting
only as such) with respect to a plan which is subject to Section 4975 of the
Code who participates in a prohibited transaction with such plan could be
subject to (i) an initial five percent excise tax on the amount involved in the
prohibited transaction and (ii) an excise tax equal to 100% of the amount
involved if the prohibited transaction is not corrected within a specified time.
If the disqualified person who engages in the transaction is the individual on
behalf of whom an IRA is established (or his beneficiary), the IRA may lose its
tax-exempt status and its assets may be deemed to have been distributed to such
individual in a taxable distribution on 

                                       85
<PAGE>
 
account of the prohibited transaction (in which case the excise tax under
Section 4975 is not applicable). In addition, a fiduciary who causes an ERISA
Plan to engage in a transaction that the fiduciary knows or should know is a
prohibited transaction may be liable to the ERISA Plan for any loss the ERISA
Plan incurs as a result of the transaction or for any profits earned by the
fiduciary in the transaction and may be subject to other relief (including a 20%
penalty). There are a number of statutory and administrative exemptions to the
prohibited transaction rules which, if certain conditions are satisfied, permit
certain transactions (which might otherwise be prohibited) between ERISA Plans,
Keogh Plans or IRAs and parties in interest or disqualified persons.

STATUS OF THE COMPANY UNDER ERISA

     This section discusses certain principles that apply in determining whether
the fiduciary requirements of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of
ERISA and the Code apply to an entity because one or more investors in the
entity's equity interests is an ERISA Plan or a Non-ERISA Plan subject to
Section 4975 of the Code.  This section also identifies considerations that
would be relevant in the unlikely event that the ERISA fiduciary requirements
were applicable to the Company's operation.

     In certain circumstances, where equity interests in an entity are owned by
one or more ERISA Plans or Non-ERISA Plans, the investing plans will, for
purposes of ERISA and Section 4975, be considered to own not only the equity
interest in the entity, but a proportionate interest in the underlying assets of
the entity.  In that case, as described below, ERISA's fiduciary requirements
and the excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code would be relevant to the
operations of the entity.  As described below, the Company does not believe that
its assets will be considered assets of investing plans for these purposes, and
intends to conduct its operations without regard to such requirements.

     The U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL"), which has certain administrative
responsibility with respect to ERISA Plans and Non-ERISA Plans, has issued a
regulation defining the term "plan assets" (the "DOL Regulation").  The DOL
Regulation generally provides that when an ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan acquires
a security that is an equity interest in an entity and that security is neither
a "publicly-offered security" nor a security issued by an investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the ERISA Plan's or Non-
ERISA Plan's assets include both the equity interest and an undivided interest
in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established either
that the entity is an "operating company" or that equity participation in the
entity by benefit plan investors is not significant.  The Company believes that
its shares of common stock are publicly-offered securities within the meaning of
the DOL Regulation.

     The DOL Regulation defines a publicly-offered security as a security that
is "widely held," "freely transferable," and either part of a class of
securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or sold to the
plan as part of an offering to the public pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act (provided the class of securities of which
such security is part is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the
offering occurred).

     The DOL Regulation provides that a security is "widely held" only if it is
part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent
of the issuer and of one another.  A security will not fail to be "widely held"
because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the
initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer's control.  The
Company expects the Equity Stock to be "widely held" upon completion of the
Offering.

     The DOL Regulation provides that whether a security is "freely
transferable" is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all
relevant facts and circumstances.  The DOL Regulation further provides that
where a security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is
$10,000 or less (as is the case with this Offering), certain restrictions
ordinarily will not, alone or in combination, affect a finding that such
securities are freely transferable.  The restrictions on transfer enumerated in
the DOL Regulation as ordinarily not affecting that finding include:  (i) any
restriction on, or prohibition against, any transfer or assignment that would
result in a termination or reclassification of the Company for federal or state
tax purposes, or that would otherwise violate any state or federal law or court
order, (ii) any requirement that advance notice of a transfer or assignment be
given to 

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
the Company, (iii) any requirement that either the transferor or transferee, or
both, execute documentation setting forth representations as to compliance with
any restrictions on transfer that are among those enumerated in the final DOL
Regulation as not affecting free transferability, (iv) any administrative
procedure that establishes an effective date, or an event (such as completion of
the Offering) prior to which a transfer or assignment will not be effective, and
(v) any limitation or restriction on transfer or assignment that is not imposed
by the issuer or a person acting on behalf of the issuer. The Company believes
that the restrictions imposed under the Articles of Incorporation on the
transfer of Equity Stock are limited to restrictions on transfer which, under
the DOL Regulation ordinarily do not affect a finding of free transferability,
and are unlikely to result in the failure of the Equity Stock to be considered
"freely transferable" for purposes of the DOL Regulation. In addition, the
Company is not aware of any other facts or circumstances limiting the
transferability of the Equity Stock that are not included among those enumerated
as not affecting their free transferability under the DOL Regulation, and the
Company does not expect or intend to impose in the future (or to permit any
person to impose on its behalf) any limitations or restrictions on transfer that
would not be among the enumerated permissible limitations or restrictions. The
DOL Regulation only establishes a presumption in favor of a finding of free
transferability, and no assurance can be given that the DOL, the Treasury
Department or a court will not reach a contrary conclusion.

     Assuming that the Equity Stock will be "widely held" and that no other
facts and circumstances exist that restrict transferability of the Equity Stock,
the Company believes that the Equity Stock should be treated as "publicly-
offered securities" within the meaning of the DOL Regulation and, accordingly,
that the underlying assets of the Company should not be considered to be assets
of any ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan investing in Common Stock.

     If the assets of the Company were deemed to be "plan assets" under ERISA
and Section 4975 of the Code, (i) the prudence standards and other provisions of
Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA would be applicable to any transactions
involving the Company's assets, (ii) persons who exercise any discretionary
authority or control over the Company's assets, or who provide investment advice
for a fee to the Company, would (for purposes of the fiduciary responsibility
provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code) be fiduciaries of each ERISA
Plan or Non-ERISA Plan that acquires Equity Stock, (iii) transactions involving
the Company's assets undertaken at the direction or pursuant to the advice of
such fiduciaries might violate their fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA,
especially with regard to conflicts of interest, (iv) a fiduciary exercising his
investment discretion over the assets of the ERISA Plan to cause it to acquire
or hold the Equity Stock could be liable under Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I
of ERISA for transactions entered into by the Company that do not conform to
ERISA standards of prudence and fiduciary duty, (v) certain transactions that
the Company might enter into in the ordinary course of its business and
operations might constitute "prohibited transactions" under ERISA and the Code,
and (vi) fiduciaries of ERISA Plans may violate ERISA's prohibition against the
improper delegation of control or responsibility for "plan assets" and may be
liable for breaches of ERISA's fiduciary duties committed by co-fiduciaries.

                                  THE OFFERING

OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK

     Subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Sales Agency Agreement, the Company is
concurrently offering to the public through the Sales Agent and Soliciting
Dealers, on a best efforts basis, up to 1,750,000 Units, each Unit consisting of
two immediately separable shares of Common Stock and one detachable Series "A"
Warrant, at $14.00 per Unit, plus 1,500,000 additional shares of Common Stock at
$7.00 per Share.  Each Series "A" Warrant permits the holder to purchase one
additional Share for $7.00 per Share.  Shares purchasable upon exercise of the
Series "A" Warrants will be registered under the Securities Act.  See "Terms of
the Offering."

     The Sales Agent will receive a selling commission in an amount equal to
$0.98 per Unit or $0.49 per Share, whether sold directly by it or by one of, the
Soliciting Dealers, all of whom must be members in good standing of the NASD.
The Sales Agent may, in turn, reallow up to the full amount of such selling
commissions to 

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
Soliciting Dealers for Shares they sell. The Sales Agent will also receive a
managing dealer's fee of one-half of one percent of the gross proceeds from the
sale of Units and Shares by the Company whether effected through the Sales Agent
or Soliciting Dealers. The Sales Agent will also be entitled to reimbursement
for actual and bona fide due diligence expenses incurred by it up to one-half of
one percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of Units and Shares. The Company
has agreed to indemnify the Sales Agent and Soliciting Dealers against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

     The Sales Agent will receive a non-accountable expense allowance of one
percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of Units and Shares and may, in
turn, reallow the full amount of such allowance to Soliciting Dealers for their
marketing efforts with respect to Units and Shares sold by them.

     All entities performing wholesaling activities will be required to be
properly licensed to engage in the securities business.  These services will
include developing and preparing sales material, conducting broker/dealer
seminars, holding informational meetings and providing information and answering
any questions concerning the offering of Units and Shares.  The Company will pay
the wholesaling entity a commission equal to one-half of one percent of the
gross proceeds from the sale of Units and Shares.  The wholesaling entity will
pay its own expenses.

     In addition to the foregoing selling commissions and expenses, a
consultant, Strategic Planning Consultants, Inc., will receive a financial
advisory fee equal to one percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of Units
and Shares.  Strategic Planning Consultants, Inc. is not affiliated with any
director, officer or principal shareholder of the Company.  The consultant is
providing on-going advice to the Company on financial matters.  Such advice
pertains to capital structure, the amount, type and terms of securities to be
issued by the Company and the financial analysis of those structures and the
consequent impact on the future funding requirements of the Company.  The
consultant also provides comparative information about other equity real estate
investment trusts.

     In no event shall the total underwriting compensation to be paid to the
Sales Agent and Soliciting Dealers from any source in connection with the
offering of Units and Shares, including selling commissions, certain expense
reimbursements and payments to the Sales Agent and Soliciting Dealers for the
wholesaling services referred to above, exceed ten percent of the Gross Offering
Proceeds of the offering of Units and Shares (plus 0.5% for actual and bona fide
due diligence expenses).  The Company and the Sales Agent will monitor the
payment of all fees and expense reimbursements to assure that this limit is not
exceeded.

     Every prospective investor desiring to purchase Shares will be required to
comply with the procedures for ordering units or Shares imposed by the Company,
the Sales Agent and the Soliciting Dealer from whom such investor intends to
purchase units or Shares.  The Sales Agent and certain Soliciting Dealers will
require an Order Form, a specimen of which is attached to this Prospectus, to be
completed and delivered together with a cheek payable to the Escrow Agent for
the aggregate purchase price of the Units or Shares ordered.

8% PREFERRED OFFERING
    
     The Company is also offering up to 1,136,364 shares of 8% Convertible
Preferred Stock to institutional investors only through various broker-dealers,
on a best-efforts basis, at $13.20 per share.      

     Broker-dealers will receive a selling commission in an amount equal to
$0.66 per share of 8% Preferred (five percent of the proceeds) if they arrange
for the sale and $0.13 per share (approximately one percent) on sales made to
Persons who have been introduced to the broker-dealer by finders.  In such
cases, the finders will receive $0.53 per share (approximately four percent of
the sales price of $13.20).  The Company has agreed to indemnify the broker-
dealers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.  In addition to the foregoing selling commissions and expense allowance,
Strategic Planning Consultants, Inc. will also receive a financial advisory fee
equal to one and one-half percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares
of the 8% Preferred.  The total offering compensation to be paid to broker-
dealers and others in connection with the sale of the 8% Preferred is 6.5% of
the gross offering proceeds from the sale of such shares.

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
     Every prospective investor desiring to purchase shares of 8% Preferred will
be required to comply with the procedures for ordering such shares imposed by
the Company or the broker-dealers from whom such investor intends to purchase
such shares.  Such broker-dealers will require a Order Form, a specimen of which
is attached to this Prospectus, to be completed and delivered, together with a
check payable to the Escrow Agent for the aggregate purchase price of such
shares ordered.
    
     A minimum of 152,000 shares of 8% Preferred must be sold.  No shares of 8%
Preferred will be sold unless the Minimum Common Offering is consummated.      

     Purchases by Officers, Directors and Others.  Officers and directors of the
Company, the Soliciting Dealers and broker-dealers engaged in the sale of 8%
Preferred and their respective employees may purchase the securities offered
herein net of selling commissions and the Company will pay no selling
commissions on such securities.  Subject to the Ownership Limit, there is no
limit on the number of securities such persons may purchase.  Securities
purchased by officers and directors of the Company and the Soliciting Dealers
and their employees will be included in determining whether the Minimum Common
Offering is achieved.  Any resale of the Company's securities currently owned by
the officers and directors of the Company, or securities such person may
purchase pursuant to this Offering, are subject to Rule 144 promulgated under
the Securities Act, which limits the number of securities which may be resold at
any one time and the manner of such resale.

ESCROW ARRANGEMENTS
    
     Commencing on the date of this Prospectus, all funds received by the Sales
Agent and Soliciting Dealers from orders for Units, Shares or 8% Preferred will
be placed promptly in an interest bearing escrow account with the Escrow Agent
at the Company's expense until such funds are released as described below.
Separate escrow accounts will be established for Benefit Plan funds as required
by law or such Benefit Plans.  Payment for Units, Shares or 8% Preferred is to
be sent to the Escrow Agent at Trust Company of America, 7103 South Revere
Parkway, Englewood, Colorado 80112.  Such funds will be held in trust for the
benefit of investors to be used for the purposes set forth in this Prospectus.
The Escrow Agent will be given the right to invest non-Benefit Plan funds in
Permitted Temporary Investments.  Benefit Plan funds will be invested in a money
market account maintained by the Escrow Agent.  The interest, if any, earned on
escrow funds prior to the transmittal of such proceeds to the Company will not
become part of the Company's capital.  Instead, within 15 days following each
issuance of units or Shares, the Company will cause the Escrow Agent to make
distributions to investors of all interest earned on their escrowed funds used
to purchase the units or Shares.      

    
     As soon as practicable after the Minimum Common Offering is achieved, the
Company will issue Units and Shares to all investors whose orders have been
accepted, as well as shares of 8% Preferred to investors whose orders have been
accepted if the minimum number of 152,000 shares of 8% Preferred are sold.
Following such first issuance, additional funds received by the Company from
prospective investors will continue to be placed in escrow during the Offering
and the Company will issue additional Units, Shares or 8% Preferred periodically
as agreed between the Company and the applicable selling agents.  The Offering
will terminate at the time all Units, Shares and 8% Preferred being offered are
sold or withdrawn from registration by order of the Board, but in no case later
than the earlier of (i) one year after the date of this Prospectus, or (ii) 180
days after the Initial Closing.      

     On or after the date accepted by the Company, investors will have no right
to withdraw any funds submitted to the Escrow Agent during the Offering period.
The Company has the unconditional right in its sole discretion to accept or
reject any order or any part thereof within ten days of receipt of such order.
If the Company rejects any order or any part thereof, it will notify the
investor in writing thereof and arrange for the Escrow Agent to promptly return
to the investor the entire purchase price or portion thereof which was rejected,
along with any interest earned thereon.  No sales of Units, Shares or 8%
Preferred will be consummated unless the Minimum Common Offering is achieved.
Shares, 8% Preferred and warrants will be evidenced by appropriate certificates.

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
     If the Minimum Common Offering is not achieved within six months after the
date of this Prospectus, then the Company will cancel all existing orders for
Units, Shares and 8% Preferred and all funds submitted on account of such orders
will be released from escrow and promptly returned to each investor together
with all interest earned thereon.
    
     Pending use of funds received by the Company from the Escrow Agent to
purchase one or more of the Properties described herein, the Company may invest
such funds in Permitted Temporary Investments.      

                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

    
     The Company intends to provide periodic reports to shareholders regarding
the operations of the Company over the course of the year.  Financial
information contained in all reports to shareholders will be prepared on the
accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.  Tax information will be mailed to the shareholders within 90 days
following the close of each fiscal year.  The Company's annual report, which
will include financial statements audited and reported upon by independent
public accountants, will be furnished within 120 days following the close of
each fiscal year.  Summary information regarding the quarterly financial results
of the Company will be furnished to shareholders on a quarterly basis.  A
statement identifying the source of Distributions will be furnished to
shareholders within 60 days following the close of each quarter that such
shareholders have been paid Distributions from any source by the Company.      

     Investors have the right under applicable federal and Maryland laws to
obtain information about the Company and, at their expense, may obtain a list of
names and addresses of all of the shareholders.  In the event that the
Commission promulgates rules and/or in the event that the applicable American
Stock Exchange rules and regulations are amended so that, taking such changes
into account, the Company's reporting requirements are reduced, the Company may
cease preparing and distributing certain of the aforementioned reports, if the
directors determine such action to be in the best interests of the Company and
if such cessation is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission.

                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

     Certain legal matters, including the legality of the Shares and 8%
Preferred, the liquidation preference of the 8% Preferred and the description of
federal income tax consequences contained under "Federal Income Tax
Considerations," will be passed upon for the Company by Thelen, Marrin, Johnson
& Bridges, 333 South Grand Avenue, 34th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071.
Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges will rely as to certain matters of Maryland
law on an opinion of Piper & Marbury L.L.P., Baltimore, Maryland.

                                    EXPERTS

     The Financial Statements and Schedule of American Equity Trust Inc., the
Financial Statements of American Equity Trust Funding, Inc., the Financial
Statements of the Prior Ownership Group and the Financial Statements of the
Proposed Acquisitions, included in this Prospectus and in the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part have been audited by BDO Seidman,
LLP, independent certified public accountants, to the extent and for the periods
set forth in their reports appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration
Statement and have been so included in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
                                SALES LITERATURE

     In addition to and apart from this Prospectus, the Company will use certain
sales material in connection with the Offering.  This material includes a
broker-dealer fact sheet, investor information summary and visual presentation
and NAREIT collateral information, all of which will be reviewed by the
Commission and the NASD prior to its use.  In some jurisdictions such sales
material will not be available.  Other than as described herein, the Company has
not authorized the use of other sales material.  The Offering is made only by
means of this Prospectus.  Although the information contained in such sales
material does not conflict with any of the information contained in this
Prospectus, such sales material does not purport to be complete and should not
be considered as a part of this Prospectus or the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part, or as incorporated in this Prospectus or said
Registration Statement by reference, or as forming the basis of the Offering.

                              FURTHER INFORMATION
    
     This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement on Form S-11 and the Exhibits relating thereto which the
Company has filed with the Commission, in Washington, D.C., under the Securities
Act, and to which reference is hereby made.  The Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules forming a part thereof filed by the Company with the
Commission can be inspected and copies obtained from the Commission at Room
1204, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the following regional offices of the Commission:  7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.  Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D. C. 20549, at prescribed rates.      

     All summaries contained herein of documents which are filed as Exhibits to
the Registration Statement are qualified in their entirety by this reference to
those Exhibits.  The Company has not knowingly made any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state any fact required to be stated in the
Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading.

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
                                    GLOSSARY

     As used in this Prospectus, the following terms have the definitions
hereinafter indicated:

     Acquisition Expenses.  Those expenses, including but not limited to legal
fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of appraisals, non-
refundable option payments on property not acquired, accounting fees and
expenses, title insurance, and miscellaneous expenses related to selection and
acquisition of properties, whether or not acquired.  Acquisition Expenses shall
not include Acquisition Fees.

     Affiliate.  An Affiliate of another Person shall mean (i) any Person
directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding, with power to vote ten
percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other Person, (ii)
any Person ten percent or more of whose outstanding voting securities are
directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held, with power to vote, by such
other Person, (iii) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with such other Person, (iv) any executive officer,
director, trustee or general partner of such other Person, or (Iv) any legal
entity for which such Person acts as an executive officer, director, trustee or
general partner.

     Bankruptcy Code.  Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.

     Beneficial Ownership, Beneficially Own or Beneficial Owner of Shares.
Ownership of such Shares for purposes of part 11, subchapter M of the Code,
including the attribution of ownership provisions of Section 542 and 544 of the
Code, or if, under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, such Person would be deemed
to have beneficial ownership of such Shares.

     Benefit Plan.  An IRA, Keogh Plan or employee benefit plan subject to Title
I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

     Board or Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors of the Company.

     By-Laws.  The By-Laws of the Company.

     Cash from Financings.  Net cash proceeds realized by the Company from the
financing of the Company's properties or the refinancing of any Company
indebtedness.

     Cash from Sales.  Net cash proceeds realized by the Company from the sale,
exchange or other disposition of any of its assets after deduction of all
expenses incurred in connection therewith.  Cash from Sales shall not include
Cash from Financings.

     Cash from Sales and Financings.  The total sum of Cash from Sales and Cash
from Financings.

     Charter.  Articles of Incorporation of the Company under the General
Corporation Law of Maryland, as amended from time to time, pursuant to which the
Company is organized.

     Code.  Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     Commission.  The Securities and Exchange Commission.

     Company.  American Equity Trust Inc., a corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Maryland.

     Conversion Factor.  A multiplier intended to adjust for the occurrence of
share splits, mergers, consolidations or similar pro rata share transactions
which otherwise would have the effect of diluting the ownership interests of the
OP Limited Partners or the shareholders of the Company.

                                       92
<PAGE>
 
     Distributable REIT Taxable Income.  An amount equal to or greater than (i)
the sum of 95% of (a) the REIT Taxable Income for the taxable year (determined
without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and by excluding any net
capital gain), and (b) the excess of the net income from Foreclosure Property
over the tax imposed on such income less (ii) any Excess Noncash Income.

     Distributions.  Distributions from income or capital declared by the Board.

     8% Preferred Offering.  The sale by the Company of up to 1,136,364 shares
of the Company's 8% Convertible Preferred Stock at $13.20 per share.

     ERISA.  Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

     Escrow Agent.  Trust Company of America, or any other institution permitted
to serve as escrow agent under Rule 15c2-4 of the Exchange Act.

     Excess Shares.  Any Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit.

     Exchange Act.  The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     Final Closing.  The last date on which purchasers of Units, Shares and 8%
Preferred offered pursuant to this Prospectus are issued such Units, Shares or
8% Preferred.

     Foreclosure Property.  Real property (or any interest in real property) and
any personal property incident thereto, which is acquired or reduced to
possession by the Company as a result of a bid in foreclosure, or by agreement
or legal process, following a default (or where a default was imminent) on a
lease of the property or on an indebtedness secured by such property (other than
indebtedness arising upon the sale of dealer property which was not itself
Foreclosure Property) which the Company elects to treat as foreclosure property
under the Code for a period of two years, unless such period is extended with
the permission of the IRS.

     Gross Offering Proceeds.  The aggregate purchase price of Units, Shares and
8% Preferred sold pursuant to the Offering.

     Independent Director.  A director of the Company who is not an employee,
officer or director of the Company, or otherwise an Affiliate of the Company,
prior to becoming a director, and who, upon becoming a director, is not
otherwise affiliated with the Company.

     Individual.  Any natural person and those organizations treated as natural
persons in Section 542(a) of the Code.

     Initial Closing.  The time after the Minimum Common Offering is completed
when Units, Shares or 8% Preferred sold are issued to investors and funds in the
escrow are released to the Company.

     Initial Properties.  The Properties to be acquired in the Formation
Transactions.  In a Minimum Common Offering, the Initial Properties will be
Sandpainter Apartments, Northwest Garden Apartments, Orangewood Place Apartments
and Arrow Village Apartments.  In a Maximum Common Offering, the Initial
Properties will be all Properties described in "Description of Properties."

     IRA.  An individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the
Code or an individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the
Code.

     IRS.  The Internal Revenue Service.

     Keogh Plan.  A retirement benefit plan covering a person with net earnings
from self-employment, also known as an H.R.10 plan.

                                       93
<PAGE>
 
     Leverage.  The aggregate amount of indebtedness of the Company for money
borrowed (including purchase money mortgage loans) outstanding at any time, both
secured and unsecured.

     Loans.  The notes and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations
acquired or entered into by the Company as lender which are secured or
collateralized principally by fee or leasehold interests in real estate.

     Maximum Common Offering.  The receipt by the Company of orders for all of
the Units and Shares offered by this Prospectus from at least 400 investors and
the receipt by the Escrow Agent of full payment for such securities with funds
that have cleared the banking system.

     Maximum Combined Offering.  A Maximum Common Offering plus the sale of all
shares of 8% Preferred offered in this Prospectus to at least 100 investors.
    
     Minimum Combined Offering.  A Minimum Common Offering plus a Minimum
Preferred Offering.      

     Minimum Common Offering.  The receipt by the Company of orders for not less
than 2,142,858 shares of Common Stock (whether in the form of Units or
individual Shares) from the sales to at least 400 investors and the receipt by
the Escrow Agent of full payment for such Units or Shares with funds that have
cleared the banking system.  Any securities of the Company owned by officers or
directors of the Company as of the date of this Prospectus will not be included
for purposes of determining whether the Minimum Common Offering has been
achieved.
    
     Minimum Preferred Offering.  Concurrently with or after the completion of a
Minimum Common Offering, the receipt by the Company of orders for not less than
152,000 shares of 8% Preferred and receipt by the Escrow Agent of full payment
for such shares with funds that have cleared the banking system.      

     NASD.  The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

     Net Assets.  The total assets of the Company (other than intangibles) at
cost before deducting depreciation or other noncash reserves less total
liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied.

     Net Income.  For any period, the total revenues applicable to such period,
less the total expenses applicable to such period excluding additions to
reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other similar noncash reserves;
provided, however, Net Income for purposes of calculating total allowable
Operating Expenses shall exclude the gain from the sale of the Company's assets.

     Offering.  The offering of Units, Shares and 8% Preferred pursuant to this
Prospectus.

     Operating Partnership Agreement.  The partnership agreement of the
Operating Partnership as amended.

     OP Units.  Interests in the Operating Partnership.

     Operating Partnership.  American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership of which the Company is the sole general partner.

     Ownership Limit.  The percent limitation placed on the ownership of  by any
one Person on equity stock of the Company.  At the date of this Prospectus, such
limit is 9.8% of the value of the outstanding equity stock of the Company.  In
addition, the percent limitation placed on the ownership by any one Person of 8%
Preferred is that number of shares of 8% Preferred the value of which, when
added to the value of the Company's other equity securities owned by such
Person, does not exceed five percent of the value of the outstanding equity
securities of the Company.

                                       94
<PAGE>
 
     Permitted Temporary Investments.  United States government securities,
certificates of deposit or other time or demand deposits of commercial banks,
savings banks, savings and loan associations or similar institutions which have
a net worth of at least $100,000,000 or in which such certificates or deposits
are fully insured by any federal or state government agency, United States
dollar deposits in foreign branches of banks which have a net worth of at least
$100,000,000, bank repurchase agreements covering securities of the United
States government or governmental agencies, commercial paper, bankers
acceptances, public money market funds or other similar short-term highly liquid
investments.

     Person.  An Individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, company, trust, bank or other entity or any government or any
agency and political subdivision of a government.

     Prohibited Transaction.  A sale of assets held by the Company primarily for
sale to customers in the ordinary course of business other than (i) Foreclosure
Property and (ii) certain dispositions of real estate assets which satisfy
Section 857(b)(6)(C) of the Code.

     Prior Ownership Group ("POG").  The properties to be acquired by the
Company, known as the Hewlett Packard Building, Van Nuys, California; and
Westwood Self-Storage/Sportmart Building, Westwood, California.

     Property or Properties.  The Company's partial or entire interest in real
property described in this Prospectus (including leasehold interests) and
personal or mixed property connected therewith.

     Proposed Acquisitions.  The properties to be acquired by the Company, known
as the Arrow Village Apartments, the Northwest Gardens Apartments, the
Orangewood Place Apartments and the Sandpainter Apartments

     Prospectus.  This prospectus pursuant to which the Company is offering up
to 1,750,000 Units, 1,500,000 additional Shares, and 1,136,364 shares of 8%
Preferred, as the same may at any time and from time to time be amended or
supplemented.

     Registration Statement.  The Registration Statement on Form S-11 of which
this Prospectus is a part.

     REIT A real estate investment trust, as defined in Sections 856-860 of the
Code.

     REIT Provisions of the Code or REIT Provisions.  Parts II and III of
Subchapter M of Chapter I of the Code or successor statutes, and regulations and
rulings promulgated thereunder.

     REIT Taxable Income.  The taxable income of a REIT, adjusted as follows:
(i) the deduction for dividends received allowable to corporations under
Sections 241 through 247, 249 and 250 of the Code is not allowed; (ii) the
deduction for dividends paid under Section 561 of the Code is allowed, but is
computed without regard to that portion of such deduction attributable to net
income from Foreclosure Property; (iii) taxable income is computed without
regard to Section 443(b) of the Code relating to the computation of tax upon the
change of an annual accounting period; (iv) net income from Foreclosure Property
that is not qualified REIT income without regard to the foreclosure property
provisions of the Code is excluded; (v) the tax imposed for failing the 75%
Income Test and/or the 95% Income Test is deducted; and (vi) income derived from
Prohibited Transactions is excluded.

     Sales Agent.  Brookstreet Securities Corporation.

     Securities Act.  The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     Soliciting Dealers.  Broker-dealers who are members of the NASD and who
have executed a Soliciting Dealer Agreement with the Sales Agent in whom the
Soliciting Dealers agree to participate with the Sales Agent in the Offering.

     Shares.  All of the shares of common stock of the Company, $.01 par value,
and all other shares of common stock of the Company issued in this or any
subsequent Offering.

                                       95
<PAGE>
 
     UBTI.  Unrelated business taxable income as defined in Section 512 of the
Code.

     Unimproved Real Property.  Property which has the following three
characteristics:  (i) an equity interest in property which was not acquired for
the purpose of producing rental or other operating income, (ii) no development
or construction is in process on such property, and (iii) no development or
construction on such property is planned in good faith to commence on such
property within one year.

     Unit.  A Unit consists of two shares of Common Stock of the Company and one
detachable Series "A" Warrant.

                                       96
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                              <C>
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996.............................    F-3
 Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheets.........................................    F-5
 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1995
  and for the three months ended March 31, 1996...............................................    F-7
 Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations...............................   F-10
 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1995...   F-11
 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
  March 31, 1996..............................................................................   F-13
 Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows...............................   F-15
 
AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants...........................................   F-16
 Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996...........................................................   F-17
 Notes to Balance Sheet.......................................................................   F-18
 
PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP
 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants...........................................   F-21
 Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and March 31, 1996 (unaudited)......   F-22
 Combined Statements of Operations for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
  three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)......................................   F-23
 Combined Statements of Owners' Equity for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
  three months ended March 31, 1996 (unaudited)...............................................   F-24
 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
  three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)......................................   F-25
 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.......................................................   F-26
 
PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS
 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants...........................................   F-29
 Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses for the year ended
  December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)............   F-30
 Notes to Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses................................   F-31
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE OF PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP
 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants...........................................    S-1
 Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation......................................    S-2
</TABLE>     

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                  PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

    
  The following unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheets as of
March 31, 1996 and the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations and
the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended
December 31, 1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 have been
prepared to reflect the Minimum Common Offering, the Minimum Combined Offering,
the Maximum Common Offering, and the Maximum Combined Offering (together the
Offerings), the acquisitions of properties from the Prior Ownership Group (POG)
and the Proposed Acquisitions described in the accompanying notes.  The
unaudited Pro Forma Balance Sheets have been prepared as if the Offerings, the
POG Acquisitions and the Proposed Acquisitions had been consummated as of March
31, 1996.  The unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations and Cash Flows for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended have been prepared
as if the Offerings, the POG Acquisitions and the Proposed Acquisitions occurred
on January 1, 1995.  The unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of
what the actual financial position or results of operations would have been for
the respective periods if the transactions had been consummated on the dates
indicated, nor does it purport to represent the future financial position or
results of operations of the Company.     

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                  PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                As of March 31 1996
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                The         Proposed        Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                              Company     Acquisitions     Adjustments       Combined
                                            -----------   ------------   ---------------   ------------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>            <C>               <C>
MINIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
ASSETS:
Rental properties, net...................   $        -      $8,112,269   $ 6,207,731 (1)   $14,320,000
Cash and cash equivalents................       26,716          47,715     2,122,719 (2)     2,197,150
Deferred offering costs..................      912,808               -      (912,808)(2)             -
Other assets.............................      172,574         218,737      (321,357)(3)        69 954
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
                                            $1,112,098      $8,378,721                     $16,587,104
                                            ==========      ==========                     ===========
 
LIABILITIES:
Mortgage notes payable...................   $        -      $6,985,107    (4,485,107)(4)   $ 2,500,000
Convertible notes........................      493,781               -                         493,781
Accounts payable and other liabilities...      250,000         215,750      (215,750)(3)       250,000
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total liabilities......................      743,781       7,200,857                       3,243,781
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock.............................        2,747               -        21,429 (5)        24,176
8% Convertible Preferred.................            -               -                               -
1995 Convertible Preferred...............       10,210                                          10,210
Additional paid-in-capital...............      420,155               -    12,953,577 (5)    13,373,732
Owners' equity (deficit).................            -       1,177,864    (1,177,864)(7)             -
Retained earnings (deficit)..............      (64,795)              -                         (64,795)
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total stockholders' equity.............      368,317       1,177,864                      13,343,323
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total liabilities and
    stockholders' equity.................   $1,112,098      $8,378,721                     $16,587,104
                                            ==========      ==========                     ===========
 
 
MINIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
ASSETS:
Rental properties, net...................   $        -      $8,112,269   $ 6,207,731 (1)   $14,320,000
Cash and cash equivalents................       26,716          47,715     1,492,719 (2)     1,567,150
Deferred offering costs..................      912,808               -      (912,808)(2)             -
Other assets.............................      172,574         218,737      (321,357)(3)        69 954
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
                                            $1,112,098      $8,378,721                     $15,957,104
                                            ==========      ==========                     ===========
 
LIABILITIES:
Mortgage notes payable...................   $        -      $6,985,107    (6,985,107)(4)   $         -
Convertible notes........................      493,781               -                         493,781
Accounts payable and other liabilities...      250,000         215,750      (215,750)(3)       250,000
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total labilities.......................      743,781       7,200,857                         743,781
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock.............................        2,747               -        21,429 (5)        24,176
8% Convertible Preferred.................            -               -     2,006,400 (5)     2,006,400
1995 Convertible Preferred...............       10,210                                          10,210
Additional paid-in-capital...............      420,155               -    12,817,177 (5)    13,237,732
Owners' equity (deficit).................            -       1,177,864    (1,177,864)(7)             -
Retained earnings (deficit)..............      (64,795)              -                         (64,795)
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total stockholders' equity.............      368,317       1,177,864                      15,213,323
                                            ----------      ----------                     -----------
  Total liabilities and
    stockholders' equity.................   $1,112,098      $8,378,721                     $15,957,104
                                            ==========      ==========                     ===========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                  PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                As of March 31 1996
                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         The                       Proposed        Pro Forma        Pro Forma
                                       Company         POG       Acquisitions     Adjustments        Combined
                                     -----------   -----------   ------------   ----------------   ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>                <C>
 
MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
ASSETS:
Rental properties, net............   $        -    $23,204,845     $8,112,269   $ 10,410,838 (1)   $41,727,952
Cash and cash equivalents.........       26,716        221,353         47,715      1,063,221 (2)     1,359,005
Deferred offering costs...........      912,808              -              -       (912,808)(2)             -
Other assets......................      172,574        302,466        218,737       (623,823)(3)        69,954
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
                                     $1,112,098    $23,728,664     $8,378,721                      $43,156,911
                                     ==========    ===========     ==========                      ===========
LIABILITIES:
Mortgage notes payable............   $        -    $17,698,599     $6,985,107    (16,221,845)(4)   $ 8,461,861
Convertible notes.................      493,781              -              -              -           493,781
Accounts payable and other........      250,000      2,109,704        215,750     (2,325,454)(3)       250,000
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
  Total liabilities...............      743,781     19,808,303      7,200,857                        9,205,642
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
Minority interest.................                                                 3,461,287 (6)     3,461,287
                                                                                                   -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock......................        2,747              -              -         50,000 (5)        52,747
8% Convertible Preferred..........            -              -              -                                -
1995 Convertible Preferred........       10,210                                                         10,210
Additional paid-in-capital........      420,155              -              -     31,205,000 (5)
                                                                                  (1,133,335)(7)    30,491,820
Owners' equity (deficit)..........            -      3,920,361      1,177,864     (5,098,225)(7)             -
Retained earnings (deficit).......      (64,795)             -              -                          (64,795)
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
  Total stockholders' equity......      368,317      3,920,361      1,177,864                       30,489,982
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
                                     $1,112,098    $23,728,664     $8,378,721                      $43,156,911
                                     ==========    ===========     ==========                      ===========
 
MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
ASSETS:
Rental properties, net............   $        -    $23,204,845     $8,112,269   $ 10,410,838 (1)   $41,727,952
Cash and cash equivalents.........       26,716        221,353         47,715      6,401,364 (2)     6,697,148
Deferred offering costs...........      912,808              -              -       (912,808)(2)             -
Other assets......................      172,574        302,466        218,737       (623,823)(3)        69,954
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
                                     $1,112,098    $23,728,664     $8,378,721                      $48,495,054
                                     ==========    ===========     ==========                      ===========
LIABILITIES:
Mortgage notes payable............   $        -    $17,698,599     $6,985,107    (24,683,706)(4)   $         -
Convertible notes.................      493,781              -              -              -           493,781
Accounts payable and other........      250,000      2,109,704        215,750     (2,325,454)(3)       250,000
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
  Total liabilities...............      743,781     19,808,303      7,200,857                          743,781
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
Minority interest.................                                                 3,461,287 (6)     3,461,287
                                                                                                   -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock......................        2,747              -              -         50,000 (5)        52,747
8% Convertible Preferred..........            -              -              -     15,000,004 (5)    15,000,004
1995 Convertible Preferred........       10,210                                                         10,210
Additional paid-in-capital........      420,155              -              -     30,005,000 (5)
                                                                                  (1,133,335)(7)    29,291,820
Owners' equity (deficit)..........            -      3,920,361      1,177,864     (5,098,225)(7)             -
Retained earnings (deficit).......      (64,795)             -              -                          (64,795)
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
  Total stockholders' equity......      368,317      3,920,361      1,177,864                       44,289,986
                                     ----------    -----------     ----------                      -----------
                                     $1,112,098    $23,728,664     $8,378,721                      $48,495,054
                                     ==========    ===========     ==========                      ===========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

   These pro forma adjustments reflect i) the issuance of 2,142,858 shares of
Common Stock (Minimum Common Offering); ii) 2,142,858 shares of Common Stock
plus 152,000 shares of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock at an offering price of
$13.20 per share (Minimum Combined Offering); iii) 5,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share at an initial offering price of $7.00 per share
(Maximum Common Offering); and iv) 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock, at an
initial offering price of $7.00 per share plus 1,136,364 shares of 8%
Convertible Preferred Stock at an offering price of $13.20 per share (Maximum
Combined Offering) and the application of the net proceeds from such offerings.
The following sets forth the adjustments:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                          Minimum        Minimum        Maximum        Maximum
                                                           Common        Combined        Common        Combined
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
(1) Increase in rental property:
        Proposed Acquisitions:
         Purchase price..............................   $14,200,000    $14,200,000    $14,200,000    $14,200,000
         Net book value of properties acquired.......    (8,112,269)    (8,112,269)    (8,112,269)    (8,112,269)
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
           Excess of purchase price over net book
             value of Proposed Acquisitions..........     6,087,731      6,087,731      6,087,731      6,087,731
        Prior Ownership Group - excess of purchase
          price of $28,900,000 over net book value
          of $23,204,845 of properties acquired......             -              -      5,695,155      5,695,155
        Adjustment to reduce to predecessor basis....             -              -     (1,562,048)    (1,562,048)
        Estimated closing and other costs............       120,000        120,000        190,000        190,000
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                        $ 6,207,731    $ 6,207,731    $10,410,838    $10,410,838
                                                        ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>     

     The properties described as the Proposed Acquisitions consist of four
rental properties and will be acquired 100% in the Offerings.  The properties
described as the Prior Ownership Group consist of two commercial buildings which
will be acquired by newly-formed partnerships in the Maximum Common Offering as
well as the Maximum Combined Offering.  The Company will acquire a 67% and a 80%
general partnership interest in the new partnerships and the former owner will
receive a 33% and a 20% limited partnership interest in the newly-formed
partnerships.

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                            Minimum         Minimum         Maximum         Maximum
                                                             Common         Combined         Common         Combined
                                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
(2) Increase in cash:
   Proceeds from the Offerings....................        $ 15,000,006    $ 17,006,406    $ 35,000,000    $ 50,000,004
   Offering expenses..............................          (2,025,000)     (2,161,400)     (3,745,000)     (4,945,000)
                                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
    Net proceeds from Offerings...................          12,975,006      14,845,006      31,255,000      45,055,004
 
   Purchase of Proposed Acquisition Properties....         (11,700,000)    (11,700,000)    (11,700,000)    (11,700,000)
   Purchase of Prior Ownership Group properties...                   -               -     (11,048,139)    (11,048,139)
   Acquisition debt assumed and retired with
    proceeds from the Offerings...................                   -      (2,500,000)     (8,000,000)    (16,461,861)
   Offering expenses incurred to date.............             912,808         912,808         912,808         912,808
   Acquisitions costs incurred to date............             102,620         102,620         102,620         102,620
   Estimated closing and other costs..............            (120,000)       (120,000)       (190,000)       (190,000)
   Cash and cash equivalents not being acquired...             (47,715)        (47,715)       (269,068)       (269,068)
                                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                          $  2,122,719    $  1,492,719    $  1,063,221    $  6,401,364
                                                          ============    ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>     

(3) Reflects the elimination of rents and other receivables, accounts payable
    and other liabilities which are not being acquired by the Company.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

        NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)


(4) Reduction of certain mortgage notes payable as follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                               Minimum      Minimum       Maximum       Maximum
                                                Common      Combined      Common       Combined
                                              ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
  Acquisition debt not assumed:
   Proposed Acquisitions...................   $4,485,107   $4,485,107   $ 4,485,107   $ 4,485,107
   Prior Ownership Group...................            -            -     3,736,738     3,736,738
  Debt assumed and retired with proceeds
   from the Offerings......................            -    2,500,000     8,000,000    16,461,861
                                              ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
  Reduction of mortgage notes payable......   $4,485,107   $6,985,107   $16,221,845   $24,683,706
                                              ==========   ==========   ===========   ===========

(5)  Net increases in equity accounts:

  Proceeds from the Offerings..............  $15,000,006  $17,006,406   $35,000,000   $50,000,004
  Offering expenses........................   (2,025,000)  (2,161,400)   (3,745,000)   (4,945,000)
                                             -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net proceeds from Offerings............   12,975,006   14,845,006    31,255,000    45,055,004
  Par value of common stock................      (21,429)     (21,429)      (50,000)      (50,000)
  Value of 8% convertible preferred stock..            -   (2,006,400)            -   (15,000,004)
                                             -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net increase in additional 
     paid-in-capital.......................  $12,953,577  $12,817,177   $31,205,000   $30,005,000
                                             ===========  ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>     

(6) Reflects minority interest retained by the former owners of the POG
    Properties in the Maximum Common and Maximum Combined Offerings as follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>

                                                        Hewlett-
                                                        Packard             Westwood
                                                        Building            Building              Total
                                                        --------            --------              -----      
<S>                                                    <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Historical equity of POG properties..........          $1,574,800          $2,305,561          $ 3,880,361
Adjustments:
 Mortgage notes not assumed by Company.......           2,354,076           1,382,662            3,736,738
 Other assets/liabilities not acquired
  by Company.................................           1,626,762                (877)           1,625,885
                                                       ----------          ----------          -----------
POG's net equity in property.................           5,555,638           3,687,346            9,242,984
                                                       ----------          ----------          -----------
Portion exchanged (20% & 33%) for OP Units...           1,111,128           1,229,103            2,340,231
Portion acquired (80% & 67%) for cash........           6,400,000           4,648,139           11,048,139
                                                       ----------          ----------          -----------
New equity of POG properties.................          $7,511,128          $5,877,242          $13,388,370
                                                       ==========          ==========          ===========
Minority interest (20% & 33%)................          $1,502,226          $1,959,061          $ 3,461,287
                                                       ==========          ==========          ===========
</TABLE>     

(7) Elimination of predecessor equity of the properties acquired accounted for
    under the purchase method of accounting except for the portion of the equity
    interest retained by sellers which is reflected at predecessor cost basis.

(8) Maturities of pro forma mortgage notes payable is as follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                           Minimum      Maximum
Year                                        Common       Common
- ----                                       -------      -------  
<S>                                       <C>          <C>
1996 (nine months)......................  $   23,327   $  105,410
1997....................................      36,539      154,750
1998....................................      39,473      167,154
1999....................................      42,644      180,554
2000....................................      46,069      195,026
Thereafter..............................   2,311,948    7,658,967
                                          ----------   ----------
                                          $2,500,000   $8,461,861
                                          ==========   ==========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   The pro forma combined statements of operations presented below reflect the
acquisitions as previously described as if they occurred at the beginning of the
periods presented.  The Company was omitted from the statements presented below
since it had no operations during the period presented.

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                      Year Ended December 31, 1995               Three Months Ended March 31, 1996
                               -------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
                                 Proposed       Pro Forma       Pro Forma      Proposed       Pro Forma      Pro Forma
                               Acquisitions    Adjustments      Combined     Acquisitions    Adjustments      Combined
                               ------------   --------------   -----------   ------------   --------------   ----------
<S>                            <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>
MINIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
Rental revenues.............     $2,394,578      $ 83,500(1)   $2,478,078        $655,119                    $ 655,119
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Property management fees....        102,317                       102,317          27,834                       27,834
Property taxes..............        114,942                       114,942          35,231                       35,231
Other expenses..............        998,420       456,250(4)    1,454,670         208,085       114,063(4)     322,148
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Total expenses..............      1,215,679                     1,671,929         271,150                      385,213
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Excess of revenues
  over expenses.............      1,178,899                       806,149         383,969                      269,906
                                 ----------                                      --------
Depreciation expense........                      533,644(2)     (533,644)                      133,411(2)    (133,411)
Interest expense............                      193,750(3)     (193,750)                       48,437(3)     (48,437)
                                                               ----------                                    ---------
Net income..................                                   $   78,755                                    $  88,058
                                                               ==========                                    =========
Net income per
  common share(5)...........                                        $0.02                                        $0.02
                                                               ==========                                    =========
 
 
 
MINIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
Rental revenues.............     $2,394,578      $ 83,500(1)   $2,478,078        $655,119                    $ 655,119
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Property management fees....        102,317                       102,317          27,834                       27,834
Property taxes..............        114,942                       114,942          35,231                       35,231
Other expenses..............        998,420       456,250(4)    1,454,670         208,085       114,063(4)     322,148
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Total expenses..............      1,215,679                     1,671,929         271,150                      385,213
                                 ----------                    ----------        --------                    ---------
Excess of revenues
  over expenses.............      1,178,899                       806,149         383,969                      269,906
                                 ----------                                      --------
Depreciation expense........                      533,644(2)     (533,644)                      133,411(2)    (133,411)
                                                               ----------                                    ---------
Net income..................                                      272,505                                      136,495
Dividends on preferred......
  shares....................                                     (160,512)                                     (40,128)
                                                               ----------                                    ---------
Net income attributable
  to common shares..........                                   $  111,993                                    $  96,367
                                                               ==========                                    =========
Net income per
  common share(5)...........                                        $0.03                                        $0.03
                                                               ==========                                    =========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                       Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Proposed                 Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                                   POG               Acquisitions              Adjustments       Combined
                                                   ---               ------------              -----------       --------  
<S>                                            <C>                   <C>                     <C>                <C>
 
MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------                      
 Rental revenues............................   $3,685,622             $2,394,578             $    83,500 (1)    $6,163,700
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Depreciation / amortization................    1,067,896                                        496,641 (2)     1,564,537
 Property management fees...................       52,000                102,317                                   154,317
 Property taxes.............................      225,507                114,942                                   340,449
 Interest expense...........................    1,608,750                                     (1,057,288)(3)       551,462
 Other expenses.............................      774,886                998,420                 600,000 (4)     2,373,306
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Total expenses.............................    3,729,039              1,215,679                                 4,984,071
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Excess revenues over expenses..............      (43,417)             1,178,899                                 1,179,629
                                               ----------             ----------           
 Minority interest..........................                                                                       (55,357)
                                                                                                               -----------
 Net income.................................                                                                    $1,124,272
                                                                                                               ===========
 Net income per common share(5).............                                                                         $0.17
                                                                                                               ===========
                                                                                          
MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
 Rental revenues............................   $3,685,622             $2,394,578             $    83,500 (1)    $6,163,700
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Depreciation / amortization................    1,067,896                                        496,641 (2)     1,564,537
 Property management fees...................       52,000                102,317                                   154,317
 Property taxes.............................      225,507                114,942                                   340,449
 Interest expense...........................    1,608,750                                     (1,608,750)(3)             -
 Other expenses.............................      774,886                998,420                 600,000 (4)     2,373,306
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Total expenses.............................    3,729,039              1,215,679                                 4,432,609
                                               ----------             ----------                               -----------
 Excess revenues over expenses..............      (43,417)             1,178,899                                 1,731,091
                                               ----------             ----------           
 Minority interest..........................                                                                       (55,357)
                                                                                                               -----------
 Net income.................................                                                                     1,675,734
 Dividends on preferred shares..............                                                                    (1,200,000)
                                                                                                               -----------
 Net income attributable to common shares...                                                                    $  475,734
                                                                                                               ===========
 Net income per common share(5).............                                                                         $0.07
                                                                                                               ===========
</TABLE>

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
                                                          Three Months Ended March 31, 1996
                                               --------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Proposed        Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                                  POG      Acquisitions     Adjustments      Combined
                                                  ---      ------------     -----------      ---------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>            <C>               <C>
MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------                     
 Rental revenues............................   $903,037        $655,119                     $1,558,156
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Depreciation / amortization................    266,952                       124,160 (2)      391,112
 Property management fees...................     13,000          27,834                         40,834
 Property taxes.............................     56,377          35,231                         91,608
 Interest expense...........................    400,930                      (224,322)(3)      176,608
 Other expenses.............................    195,270         208,085       150,000 (4)      553,355
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Total expenses.............................    932,529         271,150                      1,253,517
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Excess revenues over expenses..............    (29,492)        383,969                        304,639
                                               --------        --------
 Minority interest..........................                                                    (2,603)
                                                                                            ----------
 Net income.................................                                                $  302,036
                                                                                            ==========
 Net income per common share(5).............                                                     $0.05
                                                                                            ==========
 
MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
 Rental revenues............................   $903,037        $655,119                     $1,558,156
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Depreciation / amortization................    266,952                       124,160 (2)      391,112
 Property management fees...................     13,000          27,834                         40,834
 Property taxes.............................     56,377          35,231                         91,608
 Interest expense...........................    400,930                      (400,930)(3)            -
 Other expenses.............................    195,270         208,085       150,000 (4)      553,355
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Total expenses.............................    932,529         271,150                      1,076,909
                                               --------        --------                     ----------
 Excess revenues over expenses..............    (29,492)        383,969                        481,247
                                               --------        --------
 Minority interest..........................                                                    (2,603)
                                                                                            ----------
 Net income.................................                                                   478,644
 Dividends on preferred shares..............                                                  (300,000)
                                                                                            ----------
 Net income attributable to common shares...                                                $  178,644
                                                                                            ==========
 Net income per common share(5).............                                                     $0.03
                                                                                            ==========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

         NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

(1) Increase revenues relate to higher occupancy and higher rental rates on one
    of the Proposed Acquisition properties, to be acquired in each of the
    offering scenarios, after the renovation of the property was completed in
    May 1995.

(2) Represents the increase in depreciation and amortization resulting from the
    step-up in basis of the POG properties (Maximum Offerings) and the
    depreciation of the Proposed Acquisitions properties (all offerings) based
    on their acquisitions prices.  Depreciation is computed based upon estimated
    useful lives of 28.5 years for buildings and improvements, 7 years for
    furniture, fixtures and equipment and the term of leases for tenant
    improvements which range from 5 to 10 years.  The increase in depreciation
    relates primarily to buildings.
    
(3) Reflects the reduction of interest expense associated with mortgages and
    notes payable on the POG properties (Maximum Offerings) assumed to be
    retired using the net proceeds from the Offering, while reflecting an
    increase in interest expense on the Minimum Common Offering and the Maximum
    Common Offering from new mortgage debt on the Proposed Acquisition
    properties.     

(4) Includes the estimated increases in general and administrative as well as
    payroll expenses associated with the operation of the Company as a REIT.

(5) Assumes 3,752,822 (Minimum Offerings) and 6,609,964 (Maximum Offerings)
    weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding including the
    dilutive effect of 463,133 Series "D" Warrants, 72,500 Series "E" Warrants,
    1,021,500 shares of 1995 Preferred Stock and the 10% Convertible and Series
    "B" 10% Convertible notes.  Net income (loss) per share also assumes that
    annual preferred dividends will be paid in the Minimum Combined and Maximum
    Combined Offerings.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
                                                               Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  The         Proposed         Pro Forma         Pro Forma
                                                Company     Acquisitions      Adjustments        Combined
                                                -------     ------------      -----------        ---------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>             <C>                <C>
MINIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income..................................   $       -      $1,178,899    $ (1,100,144)(1)   $     78,755
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -         533,644 (1)        533,644
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables................................           -          13,149                             13,149
 Other assets...............................     (38,532)         20,153                            (18,379)
 Payables and other liabilities.............     239,510          14,876                            254 386
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities...     200,978       1,227,077                            861,555
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
 
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -        (301,642)                          (301,642)
Acquisition of Properties...................    (102,620)              -     (11,820,000)(2)    (11,922,620)
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....    (102,620)       (301,642)                       (12,224,262)
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------ 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuances................     258,781         159,238        (190,340)(3)        227,679
Net proceeds from sale of stock.............     358,107               -      12,975,006 (4)     13,333,113
Deferred loan costs.........................     (31,422)                                           (31,422)
Deferred offering costs.....................    (674,000)              -         674,000 (5)              -
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities...     (88,534)        159,238                         13,529,370
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................   $   9,824      $1,084,673                       $  2,166,663
                                               =========      ==========                       ============
 
MINIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income..................................   $       -      $1,178,899    $   (906,394)(1)   $    272,505
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -         533,644 (1)        533,644
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables................................           -          13,149                             13,149
 Other assets...............................     (38,532)         20,153                            (18,379)
 Payables and other liabilities.............     239,510          14,876                            254 386
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities...     200,978       1,227,077                          1,055,305
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
 
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -        (301,642)                          (301,642)
Acquisition of Properties...................    (102,620)              -     (11,820,000)(2)    (11,922,620)
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....    (102,620)       (301,642)                       (12,224,262)
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------ 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuances................     258,781         159,238        (159,238)(3)        258,781
Repayment of mortgage notes acquired........           -               -      (2,500,000)(5)     (2,500,000)
Net proceeds from sale of stock.............     358,107               -      14,845,006 (4)     15,203,113
Dividends on preferred stock................           -               -        (160,512)(6)       (160,512)
Deferred loan costs.........................     (31,422)                                           (31,422)
Deferred offering costs.....................    (674,000)              -         674,000 (4)              -
                                                              ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities...     (88,534)        159,238                         12,769,960
                                               ---------      ----------                       ------------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................   $   9,824      $1,084,673                       $  1,601,003
                                               =========      ==========                       ============
</TABLE>     

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              The         Proposed                       Pro Forma         Pro Forma
                                            Company     Acquisitions        POG         Adjustments        Combined
                                            -------     ------------        ---         -----------        ---------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>                <C>
MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).......................   $       -      $1,178,899    $  (43,417)   $    (11,210)(1)   $  1,124,272
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..........           -               -     1,067,896         496,641 (1)      1,564,537
 Minority interest......................           -               -             -          55,357 (7)         55,357
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables and other assets...........     (38,532)         33,302             -                             (5,230)
 Payables and other liabilities.........     239,510          14,876       123,190                            377,576
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by operating 
 activities                                  200,978       1,227,077     1,147,669                          3,116,512
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
 
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures....................           -        (301,642)       (3,163)                          (304,805)
Acquisition of Properties...............    (102,620)              -             -     (22,938,139)(2)    (23,040,759)
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash used in investing activities...    (102,620)       (301,642)      ( 3,163)                       (23,345,564)
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------ 
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds (repayment) of debt............     258,781         159,238      (391,934)         92,150 (3)        118,235
Repayment of mortgage notes acquired....           -               -             -      (8,000,000)(5)     (8,000,000)
Net proceeds from sale of stock.........     358,107               -             -      31,255,000 (4)     31,613,107
Distributions to former owners..........           -               -      (614,642)        614,642 (8)              -
Deferred loan costs.....................     (31,422)              -             -                            (31,422)
Deferred offering costs.................    (674,000)              -             -         674,000 (4)              -
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by financing 
 activities                                  (88,534)        159,238    (1,006,576)                        23,699,920
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS...................   $   9,824      $1,084,673    $  137,930                       $  3,470,868
                                           =========      ==========    ==========                       ============
 
MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).......................   $       -      $1,178,899    $  (43,417)   $    540,252 (1)   $  1,675,734
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..........           -               -     1,067,896         496,641 (1)      1,564,537
 Minority interest......................           -               -             -          55,357 (7)         55,357
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables and other assets...........     (38,532)         33,302             -                             (5,230)
 Payables and other liabilities.........     239,510          14,876       123,190                            377,576
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by operating 
 activities                                  200,978       1,227,077     1,147,669                          3,667,974
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
 
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures....................           -        (301,642)       (3,163)                          (304,805)
Acquisition of Properties...............    (102,620)              -             -     (22,938,139)(3)    (23,040,759)
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash used in investing activities...    (102,620)       (301,642)       (3,163)                       (23,345,564)
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------ 
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds (repayment) of debt............     258,781         159,238      (391,934)        232,696 (3)        258,781
Repayment of mortgage notes acquired....           -               -             -     (16,461,861)(5)    (16,461,861)
Net proceeds from sale of stock.........     358,107               -             -      45,055,004 (4)     45,413,111
Distributions to former owners..........           -               -      (614,642)        614,642 (8)              -
Dividends on preferred stock............           -               -             -      (1,200,000)(6)     (1,200,000)
Deferred loan costs.....................     (31,422)              -             -                            (31,422)
Deferred offering costs.................    (674,000)              -             -         674,000 (4)              -
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
Net cash provided by financing 
 activities                                  (88,534)        159,238    (1,006,576)                        27,978,609
                                           ---------      ----------    ----------                       ------------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS...................   $   9,824      $1,084,673    $  137,930                       $  8,301,019
                                           =========      ==========    ==========                       ============
</TABLE>     

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                           Three Months Ended March 31, 1996
                                               ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                  The         Proposed         Pro Forma      Pro Forma
                                                Company     Acquisitions      Adjustments      Combined
                                                -------     ------------      -----------     --------- 
<S>                                            <C>          <C>             <C>               <C>
MINIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income..................................   $       -        $383,969      $(295,911)(1)   $  88,058
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -        133,411 (1)     133,411
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables................................           -           4,706                          4,706
 Other assets...............................           -         (39,759)                       (39,759)
 Payables and other liabilities.............      10,700         (38,223)                       (27,523)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities...      10,700         310,693                        158,893
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -         (26,223)                       (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....           -         (26,223)                       (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuances................     235,000          60,500        (68,275)(3)     227,679
Deferred offering costs.....................    (238,808)              -                       (238,808)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities...      (3,808)         60,500                        (11,129)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................   $   6,892        $344,970                      $ 121,541
                                               =========        ========                      =========
 
MINIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income..................................   $       -        $383,969      $(247,474)(1)   $ 136,495
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -        133,411 (1)     133,411
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables................................           -           4,706                          4,706
 Other assets...............................           -         (39,759)                       (39,759)
 Payables and other liabilities.............      10,700         (38,223)                       (27 523)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities...      10,700         310,693                        207,330
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -         (26,223)                       (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....           -         (26,223)                       (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt issuances................     235,000          60,500        (60,500)(3)     235,000
Dividends on preferred stock................           -               -       (160,512)(6)    (160,512)
Deferred offering costs.....................    (238,808)              -                       (238 808)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities...      (3,808)         60,500                       (164,320)
                                               ---------        --------                      ---------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................   $   6,892        $344,970                      $  16,787
                                               =========        ========                      =========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                 Three Months Ended March 31, 1996
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  The         Proposed                      Pro Forma      Pro Forma
                                                Company     Acquisitions       POG         Adjustments      Combined
                                                -------     -------------      ---         -----------      -------- 
<S>                                            <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>               <C>
MAXIMUM COMMON OFFERING
- -----------------------
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)...........................   $       -        $383,969    $ (29,492)     $ (52,441)(1)   $ 302,036
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -      266,952        124,160 (1)     391,112
 Minority interest..........................           -               -            -          2,603 (7)       2,603
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables and other assets...............           -         (35,053)     (20,000)                       (55,053)
 Payables and other liabilities.............      10,700         (38,223)     (35,143)                       (62,666)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities...      10,700         310,693      182,317                        578,032
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -         (26,223)           -                        (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.......           -         (26,223)           -                        (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds (repayment) of debt................     235,000          60,500      (98,168)         2,532 (3)     199,864
Distributions to former owners..............           -               -      (93,479)        93,479 (8)           -
Deferred offering costs.....................    (238,808)              -            -                       (238,808)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities...      (3,808)         60,500     (191,647)                       (38,944)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
PRO FORMA INCREASE IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................   $   6,892        $344,970    $  (9,330)                     $ 512,866
                                               =========        ========    =========                      =========
 
MAXIMUM COMBINED OFFERING
- -------------------------
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)...........................   $       -        $383,969    $ (29,492)     $ 124,167 (1)   $ 478,644
Adjustments - operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization..............           -               -      266,952        124,160 (1)     391,112
 Minority interest..........................           -               -            -          2,603 (7)       2,603
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 Receivables and other assets...............           -         (35,053)     (20,000)                       (55,053)
 Payables and other liabilities.............      10,700         (38,223)     (35,143)                       (62,666)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities...      10,700         310,693      182,317                        754,640
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................           -         (26,223)           -                        (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.......           -         (26,223)           -                        (26,223)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds (repayment) of debt................     235,000          60,500      (98,168)        37,668 (3)     235,000
Distributions to former owners..............           -               -      (93,479)        93,479 (8)           -
Dividends on preferred stock................           -               -            -       (300,000)(6)    (300,000)
Deferred offering costs.....................    (238,808)              -            -                       (238,808)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities...      (3,808)         60,500     (191,647)                      (303,808)
                                               ---------        --------    ---------                      ---------
PRO FORMA INCREASE (DECREASE)
  IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..............   $   6,892        $344,970    $  (9,330)                     $ 424,609
                                               =========        ========    =========                      =========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

         NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

(1) To record adjustments reflected in the pro forma statement of operations on
    pages as follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
                                                   Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                         Minimum       Minimum       Maximum       Maximum
                                          Common       Combined      Common       Combined
                                          ------       --------      -------       --------  
<S>                                    <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
Rental revenues.....................   $    83,500    $  83,500    $   83,500    $   83,500
Depreciation expense................      (533,644)    (533,644)     (496,641)     (496,641)
Interest expense....................      (193,750)           -     1,057,288     1,608,750
Minority share of income............             -            -       (55,357)      (55,357)
REIT expenses.......................      (456,250)    (456,250)     (600,000)     (600,000)
                                       -----------    ---------    ----------    ----------
                                       $(1,100,144)   $(906,394)   $  (11,210)   $  540,252
                                       ===========    =========    ==========    ==========
<CAPTION> 
                                               Three Months Ended March 31, 1996
                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                          Minimum       Minimum        Maximum      Maximum
                                          Common        Combined       Common       Combined
                                          -------       --------       -------      --------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>          <C>           <C> 
Depreciation expense................     $(133,411)   $(133,411)   $ (124,160)   $ (124,160)
Interest expense....................       (48,457)           -       224,322       400,930
Minority share of income............             -            -        (2,603)       (2,603)
REIT expenses.......................      (114,043)    (114,043)     (150,000)     (150,000)
                                         ---------    ---------    ----------    ----------
                                         $(295,911)   $(247,454)   $  (52,441)   $  124,167
                                         =========    =========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>     

(2) To record acquisition of the Properties including related acquisition
    expenses of $120,000 (Minimum Offerings) and $190,000 (Maximum Offerings).

(3) To record adjustments to historical debt to reflect debt maturities of pro
    forma debt after the acquisition of the Properties has been consummated as
    follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                           ----------------------------------------------
                                            Minimum    Minimum     Maximum      Maximum
                                             Common    Combined     Common      Combined
                                            -------    --------    -------      -------- 
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>  
Historical debt proceeds (repayments):
 Proposed Acquisitions...................   $159,238   $159,238   $ 159,238    $ 159,238
 Prior Ownership Group...................          -          -    (391,934)    (391,934)
                                            --------   --------   ---------    --------- 
                                             159,238    159,238    (232,696)    (232,696)
Pro forma debt maturities................     31,102          -     140,546            -
                                            --------   --------   ---------    ---------
Pro forma adjustment.....................   $190,340   $159,238   $ (92,150)   $(232,696)
                                            ========   ========   =========    =========
<CAPTION> 
                                                 Three months Ended March 31, 1996
                                            --------------------------------------------
                                             Minimum   Minimum      Maximum    Maximum
                                             Common    Combined     Common     Combined
                                             -------   --------     -------    --------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>  
Historical debt proceeds (repayments):
 Proposed Acquisitions...................   $ 60,500   $ 60,500   $  60,500    $  60,500
 Prior Ownership Group...................          -          -     (98,168)     (98,168)
                                            --------   --------   ---------    ---------
                                              60,500     60,500     (37,668)     (37,668)
Pro forma debt maturities................      7,775          -      35,136            -
                                            --------   --------   ---------    ---------
Pro forma adjustment.....................   $ 68,275   $ 60,500   $  (2,532)   $ (37,668)
                                            ========   ========   =========    =========
</TABLE>     
(4)  To record the net proceeds of the Offerings.
(5)  To record reduction of mortgage notes with proceeds of the Offerings.
(6)  To record dividends on preferred stock.
(7)  To record the minority share of income.
(8)  To eliminate historical distributions to the former owners of the POG
     properties.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



American Equity Trust Inc.
Los Angeles, California
    
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of American Equity Trust Inc. as
of March 31, 1996.  The financial statement is the responsibility of the
Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statement based on our audit.     

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
    
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statement referred to above
presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American
Equity Trust Inc. of as of March 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.     



                                    BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Los Angeles, California
May 8, 1996

                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                                 BALANCE SHEET
                                   
                                 MARCH 31, 1996      

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
 
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                         <C>
 Cash....................................................................   $   26,716
 Deferred offering costs.................................................      912,808
 Deferred loan costs.....................................................       31,422
 Property acquisition costs..............................................      102,620
 Other assets............................................................       38,532
                                                                            ----------
 
  Total assets...........................................................   $1,112,098
                                                                            ==========
 
LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses...................................   $  250,000
 Notes payable...........................................................      493,781
                                                                            ----------
  Total liabilities......................................................      743,781
                                                                            ----------
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 2):
 Common Stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized -
  35,000,000; shares issued and outstanding - 274,714....................        2,747
 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock, shares authorized - 1,100,000;
  issued and outstanding 1,021,500; (liquidation value $.01 per share)...       10,210
 8% Convertible Preferred Stock, shares authorized - 1,500,000
  issued and outstanding - none; (liquidation value $13.20 per share)....            -
 Additional paid-in capital..............................................      420,155
 Deficit.................................................................      (64,795)
                                                                            ----------
  Total stockholders' equity.............................................      368,317
                                                                            ----------
 
  Total liabilities and
    stockholders' equity.................................................   $1,112,098
                                                                            ==========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                             NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET


NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF FINANCIAL PRESENTATION

   American Equity Trust Inc. (the Company) was originally organized and
incorporated as Insight Environmental Corporation (Insight), an inactive
publicly-held shell.  On November 22, 1994, Insight  merged into its wholly-
owned subsidiary American Equity Trust Inc., a Maryland corporation, and changed
its name to that of the Company.  The purpose of the Company was to be a vehicle
to form a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to raise funds from the public
market for the purpose of acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of
income producing real estate assets for the purpose of dividend distribution and
capital appreciation.  The Company proposes to sell a maximum of 1,750,000 Units
consisting of two shares of common stock and one detachable Series "A" Warrant
at $14.00 per Unit plus 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $7.00 per
share which would result in $35,000,000 of gross proceeds and net proceeds of
approximately $31,300,000.  In addition the Company is offering 1,136,364 shares
of its 8% Convertible Preferred Stock at $13.20 and expects to raise additional
funds amounting to $13,800,000 (net of offering expenses of $1,200,000).

   Commencing with the year beginning January 1, 1996, the Company intends to
make an election to be taxed as a REIT under section 856(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).  If the Company qualifies as a
REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income taxes to the
extent REIT taxable income (exclusive of capital gains, if any, distribution of
which is optional) is distributed to its stockholders.  A REIT is subject to a
number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement
that it currently distribute at least 95% of its ordinary taxable income to its
stockholders.  If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year,
the Company will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable
alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate rates.  If
the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company may be subject to
certain state and local taxes on its income and property and federal income and
excise taxes on its undistributed income.  The Company intends to obtain an
opinion from its counsel concerning its REIT status.

   Formation of Operating Partnership
   ----------------------------------
   On October 24, 1995, the Company formed American Equity Trust Operating
Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Operating Partnership), in
which the Company is the sole general partner and will own an initial 99%
interest in the Operating Partnership.  The Operating Partnership was
capitalized with $10,000.

   Merger with Funding
   -------------------
   In October 1995, the Company merged with American Equity Funding (Funding), a
related entity formed for the purpose of exploring opportunities for the
formation of a publicly-held REIT and to raise capital to organize the REIT and
fund a portion of the cost of offering the REIT's shares to the public.  Funding
raised $400,000 which was used for the purposes described above.

   The merger was accomplished by an exchange of 114,286 common shares of the
Company plus warrants to purchase additional 57,133 common shares of the Company
at $3.50 per share.  At the same time the founders of Funding exchanged their
common shares in Funding for 1,021,500 shares of the Company's 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock and Series D Warrants to purchase 406,000 shares at $3.50 per
share.  The merger was accounted for as a combination of entities under common
control in a manner similar to a pooling of interest.
    
   Accounting Estimates     
   --------------------
    
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.     
    
   Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments     
   ----------------------------------------------------
    
   The fair value of the notes payable is estimated based upon current market
borrowing rates for loans with similar terms and maturities.     

                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                             NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET
                                  (CONTINUED)


NOTE 2. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   Deficit
   -------
   The Company and its predecessor had no operations for at least the past five
years.

   Preferred Stock
   ---------------
   The Company is authorized to issue up to 21,515,000 preferred shares from
time to time in one or more series as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Prior to issuance of shares of each series, the Board of Directors shall
designate that series from all other series and classes of stock of the Company,
shall specify the number of shares to be included in the series and shall set
the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or
conditions of redemption.

   8% Convertible Preferred Stock
   ------------------------------
   The Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares
of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock (8% Preferred).  The 8% Preferred shall be
entitled to a $13.20 liquidation preference, subject to adjustment in the event
of adjustments in the conversion price.  The 8% Preferred shall be entitled to
receive cumulative dividends equal to the greater of 8% of the liquidation
preference or the amount of dividends paid on Common Stock, up to an annual
maximum of $1.30 per share.  Each preferred share is entitled to one vote.  The
8% Preferred are convertible into Common Stock for a period of 60 months from
the date of issue.

   1995 Convertible Preferred Stock
   --------------------------------
   The Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to 1,100,000 shares
of 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock (95 Preferred).  Each share of 95 Preferred
shall receive liquidating dividends at the rate of $0.01 per share ($110,000 in
the aggregate).  Each share of 95 Preferred shall be automatically converted
into one share of Common Stock based on asset levels as defined in the articles
of incorporation.

   Stock Incentive Plan
   --------------------
   The Company has approved a stock incentive plan (Plan), for the issuance of
up to 500,000 shares, to enable officers, key employees and directors of the
Company to participate in the ownership of the Company.  The Plan provides for
the issuance of non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options.  Non-
qualified stock options will provide the right to purchase common stock at a
specified price which may be less than fair market value.  Incentive stock
options will be issued at fair market value and carry a ten year restriction.

   Series "A" Warrants
   -------------------
   Series "A" Warrants will be issued as part of the Units.  The A Warrants will
have a three year life and are exercisable into common shares of the Company at
$7.00 per share.

   Series "D" Warrants
   -------------------
   The Company has authorized and issued 463,133 Series "D" Warrants which
permit the holders to purchase one common share of the Company at $3.50 per
share.  The "D" Warrants are exercisable for a 35-month period commencing at the
end of the 13th month after the final closing of the Offering described in Note
1 above, after which they expire.  Holders of 336,000 of such warrants have
agreed with the Company that they will not exercise their rights to purchase
common stock pursuant to the warrants until six months after the end of the
Company's first fiscal year wherein its audited consolidated financial
statements reflect an adjusted equity value of $25,000,000 or more plus funds
from operations of $2,500,000 or more.  The common stock issuable upon exercise
of the D Warrants will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 at the
time the stock is issued.

                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.

                             NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET
                                  (CONTINUED)


NOTE 2. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

   Series "E" Warrants
   -------------------
   The Company issued 72,500 Series "E" Warrants during October 1995 which were
issued as part of the private placement of $202,500 of 10% Convertible Notes of
the Company.  The "E" Warrants have a two-year life commencing with the Offering
described in Note 1 above and will be exercisable into common shares of the
Company at $4.50 per share.  See Note 4.

NOTE 3.  PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS

   The Company will contribute the net proceeds of the Offering to, and become
the sole general partner in, the Operating Partnership.  It is anticipated that
the Operating Partnership will use the net proceeds to acquire the following
real estate properties:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              New Debt
                                                                Interest         or
                                                   Purchase     Retained        Debt        Payable
      Property                                      Price      by Sellers      Assumed      in Cash
      --------                                    -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Arrow Village Apartments                          $ 3,250,000   $        -   $2,500,000   $   750,000
Northwest Gardens Apartments                        6,950,000            -            -     6,950,000
Orangewood Place Apartments                         1,800,000            -            -     1,800,000
Sandpainter Apartments                              2,200,000            -            -     2,200,000
Hewlett-Packard Building                           16,000,000    1,600,000                 14,400,000
Westwood Self-Storage and Sportmart Building       12,900,000    2,290,000    5,961,861     4,648,139
                                                  -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
                                                  $43,100,000   $3,890,000   $8,461,861   $30,748,139
                                                  ===========   ==========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>

NOTE 4.  NOTES PAYABLE

   10% Convertible Notes
   ---------------------
   In October 1995 the Company issued 10% Convertible Notes (Notes) in the
amount of $202,500 due October 1996.  The Notes are convertible into 45,000
shares of the Company's common stock at $4.50 per share.  The Notes are callable
by the Company, at any time, at 115% of the face amount of the Notes.

   Series B 10% Convertible Notes
   ------------------------------
   In November and December 1995, the Company issued Series B 10% Convertible
Notes ("B" Notes) in the amount of $56,281 due October 1, 1996.  The B Notes are
convertible into 12,507 shares of the Company's common stock at $4.50 per share.
The B Notes are callable by the Company, at any time, at 115% of the face amount
of the "B" Notes.

   10% Notes
   ---------
   During February and March 1996 the Company issued 10% Notes (New Notes) in
the amount of $245,555 due the earlier of 90 days after the Offering or April
15, 1997.  The New Notes were issued at a 10% discount and the Company received
net proceeds of $221,000.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
American Equity Trust Inc.
Los Angeles, California

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Prior Ownership
Group (as defined in Note 1) as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related
combined statements of operations, changes in owners' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995.  These combined
financial statements are the responsibility of the Prior Ownership Group's
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for
our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the
Prior Ownership Group as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the combined results
of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



                                    BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Los Angeles, California
March 25, 1996

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                     December 31,            March 31,
                                              --------------------------    ----------
                                                  1995           1994           1996
                                                  ----           ----           ----    
                                                                            (Unaudited)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
ASSETS:
  Real Estate..............................   $28,278,219    $28,275,056    $28,278,219
  Accumulated depreciation.................    (4,822,205)    (3,817,441)    (5,073,374)
                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
  Net investment in Real Estate............    23,456,014     24,457,615     23,204,845
 
  Cash and cash equivalents................       230,683         92,753        221,353
  Other assets.............................       298,249        361,382        302,466
                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
 
    Total assets...........................   $23,984,946    $24,911,750    $23,728,664
                                              ===========    ===========    ===========
 
LIABILITIES:...............................
  Mortgage notes payable (Note 3)..........   $17,796,767    $18,188,701    $17,698,599
  Notes payable to affiliates (Note 5).....     1,717,189      1,717,189      1,717,189
  Accounts payable and other liabilities...       427,658        304,469        392,515
                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
    Total liabilities......................    19,941,614     20,210,359     19,808,303
 
OWNERS' EQUITY:
  Owners' Equity...........................     4,043,332      4,701,391      3,920,361
                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
    Total liabilities and
      owners' equity.......................   $23,984,946    $24,911,750    $23,728,664
                                              ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Three Months Ended
                                                      Year Ended December 31,                   March 31,
                                                -----------------------------------        -------------------
                                                   1995          1994          1993          1996         1995
                                                   ----          ----          -----         ----         ----    
                                                                                               (Unaudited)
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C> 
REVENUES........................                $3,685,622    $3,632,928    $3,546,735     $903,037     $907,799
                                                ----------    ----------    ----------     --------     --------
 
EXPENSES:
Operating expenses..............                 1,000,393     1,137,291     1,081,242      251,647      259,160
Management fees.................                    52,000        48,894        80,144       13,000       13,000
Depreciation and amortization...                 1,067,896     1,067,804       947,134      266,952      266,951
Interest expense................                 1,608,750     1,555,242     1,512,543      400,930      382,886
                                                ----------    ----------    ----------     --------     --------
 Total expenses.................                 3,729,039     3,809,231     3,621,063      932,529      921,997
                                                ----------    ----------    ----------     --------     --------
 
Net income (loss)...............                $  (43,417)   $ (176,303)   $  (74,328)    $(29,492)    $(14,198)
                                                ==========    ==========    ==========     ========     ========
</TABLE>     

                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                     COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OWNERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>     

          <S>                                     <C>   
          Balance January 1, 1993..............   $5,716,878
 
          Capital distributions................     (153,613)
          Net loss for the period..............      (74,328)
                                                  ----------
 
          Balance December 31, 1993............    5,488,937
 
          Capital distributions................     (611,243)
          Net loss for the period..............     (176,303)
                                                  ----------
 
          Balance December 31, 1994............    4,701,391
 
          Capital distributions................     (614,642)
          Net loss for the period..............      (43,417)
                                                  ----------
 
          Balance December 31, 1995............    4,043,332
 
          Capital distributions................      (93,479)
          Net loss for the period..............      (29,492)
                                                  ----------
 
          Balance March 31, 1996 (unaudited)...   $3,920,361
                                                  ==========
</TABLE>      


                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,                     March 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------------    ----------------------
                                                              1995          1994           1993         1996         1995
                                                              ----          ----           ----         ----         ----
                                                                                                           (Unaudited)
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss.............................................   $   (43,417)   $ (176,303)   $   (74,328)   $ (29,492)   $ (14,198)
  Adjustments net loss to cash
    provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization....................     1,067,896     1,067,803        947,134      266,952      266,951
    Increase (decrease) from changes in:
      Other assets.....................................             -        54,287       (330,747)     (20,000)           -
      Accounts payable and
        other liabilities..............................       123,190       (45,523)       163,214      (35,143)      87,835
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------
  Net cash provided by
    operating activities...............................     1,147,669       900,264        705,273      182,317      340,588
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS USED IN
  INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital improvements.................................        (3,163)            -     (1,559,647)           -            -
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM
  FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Debt proceeds (repayments)...........................      (391,934)     (336,378)     1,100,453      (98,168)     (99,621)
  Distributions........................................      (614,642)     (611,243)      (153,613)     (93,479)    (170,113)
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------
  Net cash provided by (used in)
    financing activities...............................    (1,006,576)     (947,621)       946,840     (191,647)    (269,734)
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------

Net increase (decrease) in
  cash and cash equivalents............................       137,930       (47,357)        92,466       (9,330)      70,854

Cash and cash equivalents
  at beginning of period...............................        92,753       140,110         47,644      230,683       92,753
                                                          -----------    ----------    -----------    ---------    ---------

Cash and cash equivalents
  at end of period.....................................   $   230,683    $   92,753    $   140,110    $ 221,353    $ 163,607
                                                          ===========    ==========    ===========    =========    =========


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for interest...............   $ 1,464,029    $1,550,131    $ 1,444,047     $495,987    $ 346,499

</TABLE>     

                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     
                 (Information with respect to the three months
                       ended March 31, 1996 is unaudited)     


NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

   The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of two
(2) real estate properties which American Equity Trust Inc. intends to acquire
equity interests of between 67% to 80% in limited partnerships to be formed
which will own the properties.  The real estate properties included in these
financial statements are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Ownership    Partnership
                                                      Expected       Interest       Type
               Property/Location                   Purchase Price   Purchased     Acquired
- ------------------------------------------------   --------------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>          <C>
Hewlett-Packard Building, Van Nuys, CA               $16,000,000        80%        General
Westwood Self-Storage and Sportmart Building,
  Los Angeles, CA                                     12,900,000        67%        General
</TABLE>

   American Equity Trust Inc.
   American Equity Trust Inc. a Maryland corporation, was formed to be a vehicle
to form a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to raise funds from the public
market for the purpose of acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of
income producing real estate assets.  American Equity Trust Inc. expects to sell
a maximum of 5,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $7.00 per share
which would result in $35,000,000 of gross proceeds and net proceeds of
approximately $31,125,000.  In addition the Company is offering 1,136,364 shares
of its 8% Convertible Preferred Stock at $13.20 and expects to raise additional
funds amounting to $13,800,000 (net of offering expenses of $1,200,000).  A
portion of the net proceeds are intended to be used to acquire the properties
described above and the remaining portion is intended to be used to acquire
other real estate properties.

   Basis of Presentation
   The accompanying combined financial statements of the Prior Ownership Group
have been presented on a historical cost basis since the Prior Ownership Group
is to be the subject of a business combination upon the contribution of real
estate properties in exchange for interest in a limited partnerships to be
formed by the Operating Partnership.  The combined financial statements include
only the accounts and activity of the real estate properties and do not include
other accounts or operations of the sellers that are not related to the
properties.

NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   Cash Equivalents
   The Prior Ownership Group considers all highly liquid investments with an
original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

   Real Estate Properties
   Real estate properties are carried at the sellers' cost.  Depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of
28.5 years for buildings and improvements, 7 years for furniture, fixtures and
equipment and the term of leases for tenant improvements which range from 5 to
10 years.

   Income Taxes
   The combined financial statements include the activity of the two real estate
properties which were held in limited partnerships and not subject to income
taxes.
    
   Unaudited Interim Financial Statements     
    
          The interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31,
1996 are unaudited; however in the opinion of the Prior Ownership Group's
management, the interim financial statements include all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the
results for the interim period.  The results of operations for such interim
period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for the full
year.     

                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
                     
                 (Information with respect to the three months
                       ended March 31, 1996 is unaudited)     

    
NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)     
    
   Use of Estimates     
    
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles required management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual
results could differ from those estimates.     
    
   Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments     
    
   The fair value of the mortgage notes payable is estimated based upon current
market borrowing rates for loans with similar terms and maturities.     

NOTE 3.  MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE

   Mortgage notes payable consist of the following:

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    December 31,
                                                                            Interest         ------------------------      March 31,
                                                                              Rate             1995            1994          1996
                                                                            --------           ----            ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>           <C>           <C>
HEWLETT-PACKARD BUILDING
- ------------------------
First Mortgage note payable in equal
 monthly installments of $105,229
 including interest; collateralized
 by a first trust deed on the property
 with all remaining outstanding principal
 and interest due December 1998                                                9.0%          $10,429,576   $10,726,839   $10,354,076


WESTWOOD BUILDING
- -----------------
First Mortgage note payable in monthly
 installments necessary to fully
 amortize the then outstanding principal
 balance at the current interest rate
 by February 28, 2022; collateralized by
 a first trust deed on the property                                        Bank's Index
 with all remaining outstanding principal                                 Rate plus 2 1/2%
 and interest due February 2007                                              (7.73% at
                                                                          March 31, 1996)      7,367,191     7,461,862     7,344,523
                                                                                             -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                             $17,796,767   $18,188,701   $17,698,599
                                                                                             ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>     
     
  Aggregate annual principal payments for the above mortgage notes
   payable at March 31, 1996 are as follows:     
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
December 31,                                                                   Amount
- ------------                                                                -----------
<S>                                                                        <C> 
1996 (nine months)...................................................       $   339,398
1997.................................................................           476,276
1998.................................................................         9,809,493
1999.................................................................           114,212
2000.................................................................           123,364
Thereafter...........................................................         6,835,856
                                                                            -----------
                                                                            $17,698,599
                                                                            ===========
</TABLE>      

                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)



NOTE 4   MINIMUM LEASE RENTAL INCOME

   The POG rental properties are entitled to receive future minimum rental
income under non cancelable leases with remaining terms in excess of one year as
follows:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
 
December 31,                     Amount
- ------------                   ----------
<S>                            <C> 
1996 (nine months)..........   $1,764,000
1997........................    1,747,000
1998........................    1,262,000
1999........................      813,000
2000........................      813,000
Thereafter..................    1,693,000
                               ----------
                               $8,092,000
                               ==========
</TABLE>      

NOTE 5.  NOTES PAYABLE TO AFFILIATE

     The notes payable to affiliate are unsecured demand notes with interest
payable at the rate of 10% to 12% per annum.

                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
American Equity Trust Inc.
Los Angeles, California

We have audited the accompanying combined statement of revenues and certain
expenses of the Proposed Acquisitions (as defined in Note 1) for the year ended
December 31, 1995.  The combined financial statement is the responsibility of
the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statement.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

The accompanying combined statement of revenues and certain expenses was
prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission for inclusion in the registration statement
on Form S-11 of American Equity Trust Inc.  Material amounts (described in Notes
to the combined statement of revenues and certain expenses) that would not be
comparable to those resulting from the proposed future operations of the
properties are excluded, and the statements are not intended to be a complete
presentation of the revenues and expenses of the properties.

In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statement referred to above
presents fairly, in all material respects, the combined statement of revenues
and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.



                                    BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Los Angeles, California
March 25, 1996

                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                             PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS
                  
              COMBINED STATEMENTS OF REVENUES AND CERTAIN EXPENSES     
                    
                 (Information with respect to the three months
                       ended March 31, 1996 is unaudited)     
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 

                                             Year Ended         Three Months Ended
                                            December 31,             March 31,
                                                1995                   1996
                                                ----                   ----
                                                                    (Unaudited)
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>  
REVENUES.................................     $2,394,578             $655,119
                                              ----------             --------
CERTAIN EXPENSES:
Operating expenses.......................      1,113,362              243,316
Management fees..........................        102,317               27,834
                                              ----------             --------
  Total expenses.........................      1,215,679              271,150
                                              ----------             --------
Revenues in excess of certain expenses...     $1,178,899             $383,969
                                              ==========             ========
</TABLE>      

                                      F-30
<PAGE>
 
                             PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS
                         
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     


NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

   The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of real
estate properties which American Equity Trust Inc. intends to acquire with the
net proceeds of the Offering.

   The real estate properties included in these financial statements are as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                         Expected
          Property/Location                           Purchase Price
       ---------------------------------------        --------------
       <S>                                            <C> 
       Arrow Village Apartments, Azusa, CA               $3,250,000
       Northwest Garden Apartments, Peoria, AZ            6,950,000
       Orangewood Place Apartments, Phoenix, AZ           1,800,000
       Sandpainter Apartments, Phoenix, AZ                2,200,000

</TABLE> 

   The accompanying combined financial statement includes the accounts of the
Proposed Acquisitions and have been presented on a combined historical cost
basis in the hands of the present owners.  No adjustments have been reflected in
this combined financial statement to give effect to the purchase by American
Equity Trust Inc. of the properties listed above.

   The combined financial statement includes only the accounts and activity of
the four real estate properties and does not include other accounts or
operations of the sellers that are not related to the properties.  The
accompanying statement is not representative of the actual operations for the
year presented as certain expenses that may not be comparable to the expenses
expected to be incurred by American Equity Trust Inc. in the proposed future
operations of the Proposed Acquisitions have been excluded.  Expenses excluded
consist of interest and depreciation and amortization.

    
   Unaudited Interim Financial Statements     
    
   The interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 1996
are unaudited; however in the opinion of management, the interim financial
statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim
period.  The results of operations for such interim period are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be obtained for the full year.     

                                      F-31
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A


                          INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION
                                 OF ORDER FORM


INSTRUCTIONS TO INVESTORS

     YOU MUST COMPLETE ITEMS 1-7.  INVESTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THE
     PROSPECTUS IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF AN INVESTMENT IN
     THE COMPANY.

     Item 1.  Check the appropriate box to indicate form of ownership.  If the
investor is a Custodian, Corporation, Partnership or Trust, please provide the
additional requested information and/or documents.

     Item 2.  Indicate the number of Units, Shares or shares of 8% Preferred you
are purchasing, and the dollar amount of your investment.  Check the appropriate
box to indicate whether this is an initial or additional investment.

     Item 3.  Please print name(s) in which Units (including Series "A"
Warrants), Shares or shares of 8% Preferred are to be registered and provide
address and telephone numbers.  Check appropriate box if you are a non-resident
alien, a U.S. citizen residing outside U.S. or subject to back up withholding
(if the latter applies to you, cross out clause (ii) in the paragraph appearing
immediately above Item 1).  IRAs and KEOGHs should provide the taxpayer
identification number of the account AND the social security number of the
                                     ---                                  
account holder.  Trusts should provide their taxpayer identification number.
Custodians should provide the minor's social security number.  All individuals
investors should provide their social security number.  Other entities should
provide their taxpayer identification number.  If you have an account with the
broker/dealer named on the reverse side of the form, provide your account
number.

     Item 4.  Provide alternate mailing address if so desired for dividend
checks.

     Item 5.  Provide mailing address of beneficiary of a Trust, IRA or Keogh if
so desired so that duplicate copies of shareholder reports can be sent to such
beneficiary.

     Item 6.  Print the two letter abbreviation of your state of residence (if
an IRA or Keogh, state of residence of beneficiary).

     Item 7.  Sign the form in Item 7.  The date of signing must be inserted on
the line provided.

     AFTER FOLLOWING THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS, RETURN THE ORDER FORM TO THE BROKER
WHO SOLICITED YOUR ORDER TOGETHER WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO "TRUST COMPANY OF
AMERICA, AS ESCROW AGENT" (OR, INSTEAD OF A CHECK, A REQUEST TO THE BROKER TO
DEBIT YOUR ACCOUNT IN THE AMOUNT OF YOUR ORDER).

     TRUSTS should furnish a copy of the trust instrument and all amendments
thereto.  CORPORATIONS should furnish an appropriate corporation resolution
authorizing the purchase of the Shares.  PARTNERSHIPS should furnish a copy of
the partnership agreement.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BROKERS

     Please be sure verify all investor information provided on the Order Form.
YOU MUST COMPLETE ITEM 8 AND SIGN THE ORDER FORM IN ORDER FOR THE ORDER TO BE
ACCEPTED.  Please verify that investors have signed Item 7.

     Please send check(s) payable to or wire transfer funds to "Trust Company of
America, as Escrow Agent" and completed Order Form(s) to Trust Company of
America, 7103 South Revere Parkway, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Attention:  Phil
McCarthy.  For wiring instructions, contact Trust Company of America at 303-705-
6000 prior to wiring funds.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
                                   ORDER FORM

     The investor named below, under penalties of perjury, certifies that (i)
the number shown under Item 3 on this Order form is his or her correct Taxpayer
Identification Number or Social Security Number (or he or she is waiting for a
number to be issued to him or her) and (ii) he is not subject to backup
withholding either because he or she has not been notified by the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a
result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the IRS has notified
him that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding (NOTE:  CLAUSE
(ii) IN THIS CERTIFICATION SHOULD BE CROSSED OUT IF THE APPROPRIATE BOX IN ITEM
3 BELOW HAS BEEN CHECKED.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>   <C>                                                            <C>   <C>
1.    FORM OF OWNERSHIP Mark only one box.                           [_]   IRA
[_]   SINGLE PERSON                                                  [_]   KEOGH
[_]   HUSBAND AND WIFE AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY                         [_]   PENSION OR PROFIT SHARING PLAN
      (both signatures must appear in Item 7)                           
[_]   JOINT TENANTS WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP                       [_]   TRUST (Trust Agreement MUST be enclosed.)
      (both signatures must appear in Item 7)                              ALL SECTIONS MUST BE FILLED IN
[_]   TENANTS IN COMMON                                                    Trustee name(s)_________________________________________
[_]   A MARRIED PERSON SEPARATE PROPERTY                                   Trust Date _____________________________________________
      (only one signature must appear in Item 7)                                            Month           Day             Year
[_]   CUSTODIAN                                                      [_]   For the benefit of______________________________________
      Custodian for____________________________________              [_]   OTHER __________________________________________________
      Under Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act                       
      of the State of _________________________________                 
[_]   CORPORATION OR PARTNERSHIP                                        
      (Corporate Resolution or Partnership Agreement                    
      MUST be enclosed)                                                 
                                                                        
2.    PURCHASE INFORMATION                                                 Dollar Amount of Investment
      No. of Units _____ (Minimum 50)                                      ($14.00 per Unit)             $ ________________________
      No. of Shares _____ (Minimum 100)                                    ($7.00 per Share)             $ ________________________
      No. of shares of 8% Preferred _____ [INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS         ($13.20 per share)            $ ________________________
      ONLY]                               ------------------------
      -----                                                          [_]   Broker authorized to transfer funds directly from
                                                                           undersigned's brokerage account

This is an (check one):         [_]    Initial Investment         [_]     Additional Investment in this offering
</TABLE>

3.   INVESTOR INFORMATION Name(s) and address will be recorded exactly as
     printed below.

Name            ________________________________________________________________


Name of
Joint Investor  ________________________________________________________________

                ________________________________________________________________
 
Address         ________________________________________________________________
 
City            ______________________________ State ________ Zip Code _________

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                         <C> 
 Business Phone Number              --       --             [_]  Check box if you are a non-resident alien
                         --------------------------------   [_]  Check box if you are a U.A. citizen residing outside the U.S.
 Investor Home Phone Number         --       --             [_]  Check box if you are subject to backup withholding
                            -----------------------------

              --         --                                --         --                               --         --
  ---------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
  Investor's Social Security No.                          Joint Investor's                             Taxpayer ID. No.
                                                         Social Security No.
</TABLE>

Investor's Account Number with Broker/Dealer  __________________________________
(if any)

                        (REVERSE SIDE MUST BE SIGNED BY
                            BROKER AND BY INVESTOR)

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
4.   DIVIDEND ADDRESS If you would like your dividend check mailed to an address
     other than the address shown in Item 3, please complete.

Name            ________________________________________________________________


Name of
Joint Investor  ________________________________________________________________

                ________________________________________________________________
 
Address         ________________________________________________________________
 
City            ______________________________ State ________ Zip Code _________


Account number (if any) ___________________  Account Name ______________________


5.   SHAREHOLDER REPORT ADDRESS If you are investing through a Trust, IRA or
     KEOGH and want duplicate copies of shareholder reports sent to you, please
     complete:

Name            ________________________________________________________________


Name of
Joint Investor  ________________________________________________________________

                ________________________________________________________________
 
Address         ________________________________________________________________
 
City            ______________________________ State ________ Zip Code _________


Account number (if any) ___________________  Account Name ______________________

6.  STATE OF RESIDENCE ____________________

7.  SIGNATURE OF INVESTOR(S) 

    __________________________________________________     _____________________
    SIGNATURE OF INVESTOR                                  DATE

    __________________________________________________     _____________________
    SIGNATURE OF JOINT INVESTOR                            DATE

================================================================================
     8.  BROKER/DEALER INFORMATION    THE BROKER MUST SIGN BELOW TO COMPLETE
                                      ORDER. BROKER HEREBY WARRANTS THAT IT IS A
                                      DULY LICENSED BROKER AND MAY LAWFULLY SELL
                                      SHARES IN THE STATE DESIGNATED AS THE
                                      INVESTOR'S RESIDENCE

Licensed Firm Name       _______________________________________________________

Broker Name              _______________________________________________________

Broker Mailing Address   _______________________________________________________

City                     ________________________  State ________ Zip Code _____

Broker Number  _____________________________   Telephone Number      --   --
                                                                ________________

The undersigned confirms by his or her signature that he or she (i) has
reasonable grounds to believe that the information and representations
concerning the investor identified herein are true, correct and complete in all
respects; (ii) has discussed such investor's prospective purchase of Shares with
such investor; (iii) has advised such investor of all pertinent facts with
regard to the liquidity and marketability of the Shares; (iv) has delivered a
current Prospectus and related supplements, if any, to such investor; and (v)has
reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of Shares is a suitable
investment for such investor, that such investor meets the suitability standards
applicable to such investor set forth in the Prospectus and related supplements,
if any, and that such investor is in a financial position to enable such
investor to realize the benefits of such an investment and to suffer any loss
that may occur with respect thereto.

 
                  _____________________________         ____________
                         Broker Signature                    Date

        ALL INVESTOR AND BROKER/DEALER INFORMATION MUST BE COMPLETED OR
                       REGISTRATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED.

================================================================================
FOR COMPANY USE ONLY:

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                       TABLE OF CONTENTS               
                                
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Page
                                                                  ----
<S>                                                               <C>
Prospectus Summary..............................................     1
Risk Factors....................................................    13
The Company.....................................................  2122
Terms of the Offering...........................................    23
Estimated Use of Proceeds.......................................    25
Distribution Policy.............................................    27
Capitalization..................................................    28
Dilution........................................................    28
Selected Financial Information..................................    30
Management Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.................................................    33
Conflicts of Interest...........................................    37
Management......................................................    37
Principal Shareholders..........................................    44
Investment Objectives and Policies..............................    45
Operating Partnership Agreement.................................    50
Description of Properties.......................................    53
Description of Securities.......................................    60
Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and
  of the Company's Charter and By-Laws..........................    66
Shares Available for Future Sale................................    69
Federal Income Tax Considerations...............................    70
ERISA Considerations............................................    84
The Offering....................................................    86
Reports to Shareholders.........................................    89
Legal Opinions..................................................    89
Experts.........................................................    89
Sales Literature................................................    90
Further Information.............................................    90
Glossary........................................................    91
Financial Statements............................................   F-1
Specimen Order Form --  Exhibit A...............................   A-1
</TABLE>      

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS UNLESS
PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY THIS PROSPECTUS NOR HAS ANY PERSON BEEN AUTHORIZED TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. HOWEVER, IF
ANY MATERIAL CHANGE OCCURS WHILE THIS PROSPECTUS IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE
DELIVERED, THIS PROSPECTUS WILL BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED ACCORDINGLY.

                               AMERICAN EQUITY 
                                  TRUST INC.


                            Minimum of $15,000,000
                      in Units or Shares of Common Stock
                           and minimum of $2,006,400
                  in shares of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock



                      BROOKSTREET SECURITIES CORPORATION




                                  PROSPECTUS


                           ___________________, 1996

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                           INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED
                                 IN PROSPECTUS

Item 32.  Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

     In December 27, 1994, pursuant to a reincorporation merger, the Registrant
issued 16,428 shares of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common
Stock"), to the former shareholders of Insight Environmental Corporation, a
Colorado corporation ("IEC"), who approved the merger of IEC into a Maryland
subsidiary for the purpose of reincorporating. The shares of Common Stock issued
in this reincorporation merger did not constitute a "sale" or "offer to sell"
pursuant to Section 2(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "'33
Act") pursuant to the exclusion set forth in Rule 145(a)(2) under the '33 Act.
No underwriters were used in connection with the issuance of shares of Common
Stock pursuant to the reincorporation transaction.
                                       
     On or about October 24, 1995, the Registrant issued 114,286 shares of its
Common Stock and 57,133 Series "D" Warrants to purchase 57,133 shares of Common
Stock (the "D Warrants") pursuant to an exchange offer with the former
shareholders of American Equity Trust Funding, Inc., a California corporation
("AETFI") who were not founders of AETFI. Such former shareholders are: Ocean
Bluffs, Ltd.; Resources Trust Co. Trustee FBO Jin-Hee Jung-Normura IRA; William
C. Barks IRS; Lance Siegel; John E. Morse; John E. Morse IRA; Marvin D. Kaufmann
as Trustee of the Marvin D. Kaufmann and Marjorie B. Kaufmann second amended
Inter Vivos Trust Agreement dtd 7/8/92; Kenneth Chapin; First Trust Corp. TTEE
FBO; Jimmie Lloyd Hess and Patricia Ann Hess; Donald E. Winfrey and Georgiann
Winfrey; N.F.S.C./F.M.T. FBO Richard S. Mueller IRA Acct; James Madama; John
Heaney Trust; Paul F. Virobik IRA; M&J Associates; Delaware Charter Guarantee &
Trust Co. TTEE FBO Charles Herman Richardson IRA; Jeffrey Siegel; John M. Mills;
and First Trust Corp. TTEE FBO Gregory A. McAndrews IRA. Each non-founder
shareholder of AETFI received 285.71 shares of Registrant's Common Stock and a
warrant to purchase an additional 142.86 shares of Registrant's Common Stock at
$3.50 per share for each share of AETFI common stock. The balance of 406,000
Series "D" Warrants were issued in combination with 1,021,500 shares of 1995
Convertible Preferred Stock to those in the founders group, subject to an
agreement regarding the resale or conversion of such securities.

     The issuances of the Common Stock, the D Warrants and the 1995 Preferred
Stock were exempt from the provisions of Section 5 of the '33 Act under Section
4(2) of the '33 Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.  No underwriters
were used in connection with the issuance of the Registrant's securities
pursuant to the exchange offers with AEFTI shareholders.

     In August 1995, Registrant commenced the sale of $202,500 aggregate
principal amount of its 10% Convertible Notes due October 1, 1996.  Brookstreet
Securities Corporation served as the agent for placement of these Notes.  Prior
to filing the Registration Statement, $202,500 aggregate principal amount of the
10% Convertible Notes were sold for cash in the face amount thereof.  The sales
of the 10% Convertible Notes were made only to persons who qualified as
"accredited" investors, as defined in Regulation D under the '33 Act and such
sales are exempt from the requirements of Section 5 of the '33 Act, by virtue of
Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the '33 Act.

     In addition to the Warrants issued to AEFTI shareholders described above,
the Registrant issued on October 24, 1995, 11,000 additional D Warrants to
Gregory McAndrews, a provider of graphics and design services.  No underwriters
were used in the issuance of these D Warrants.  The issuance of the D Warrants
to this service provider are exempt from the requirements of Section 5 of the
'33 Act by virtue of Section 4(2) of the '33 Act.

     In November 1995, Registrant sold $56,281.50 aggregate principal amount of
its 10% Convertible Notes, Series B, due October 1, 1996 ("Series B Notes").
There is no principal sales agent for the placement of these notes.  Placements
were effected by members of management without compensation.  Series B Notes
were sold to four investors who are "accredited" investors, as defined in
Regulation D under the '33 Act.  Such sales were made 

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
without an examption from the requirements of Section 5 of the '33 Act.
Registrant has disclosed the contingent possibility of a rescission by the
purchasers of the Series B Notes based on a claim of violation of Section 5 of
the '33 Act.

     In February and March 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of $245,555.55 of
10% Notes, due April 15, 1997.  Such notes are due and payable on April 15, 1997
and have no equity features.  There is no principal sales agent and placements
were made by management without compensation.  Such notes have been sold to
persons qualified as "accredited investors," as defined in Regulation D under
the '33 Act, and such sales are exempt from registration pursuant to Sections
4(2) and 4(6) of the '33 Act.


Item 35.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>

     (a)  Financial Statements Filed as Part of Registration Statement.                                Page
                                                                                                       ----
     <S>                                                                                               <C>
     PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (IN PROSPECTUS):
     Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996.................................   F-3
     Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet.............................................   F-5
     Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended
       December 31, 1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1996...............................   F-7
     Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations..................................  F-10
     Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statemenst of Cash Flows for the year ended
       December 31, 1995.............................................................................  F-11
     Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
       ended March 31, 1996..........................................................................  F-13
     Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows..................................  F-15

     AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC. (IN PROSPECTUS):
     Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..............................................  F-16
     Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996..............................................................  F-17
     Notes to Balance Sheet..........................................................................  F-18

     PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP (IN PROSPECTUS):
     Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..............................................  F-21
     Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and March 31, 1996 (unaudited).........  F-22
     Combined Statements of Operations for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
       three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)........................................  F-23
     Combined Statements of Owners' Equity for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
       three months ended March 31, 1996 (unaudited).................................................  F-24
     Combined Statements of Cash Flows for three years ended December 31, 1995 and the
       three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)........................................  F-25
     Notes to Combined Financial Statements..........................................................  F-26

     PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS (IN PROSPECTUS):
     Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..............................................  F-29
     Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses for the year ended
       December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)..............  F-30
     Notes to Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses...................................  F-31

     FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE OF PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP
     Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..............................................   S-1
     Schedule III - Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation.............................................   S-2
</TABLE>      

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
(b)  Exhibits

     The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K have been supplied
as follows:

Exhibit
- -------
    
  1.1     Sales Agency Agreement between the Company and Brookstreet Securities
          Corporation (form) (Revised)      

  1.2     Wholesaling Agreement (Revised)*

  1.3     Selling Agreement (for 8% Convertible Preferred Stock) (form)*

  3.1     Articles of Incorporation of American Equity Trust Inc., as amended,
          including: Articles of Incorporation of American Equity Trust Inc.,
          filed November 22, 1994; Articles of Merger of Insight Environmental
          Corporation (formerly Ramapo) into American Equity Trust Inc., filed
          December 27, 1994; Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation
          of American Equity Trust Inc., filed July 11, 1995; Articles of
          Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American
          Equity Trust Inc., filed August 30, 1995; Articles of Amendment and
          Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Equity Trust
          Inc., filed September 22, 1995; and Articles of Merger of American
          Equity Trust Funding Inc. into American Equity Trust Inc. (form)*

  3.2     By-Laws of American Equity Trust Inc.*

  4.1     Articles Supplementary of American Equity Trust Inc. defining terms of
          8% Convertible Preferred Stock and 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock
          (form) (Revised)*

  4.2     American Equity Trust Inc. Series "A" Warrant Agreement (form)*

  5.1     Opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges re legality of Shares
          (Executed)*
 
 5.2     Opinion of Piper & Marbury LLP (Maryland counsel) re legality of
          Shares (Executed)*

  7.1     Opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges re liquidation preference
          (Executed)*

  7.2     Opinion of Piper & Marbury LLP (Maryland counsel) re liquidation
          preference (Executed)*

  8       Opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges re tax matters (Executed)

 10.1     Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Equity Trust Operating
          Partnership, L.P. between American Equity Trust Inc. (as general
          partner) and Arthur P. Herring and Dois Brock (as limited partners),
          dated October 24, 1994*

 10.2     Certificate of Limited Partnership for American Equity Trust Operating
          Partnership, L.P.*
 
 10.3     Form of Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with form of Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 5805, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (as limited partner)
          for the purpose of acquiring the property at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard,
          Van Nuys, California*
    
 10.3.1   Executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with executed Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 5805, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (as limited partner)
          for the purpose of acquiring the property at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard,
          Van Nuys, California, dated June 7, 1996.      

 10.4     Form of Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with form of Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 1901, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and General Western Property Company (as limited
          partner) for the purpose of acquiring the property at 1901 South
          Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California*
    
 10.4.1   Executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with executed Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 1901, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and General Western Property Company (as limited
          partner) for the purpose of acquiring the property at 1901 South
          Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated June 7, 1996.     

 10.5     Residential Income Real Estate PurchaseContract, Receipt for Deposit,
          and Escrow Instructions between American Equity Trust Inc. (buyer) and
          Arrow Village LTD (seller), dated June 9, 1995, for the purchase of
          the Arrow Village Apartments*

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit
- -------
    
 10.5.1   Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.5.      

 10.6     Purchase and Sale Agreement between American Equity Trust Inc. (buyer)
          and Professor's Fund I (seller), dated September 15, 1995, for the
          purchase of the Northwest Garden Apartments*
    
 10.6.1   Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.6.      

 10.7     Purchase and Sale Agreement between American Equity Trust Inc. (buyer)
          and Professor's Fund I (seller), dated September 15, 1995, for the
          purchase of the Orangewood Place Apartments*
    
 10.7.1   Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.7.      

 10.8     Purchase and Sale Agreement between American Equity Trust Inc. (buyer)
          and Professor's Fund II (seller), dated September 15, 1995, for the
          purchase of the Sandpainter Apartments*
    
 10.8.1   Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.8.      
    
 10.11    Employment Agreement between American Equity Trust Inc. and Arthur P.
          Herring*      

 10.12    Employment Agreemen t between American Equity Trust Inc. and Dois
          Brock*

 10.13    Office Lease between Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (landlord) and Hewlett-
          Packard Company (tenant) for the lease of office space at 5805
          Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California*

 10.14    Lease Agreement between Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (landlord) and FHP,
          Inc. (tenant) for the lease of office space at 5805 Sepulveda
          Boulevard, Van Nuys, California*

 10.15    Office Building Lease between Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (landlord) and
          Mischel, Trock and Associates (tenant) for the lease of office space
          at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California*

 10.16    Office Building Lease between Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (landlord) and
          Industrial Bank (tenant) for the lease of office space at 5805
          Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California*

 10.17    Lease between 1901 Sepulveda Venture (landlord) and Sportmart Inc.
          (tenant) for the lease of commercial space at 1901 South Sepulveda
          Boulevard, Los Angeles, California*

 10.18    Financial Consulting Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, between
          Registrant and Strategic Planning Consultants, Inc.*

 10.19A-H Shareholder and Warrantholders Standstill Agreements, dated October
          24, 1995, between Registrant and Dois Brock, Jacob Segal, Gerald
          Weisstein, Norm Miller, Kalismart Inc., Raging Bull, Danube Rousse
          Inc., and Regent IV Trust*

 10.20    1995 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for the Officers, Independent
          Directors and Employees of American Equity Trust Inc. and AETI
          Operating Partnership, L.P.*
    
 12       Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges*      

 23.1     Consent of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges as counsel (See 
          Exhibit 8)

 23.2     Consent of Piper & Marbury LLP (Maryland counsel) (See Exhibit 5.2)*

 23.4     Consent of BDO Seidman as independent accountants

 24       Power of Attorney*

*    Previously filed.

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

    
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-11 and has duly caused this Amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of El Segundo, State of California, on June 11,
1996.      

                              AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.


                                  
                              By /s/ Arthur P. Herring
                                 ________________________________________
                                 Arthur P. Herring, Chairman of the Board     

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
          Signature                                       Title                           Date
          ---------                                       -----                           ----      
<S>                                         <C>                                       <C>
                                                                                
Principal Executive Officer/Principal       Chairman of the Board of Directors,    
 Financial Officer:                         Chief Executive Officer, and Chief 
                                            Financial Officer
     /s/ Arthur P. Herring
- -------------------------------------                                                 June 11, 1996 
         Arthur P. Herring
                                                                                
                                                                                
Principal Accounting Officer:               President, Controller, Secretary and      
                                            Director                           
        /s/ Dois Brock
- -------------------------------------                                                 June 11, 1996
            Dois Brock
                                                                                
                                                                                
          Charles B. Allen*                 Director                                  June 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------                                           
          Charles B. Allen                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
              Mark Ross*                    Director                                  June 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------                                                   
              Mark Ross                                                                       
                                                                                
                                                                                
        Gerald S. Weisstein*                Director                                  June 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------                                                      
        Gerald S. Weisstein
</TABLE>      

    
*By: /s/ Arthur P. Herring
    ___________________________________
    Arthur P. Herring, Attorney-in-Fact     
<PAGE>
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE



American Equity Trust Inc.
Los Angeles, California


Our report to American Equity Trust Inc., dated March 25, 1996 which is
contained in the Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement
included the audit of the schedule listed under Item 16(b) as of December 31,
1995.  This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial
statement schedule based upon our audit.

In our opinion, such schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.



                              BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Los Angeles, California
March 25, 1996

                                      S-1

<PAGE>
 
                             PRIOR OWNERSHIP GROUP

            SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Cost Capitalized    
                                                                          Subsequent to           Gross Amounts at Which
                                               Initial Cost                Acquisition           Carried at Close of Period   
                                          -----------------------   -----------------------   --------------------------------
                                                   Buildings and              Buildings and           Buildings and  
Description                Encumbrances   Land     Improvements     Land      Improvements    Land     Improvements    Total      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>            <C> 
                                                                                                                                  
Hewlett-Packard Building,                                                                                                         
 Van Nuys, CA               10,429,576  1,770,000             -            -    15,708,219  1,770,000   15,708,219   17,478,219 
                                                                                                                     
Westwood Self-Storage                                                                                                
 and Sportmart Building      7,367,191  5,800,000     5,000,000            -             -  5,800,000    5,000,000   10,800,000
                          ------------  ---------  ------------  -----------   -----------  ---------  -----------   ---------- 
                            17,796,767  7,570,000     5,000,000            -    15,708,219  7,570,000   20,708,219   28,278,219 
                          ============  =========  ============  ============  ===========  =========  ===========   ========== 
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                            Life Upon
                                                                                              Which
                                                                                           Depreciation
                                Accumulated         Net                                     In Latest
                                Depreciation     Book Value                                   Income
                                Buildings and   Buildings and   Date of        Date of     Statement is
Description                     Improvements    Improvements   Construction   Acquisition    Computed
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>          <C> 
Hewlett-Packard Building,     
 Van Nuys, CA                   (3,711,095)      13,767,124        1989             -       5-30 years 
                                                                                                
Westwood Self-Storage         
 and Sportmart Building         (1,111,110)       9,688,890           -          1988       31.5 years    
                                ----------       ----------                                       
                                 4,822,205       23,456,014                                             
                                ==========       ==========                                              
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                Real Estate Assets December 31,
                              ------------------------------------
                                 1995        1994          1993
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>  
Balance at beginning
  of year                     28,275,056   28,275,056   26,715,409
                        
Improvements                       3,163            -    1,559,647
                              ----------   ----------   ----------
                        
Balance                       28,278,219   28,275,056   28,275,056
                              ==========   ==========   ==========
 
 <CAPTION> 

                              Accumulated Depreciation December 31,
                              -------------------------------------
                                 1995         1994         1993
<S>                            <C>          <C>          <C> 
Balance at beginning
  of year                      3,817,441    2,812,768    1,924,748
                            
Depreciation expense           1,004,764    1,004,673      888,020
                               ---------    ---------    ---------
                         
Balance                        4,822,205    3,817,441    2,812,768
                               =========    =========    =========
 
</TABLE>

                                      S-2

<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
- -------
    
 1.1      Sales Agency Agreement (form) (Revised)      
    
10.3.1    Executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with executed Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 5805, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. (as limited partner)
          for the purpose of acquiring the property at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard,
          Van Nuys, California, dated June 7, 1996.      
    
10.4.1    Executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, together with executed Limited
          Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 1901, a California Limited
          Partnership, between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
          (as general partner) and General Western Property Company (as limited
          partner) for the purpose of acquiring the property at 1901 South
          Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated June 7, 1996.     

    
10.5.1    Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.5.      
    
10.6.1    Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.6.      
    
10.7.1    Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.7.      
    
10.8.1    Amendment, dated June 3, 1996, to Exhibit 10.8.      

23.4      Consent of BDO Seidman as independent accountants

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

                             SALES AGENCY AGREEMENT


                                                      
                                                   ________________, 1996      



BROOKSTREET SECURITIES CORPORATION
2316 Campus Drive
Suite 210
Irvine, California 92715

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    
     American Equity Trust Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), desires
to increase the capital of the Company in the maximum amount of $35,000,000 (or,
at your written instruction, $38,509,000), by the sale of (a) 1,750,000 Units
("Units"), each Unit consisting of two shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
per share, of the Company ("Shares") and a detachable Series "A" Warrant
("Warrant") to purchase an additional share of Common Stock (a "Warrant Share")
at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, and (b) an additional 1,500,000 Shares
(the "Additional Shares"). The Units and the Additional Shares are hereinafter
sometimes referred to collectively as the "Securities." The purchasers therefor,
each of whom will execute an order form substantially similar to the form
attached as an exhibit to the Prospectus hereinafter referred to (the "Order"),
and by which all such purchasers will be bound, will become securityholders
("Securityholders") of the Company.     

     SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties of the Company.

     (a)  The Company represents, warrants, and agrees with you for your benefit
that:

          (i) The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 33-98766) for the
registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), and has filed such amendments thereto as may have been required to the
date hereof.  The Company has prepared and filed amendments to the Registration
Statement and prospectus and will not, at any time after the date hereof and
before the Registration Statement becomes effective, file any other amendment to
the Registration Statement or any other amended prospectus to which you shall
object.  The Registration Statement as amended and the amended prospectus on
file with the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes
effective are hereinafter called the "Registration Statement" and the
"Prospectus", respectively, except that (1) if the Company files a post-
effective amendment to the Registration Statement then the term "Registration
Statement" shall, from and after the declaration of the effectiveness of such
post-effective amendment, refer to the Registration Statement as amended by such
post-effective amendment thereto, and the term "Prospectus" shall refer to the
amended prospectus then on file with the Commission and (2) if the Company files
a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the rules and regulations of the
Commission under the Act (the "Regulations") that shall differ from the
prospectus on file at the time the Registration Statement or any post-effective
amendment thereto shall have become effective, the term "Prospectus" shall refer
to the prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) from and after the date on which
it shall have been filed.  The Company will not at any time after the
Registration Statement initially becomes effective file any amendment to the
Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus without
your prior consent or to which you shall object.

          (ii) Upon payment of the consideration therefor specified in the
Order, the Shares, the Additional Shares, and upon exercise of the Warrants by
the holders thereof, the Warrant Shares, will constitute valid Shares of the
Company duly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
<PAGE>
 
          (iii) The Company is duly organized and validly existing as a
corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland with full power and
authority to invest in, acquire, hold, maintain, operate, lease, license, sell,
transfer and otherwise use real estate referred to or to be referred to in the
Prospectus (the "Properties"), or to own and manage its interest in any
partnership or joint venture holding title to particular Properties and to
conduct the business in which it is engaged or proposes to engage as described
in the Prospectus.  The Company is duly qualified and in good standing as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of
any properties or the character of its operations require such qualification.

          (iv) At the time the Registration Statement initially becomes
effective and at the time that any post-effective amendment thereto becomes
effective, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and at the Initial
Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date, if any, referred to below, the
Prospectus, will comply with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations; at
the time the Registration Statement initially becomes effective and at the time
that any post-effective amendment thereto becomes effective, the Registration
Statement will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; and at the time the Registration Statement initially
becomes effective and at the time that any post-effective amendment thereto
becomes effective; and at each Closing Date, including the Initial Closing Date,
the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this paragraph
shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by you expressly for use in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus.

          (v) The accountants who certified the financial statements filed with
the Commission as part of the Registration Statement are, with respect to the
Company, independent public accountants as required by the Act and the
Regulations.

          (vi) The financial statements filed as a part of the Registration
Statement and those included in the Prospectus present fairly the financial
position of the Company as at the dates indicated; and said financial statements
have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
(as described therein).

          (vii) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus, except as may otherwise be stated in
or contemplated by the Registration Statement and Prospectus:  (A) there has not
been any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of
the Company, or any of the Properties, or in the earnings, affairs or business
prospects of the Company, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of
business, and (B) there have not been any material transactions entered into by
the Company, or relating to any of the Properties, other than those in the
ordinary course of business.

          (viii) This Sales Agency Agreement has been duly and validly
authorized, executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company and
constitutes the valid, binding and enforceable agreement of the Company.

          (ix) The execution and delivery of this Sales Agency Agreement and the
contracts or options for the purchase of the Properties described in the
Prospectus and filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement (the "Purchase
Contracts"), the incurrence of the obligations herein and therein set forth and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein and in the
Prospectus will not constitute a breach of, or default under, any instrument by
which the Company or any of its Properties is bound or, to the best of its
knowledge, information and belief, any order, rule or regulation applicable to
the Company or the Properties or of any court or any governmental body or
administrative agency having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the
Properties.

          (x) The Company (or any partnership or joint venture holding title to
particular Properties) has good and marketable title to the Properties and other
investments owned by it.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          (xi) To the best of its knowledge, information and belief, there is
not pending, threatened or contemplated any action, suit or proceeding before or
by any court or other governmental body to which the Company is or may be a
party, or to which any of the Properties or any property or assets of the
Company is or may be subject which is not referred to in the Prospectus and
which might result in any material adverse change in the condition (financial or
otherwise), business or prospects of the Company or might materially adversely
affect any of the Properties or other properties or assets of the Company.

          (xii) Neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof, has received, or
is entitled to receive, directly or indirectly, any commission, finder's fee or
similar fee from any person other than as described in the Prospectus in
connection with the acquisition, or the commitment for the acquisition, of the
Properties by the Company.

          (xiii) On the date hereof, and at all times through the Offering
Termination Date, referred to below, the Company is not and shall not be an
investment company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

          (xiv) Neither the Company nor any affiliate thereof shall give any
information or make any representation in connection with the offering other
than those contained in the Prospectus or such other material as may be provided
or approved by you.

     (b)  Any certificate signed by the Company and delivered to you for the
purposes of this Agreement shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the
Company to you as to the matters covered thereby.

     SECTION 2.  Offering and Sale of Securities.
    
     (a)  On the basis of the representations, warranties and covenants herein
contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, you are
hereby appointed the agent of the Company during the term herein specified (the
"Offering Period") for the purpose of finding purchasers for the Securities for
the account and risk of the Company through a public offering, and subject to
the performance by the Company of all of its obligations to be performed
hereunder and to the completeness and accuracy of all the representations and
warranties contained herein, you hereby accept such agency and agree on the
terms and conditions herein set forth to use your best efforts during the
Offering Period to find purchasers for the Securities at a public offering price
of (i) $14.00 for each Unit and (ii) $7.00 per Additional Share.  Except as
provided in Section 2(f) hereof, your agency hereunder, which is coupled with an
interest and, therefore, is not terminable by the Company without your
permission, shall continue until the close of business on such date not later
than _____________, 1996 unless extended by the Company with your consent.  The
offering may be terminated at any time by the Company and you (the close of
business of such date being hereinafter referred to as the "Offering Termination
Date").      

     (b)  An Order must be completed by or on behalf of each person desiring to
purchase Securities in the form attached to the Prospectus, and you shall
provide such other information the Company deems reasonably necessary, and all
documents, if any, required under state securities laws.  You shall ascertain
that each Order sent in by or on behalf of a prospective purchaser of Securities
has been properly completed and executed.  You shall return the Order together
with the customer's check or your check or funds transfer (in the amount or
amounts required by paragraph (a) above) payable to "Trust Company of America as
Escrow Holder for American Equity Trust Inc." to Trust Company of America,
______________________________ (the "Escrow Holder").  In the case of on-site
supervisory review, your check must be transmitted to the Escrow Holder by the
end of the next business day following receipt of the purchaser's check and, in
the case of off-site supervisory review, the subscriber's check must be
transmitted to your final review office by the end of the next business day
following receipt thereof.  Following receipt of the purchaser's check by your
final review office, your check must be transmitted to the Escrow Holder by the
end of the next business day.  Upon receipt of an Order and a check, the Escrow
Holder will forward the original Order to the Company.

          You will comply with the requirements of Rule 15c2-4 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     (c)  You represent that you are aware of your responsibilities under the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(the "NASD").

     (d)  Prior to the Initial Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), the
Company will have no right to obtain such funds from the Escrow Holder. The
right of the Company to receive such funds on the Initial Closing Date is
subject to fulfillment of the conditions specified in Section 6 hereof.

     (e)  "Minimum Offering" as used herein shall mean that there shall have
occurred, no later than ___________, 1996, [SIX MONTHS AFTER SEC EFFECTIVE DATE]
(the "Minimum Offering Date") the sale of at least $15,000,000 of Units and
Shares, which shall be evidenced by notification to you in writing by the
Company and the Escrow Holder that Orders and payments for at least $15,000,000
of Units and Shares shall have been received pursuant to Section 2(b) above.
The Initial Closing Date as used herein shall mean the first full business day
following the date on which the Minimum Offering is achieved or such day
thereafter as shall be mutually agreed upon by you and the Company.

     (f)  In the event the offering is commenced and the Minimum Offering is not
achieved by the Minimum Offering Date, all funds received from prospective
purchasers (if any) shall be returned in full, with any interest actually earned
thereon and without deduction of any escrow or other fees and expenses; and your
agency and this Sales Agency Agreement shall terminate without obligation on
your part or on the part of the Company, except as provided in Section 5 hereof
and except that the indemnification or contribution, as the case may be,
provided in Section 7 hereof shall continue after such termination of this Sales
Agency Agreement.

     (g)  Subject to fulfillment of the conditions specified in Section 6
hereof, at the Initial Closing Date payment of the purchase price for the Units
for which you have found purchasers as of said Initial Closing Date, and
delivery, with respect to each purchaser, of a copy of the Order signed by such
purchaser, shall be made to the Company at the office of the Escrow Holder, or
at such other place as shall be agreed between you and the Company.

     (h)  If at least the Minimum Offering has been achieved but less than all
of the Securities have been purchased at the Initial Closing Date, the Offering
Period shall continue until the earlier to occur of the Offering Termination
Date or the date on which all Securities shall have purchased. At all times
during the Offering Period you shall follow the procedures prescribed by Section
2(b) hereof. Securities will be issued at closing dates ("Subsequent Closing
Dates") occurring after the Initial Closing Date and prior to the Offering
Termination Date as agreed upon by you and the Company.

     (i)  As consideration for your services, your compensation will be paid to
you as follows:

          (i) If the Minimum Offering is achieved and all conditions precedent
hereunder to the obligations of you and the Company are satisfied on the Initial
Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, you will be
paid a commission of seven percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of a
Security paid for at the applicable Closing Date.  Any other Soliciting Dealer
(as defined below in clause (j)) selling Securities shall be paid a commission
as provided in this subparagraph 2(i)(i).

          (ii) At the Initial Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date, you
will be paid a managing dealer's fee equal to one-half of one percent of the
gross proceeds from the sale of Securities, whether arranged by you or a
Soliciting Dealer.

          (iii)  Contemporaneously with and subject to the conditions for the
payment of a commission in (i) above, you will be paid a non-accountable
allowance (on account of your marketing services) in an amount equal to one
percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Securities by the Company
sold on the applicable Closing Date, as well as up to one-half of one percent of
the gross proceeds from the sale of Securities by the Company sold on the
applicable Closing Date for actual accountable out-of-pocket expenses for bona
fide due diligence.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Such commissions, fees and expense allowances shall be paid to you by the Escrow
Holder, out of the funds deposited in the Escrow Account on the applicable
Closing Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Minimum Offering is not
achieved, you will not receive any of the foregoing compensation, except for
compensation negotiated and paid to you in connection with a transaction that
occurs in lieu of the Minimum Offering as a result of your efforts, provided
that you shall be entitled to reimbursement for your out-of-pocket accountable
expenses actually incurred by you in connection with the Minimum Offering, if
not achieved.

     (j)  Orders may be solicited by one or more dealers either affiliated with
you by reason of direct or indirect ownership or unaffiliated members of the
NASD (the "Soliciting Dealers") and sales by Soliciting Dealers shall be made
under a Soliciting Dealer Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A. Pursuant to any Soliciting Dealer Agreements, you will reallow each
Soliciting Dealer a concession of up to a maximum of seven percent of the gross
proceeds of Securities sold with respect to each Security sold by the Company
pursuant to an Order solicited by such Soliciting Dealer and may reallow a
maximum of 100% of that portion of the non-accountable allowance referred to in
subparagraph (i)(iii) of this Section 2 that relates to sales of Securities
solicited by such Soliciting Dealer, subject to the terms of subparagraph (i) of
this Section 2.

     (k)  Neither you, the Company, nor any dealer participating in the offering
of the Securities shall, directly or indirectly, pay or award any finder's fees,
commissions or other compensation to any person engaged by a potential investor
for investment advice as an inducement to such advisor to the purchase of
Securities, provided, however, that normal sales commissions referred to in the
Prospectus payable to a registered broker-dealer or other properly licensed
person for selling Securities shall not be prohibited hereby.

     (l)  You agree that you will not disseminate or publish any advertisement
relating to your solicitation of subscribers for the Securities (including,
without limitation, any advertisement relating to seminars) (i) the form of
which has not been submitted to the NASD by the Company and (ii) that has not
been approved by the Company.

     SECTION 3.  Covenants of the Company.

     The Company covenants with you as follows:

     (a)  It shall have notified you immediately and confirmed the notice in
writing (i) when the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto shall have
become effective, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission with
respect to the Registration Statement, (iii) of any request by the Commission
for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement
to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, and (iv) of
the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement or of any proceedings for that purpose.  The Company
will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance by the Commission of
any stop order and, if any such stop order shall at any time be issued, to
obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

     (b)  It will deliver to you, as soon as available, two signed copies of the
Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto and two
sets of the exhibits thereto, and will also deliver to you such number of
conformed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each
amendment thereto (without exhibits) as you shall require for the purposes
contemplated by the Act.

     (c)  It will deliver to you from time to time, before the Registration
Statement becomes effective, such number of copies of the Registration Statement
as originally filed and any amendments thereto and as soon as the Registration
Statement initially becomes effective and thereafter from time to time during
the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act, such
number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as you may
reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Act or the Regulations.

     (d)  During the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered
pursuant to the Act, the Company will comply, so far as it is able and at its
own expense, with all requirements imposed upon it by the Act, as now and
hereafter amended, and by the Regulations, as from time to time in force, so far
as necessary to permit 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
the continuance of sales of or dealings in, the Securities during such period in
accordance with the provisions herein and as set forth in the Prospectus.

     (e)  If any event relating to or affecting the Company or the Properties
shall occur as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the
Prospectus in order to make the Prospectus not misleading in the light of the
circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a subscriber, the Company
will forthwith prepare and furnish to you, without expense to you, a reasonable
number of copies of an amendment or amendments of, or a supplement or
supplements to, the Prospectus which will amend or supplement the Prospectus so
that as amended or supplemented it will not contain an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time the
Prospectus is delivered to a subscriber, not misleading.  For the purposes of
this subsection the Company will furnish such information with respect to
themselves as you may from time to time reasonably request.

     (f)  It will make generally available to the Company's security holders
(i.e., the holders of Shares) as soon as practicable, but not later than 120
days after the close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement of the
Company (in form complying with the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and
Rule 158 promulgated thereunder, which need not be certified by independent
public accountants unless required by the Act or the Regulations) covering the
twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company's
fiscal quarter following the effective date of the Registration Statement.  As
used in this subsection, the terms "earnings statement" and "made generally
available to the Company's security holders" shall have the meanings contained
in Rule 158 promulgated under the Act.

     (g)  It will, so long as any Securities remain outstanding, furnish
directly to you the following:

          (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, one copy
of the Company's annual report, including therein the accountants' report, the
balance sheet, the related statements of profit and loss and cash flows for the
Company (which need not be audited), together with such accountants' comments
and notations with respect thereto in such detail as the Company may customarily
receive from such accountants;

          (ii) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal quarterly
period, one copy of a balance sheet of the Company as at the end of such period,
setting forth in reasonable detail its financial position, together with related
statements of profit and loss and cash flows, none of which statements need be
audited, but shall be certified as correct by the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company;

          (iii)  copies of any report, application or documents which the
Company shall file with the Commission; and

          (iv) as soon as the same shall be sent to holders of Shares, each
communication which shall be sent to the holders of Shares, including any other
annual or interim report of the Company.

     (h)  It will deliver to you, from time to time, all supplemental sales
material (whether designated solely for broker-dealer use or otherwise) proposed
to be used or delivered by the Company in connection with the offering of
Securities.

     SECTION 4.  Covenants of Brookstreet Securities Corporation.

     You covenant with the Company as follows:

     (a)  You agree to manage the distribution of the Securities and to sell the
Securities according to all of the terms and conditions of the Registration
Statement, the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD, all applicable state and
federal laws, including the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all
regulations related thereto.  You shall not have any authority to give any
information or make any representations in connection with any offer or sale of
the Securities other than as contained in the Prospectus or as is otherwise
expressly authorized 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
in writing by the Company, provided, however, that you shall use only such sales
literature and/or advertising in connection with the sale of the Securities as
shall be approved by the Company.

     (b)  The Securities shall be offered and sold only where the Securities may
be legally offered and sold, and only to such persons in such states who shall
be legally qualified to purchase the Securities.  The Company shall give you
written notice at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement of
those states in which the offering and sale of the Securities may be made, and
shall amend such notice thereafter as additional states are added.  No
Securities shall be offered or sold in any other states.

     (c)  Neither you nor any person associated with you shall give any
information, written or oral, or make any representation, written or oral, in
connection with the offering other than those contained in the Prospectus or
such other material as may be provided or approved by the Company.

     (d)  You agree to engage as Soliciting Dealers only entities affiliated
with you by direct or indirect ownership or entities which are members of the
NASD.

     SECTION 5.  Payment of Expenses and Fees.

     The Company will pay all expenses incident to the performance of the
obligations of the Company under this Sales Agency Agreement, including (i) the
printing and delivery to you in quantities as hereinabove stated of copies of
the Registration Statement and all amendments thereto and of the Prospectus and
any supplements or amendments thereto; (ii) the printing, execution, filing and
delivery to you in quantities as hereinabove stated of copies of any
supplemental sales material to be used in connection with the offering approved
by the Company and utilized in sales of the Securities directly to the public;
(iii) the listing of the Shares on the American Stock Exchange, including filing
fees; (iv) the fees and disbursements of counsel and accountants for the
Company; and (v) the filing fee of the NASD.

     SECTION 6.  Conditions of Your Obligations.

     Your obligations hereunder are subject to the accuracy of and compliance
with the representations and warranties of the Company, to the performance by
the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following further
conditions:

     (a)  The Registration Statement shall initially become effective not later
than 5:30 P.M., Eastern time, on the date hereof, or, with your consent, at a
later time and date not later, however, than 5:30 P.M., Eastern time, on the day
following the date hereof, or at such later time and date as may be approved by
you; and at the Initial Closing Date no stop order suspending the effectiveness
thereof shall have been issued under the Act or proceeding therefor initiated or
threatened by the Commission and not rescinded.  The Shares shall have been
approved for listing on the American Stock Exchange on notice of issuance.

     (b)  At the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date you shall
receive the opinion of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges, as counsel for the
Company, in the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

     (c)  At the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date you shall
receive a certificate signed by the Company to the effect that (i) the signer
has carefully examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and, in the
signer's opinion, at the time the Registration Statement initially became
effective and at the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date, the
Registration Statement did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, and the Prospectus did not contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading; (ii) since the initial effective date of
the Registration Statement no event has occurred which should have been set
forth in an amendment of, or supplement to, the Prospectus but which has not
been so set forth; (iii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings therefor have been
instituted or threatened by the Commission and not rescinded; 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
(iv) the representations, warranties and agreements contained in Section l(a)
are true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though
expressly made at the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date; and
(v) since the initial effective date of the Registration Statement, no material
adverse change in circumstance has occurred with regard to the transactions
described in any letters of intent contained in the Prospectus which should have
been set forth in an amendment of, or supplement to, the Prospectus, but which
has not been so set forth, provided, however, that with respect to clauses (i)
and (ii) above, such certificate may exclude from its coverage any matters
relating to you.

     (d)  At the time the Registration Statement initially becomes effective,
you shall have received from BDO Seidman a letter, in form and substance
satisfactory to you and your counsel, advising that (i) they are independent
public accountants as required by the Act and the published Regulations, (ii) it
is their opinion that the financial statements of the Company included in the
Prospectus, and covered by their opinions therein, comply as to form in all
material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the
Regulations relating to financial statements in registration statements on Form
S-11, (iii) based on procedures set forth in such letter nothing has come to
their attention which would indicate that during the period from _________, 199_
to a specified date not more than five business days prior to the date the
Registration Statement becomes effective there has been any change in the
equity, capital accounts, or short-term or long-term indebtedness of the Company
or any decrease in net assets as compared with the amounts shown in the balance
sheet as of __________, 199_, included in the Registration Statement, except for
changes or decreases that the Registration Statement discloses have occurred or
may occur; (iv) they have carried out certain procedures, as specified in a
draft of such letter approved by you, performed for the purpose of comparing
certain financial information and percentages appearing in the Registration
Statement, as specified in such draft letter, with indicated amounts in the
financial statements or accounting records of the Company and certain of its
affiliates and have found such information and percentages to be in agreement
with the relevant accounting and financial information of the Company and
certain of its affiliates.

          At the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date, you
shall receive from BDO Seidman a letter dated as of the Closing Date or
Subsequent Closing Date to the effect that they reaffirm, as of such date and as
though made at such date, the statements made in the letter furnished by such
accountants pursuant to this subsection (e) of this Section 6, except that the
specified date referred to in such subsection will be a date not more than five
days prior to the Initial Closing Date or Subsequent Closing Date.

     (e)  At the Initial Closing Date and each Subsequent Closing Date, Thelen,
Marrin, Johnson & Bridges shall have been furnished with such additional
information, opinions and documents, including supporting documents relating to
parties described in the Prospectus and certificates signed by such parties with
regard to information relating to them and included in the Prospectus as they
may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the sale of
the Securities as herein contemplated and related proceedings, in order to
evidence the accuracy or completeness of any of the representations or
warranties or the fulfillment of any of the conditions herein contained; and all
actions taken by the Company in connection with the sale of the Securities as
herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
you and Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges.

     (f)  If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have
been fulfilled when and as required by this Sales Agency Agreement to be
fulfilled, this Sales Agency Agreement and all your obligations hereunder may be
canceled by you by notifying the Company of such cancellation in writing or by
facsimile or telegram at any time at or prior to the Initial Closing Date, or at
any time after the Initial Closing Date, all your obligations hereunder may be
canceled or terminated by you by notifying the Company of such cancellation or
termination in writing or by telegram at any time at or prior to the Offering
Termination Date and any such cancellation or termination shall be without
liability of any party to any other party except as otherwise provided in
Section 6.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 7.  Indemnification.

     (a)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless you, your
representatives and employees, and each person, if any, who controls you within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Act, you and such person (referred to
collectively as the "Indemnified Parties"), as follows:

          (i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
whatsoever arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto)
or any omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or arising
out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or the
omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made not misleading unless such untrue statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in
writing by you expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto) or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto);

          (ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
whatsoever arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in any supplemental sales material approved by the
Company for use by you, or any omission or alleged omission therefrom of a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made
and in conjunction with the Prospectus delivered therewith, not misleading;
provided, however, that with respect to any indemnification relating to
supplemental sales material designated for broker-dealer use only such
indemnification shall be limited to any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or any omission or alleged omission of a material
fact related to the Partnership or the offering;

          (iii)  against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
whatsoever to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any
litigation, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any
such untrue statement or omission or any such alleged untrue statement or
omission as provided in subparagraph (a)(i) and (a)(ii) above, if such
settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and

          (iv) against any and all expense whatsoever reasonably incurred in
investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or
threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or
omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that
any such expense is not paid under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above.

          The foregoing indemnity agreement is subject to the condition that,
insofar as it relates to any untrue statement, alleged untrue statement,
omission or alleged omission made in the Prospectus or any supplemental sales
material, it shall not inure to the benefit of any of the Indemnified Parties if
you failed to send or give a copy of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented,
if the Company shall have furnished any amendment or supplement thereto to you
which shall correct such untrue statement or omission which is the basis of the
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense for which indemnification is sought)
to the person asserting any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense prior
to or together with the written confirmation of the receipt of the Order for
Securities from such person; or if you sell any Securities and deliver to the
person asserting any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense a Prospectus
containing an alleged untrue statement or omission which is the basis of the
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense for which indemnification is sought at
a time subsequent to having been notified by the Company that it believes that
such Prospectus should be amended or supplemented.

     (b)  You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its
representatives and employees, and each person, if any, who controls any such
person, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act, to the same extent as the
foregoing indemnity from the Company in Sections 7(a) and 7(b) but only with
respect to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto) or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or
relating to you or your affiliates in the supplemental sales literature
distributed to the public made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to the Company in 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
writing by you expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto) or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or the
supplemental sales literature distributed to the public. In case any action
shall be brought against the Company based on the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto) or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or
the supplemental sales literature distributed to the public and in respect of
which indemnity may be sought against you, you shall have the rights and duties
given to the Company, and the Company shall have the rights and duties given to
you, by the provisions of Sections 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c).

     (c)  In no case shall the Company be liable under this indemnity agreement
with respect to any claim made against any of the Indemnified Parties unless the
Company shall be notified in writing of the nature of the claim within a
reasonable time after the assertion thereof, but failure so to notify the
Company shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than
on account of this indemnity agreement.  In no case shall the Company be liable
under this indemnity agreement to the Indemnified Parties for any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense described in subparagraph 7(a) above if such
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arose entirely or primarily, directly
or indirectly, from your negligence, misconduct, or fault.  For purposes of the
foregoing sentence, an Indemnified Party shall be considered at fault for
purposes of this Sales Agency Agreement if, without limitation, such Indemnified
Party shall be found to be at fault by any order of any court having
jurisdiction or in any settlement agreement approved by any court having
jurisdiction.  The Company shall be entitled to participate at its own expense
in the defense or, if it so elects within a reasonable time after receipt of
such notice, to assume the defense of any suit so brought, which defense shall
be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Indemnified
Parties, defendant or defendants therein.  In the event that the Company elects
to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the Indemnified
Parties, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses
of any additional counsel thereafter retained by them.  In the event that the
parties to any such action (including impleaded parties) include the Company and
any of the Indemnified Parties and such Indemnified Party or Parties shall have
been advised by counsel chosen by such Indemnified Party or Parties and
satisfactory to the Company that there may be one or more legal defenses
available to such Indemnified Party or Parties which are different from or
additional to those available to the Company, the Company shall not have the
right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party
or Parties and will reimburse such Indemnified Party or Parties as aforesaid for
the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by such Indemnified
Party or Parties, it being understood that the Company shall not, in connection
with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same
jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be
liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of
attorneys for such Indemnified Party or Parties, which firm shall be designated
in writing by such Indemnified Party or Parties.  The Company agrees to notify
you within a reasonable time of the assertion of claim in connection with the
sale of the Shares against it, any of its officers or directors or any person
who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act.

     (d)  In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is for
any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to you
from the Company or to the Company from you, as the case may be, for any matters
covered by Sections 7(a) or 7(b), the Company and you shall contribute to the
aggregate losses, claims, expenses, damages and liabilities (including any
investigation, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and any
amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claims
asserted) to which the Company and you may be subject as a result of a matter
referred to in Sections 7(a) or 7(b) in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and you
and your affiliates on the other from the offering of the Shares and the
operation of the Company or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above
is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also
the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and you and your affiliates on
the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the Company on the
one hand and you and your affiliates on the other shall be deemed to be in the
same proportions so that you and your affiliates are responsible for that
portion represented by the percentage that the sales commission and other
compensation from the proceeds of the offering and the operation of the Company
received by you or your affiliates in the aggregate bears to the aggregate
payments made for the purchase of the Shares, and the Company shall be

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
responsible for the balance.  The relative fault of the Company on the one hand
and you and your affiliates on the other shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company on the one hand or by you and your
affiliates on the other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge and access
to information.  Any party entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt
of notice of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party
in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party
or parties under this Section 7(d), notify such party or parties from whom
contribution may be sought; and the omission so to notify such party or parties
will relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any
obligation it or they may have hereunder as to the particular item for which
contribution is then being sought but not from any other liability which it or
they may have to the party seeking contribution.

     SECTION 8.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive Delivery.

     All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Sales
Agency Agreement (including your covenants provided in Section 4 hereof) or
contained in certificates of the Company submitted pursuant hereto shall remain
operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by,
or on behalf of, you or any person who controls you, or by or on behalf of the
Company and shall survive the Offering Termination Date.

     SECTION 9.  Effective Date of this Sales Agency Agreement and Termination
Thereof.

     (a)  This Sales Agency Agreement shall become effective (i) at 9:30 A.M.,
Eastern time, on the day on which the Registration Statement initially becomes
effective or (ii) at the time of the initial public offering by you, after the
Registration Statement initially becomes effective, of the Securities, whichever
shall first occur.  The time of the initial public offering shall mean the time
of the release by you, for publication, of the first newspaper advertisement,
which is subsequently published, relating to the Securities or the time at which
the Securities are first generally offered by you to subscribers by letter or
telegram, whichever shall first occur.  You or the Company may prevent this
Sales Agency Agreement from becoming effective without liability of any party to
any other party, except as otherwise provided in Section 4 by giving the notice
indicated below in this Section prior to the time when this Sales Agency
Agreement would otherwise become effective as herein provided.

     (b)  You shall have the right to terminate this Sales Agency Agreement by
giving the notice indicated below in this Section (A) at any time at or prior to
the Minimum Offering Date or any Subsequent Closing Date if there shall have
been, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the
condition of the Properties, the Company, financial or otherwise, or in the
earnings, affairs or business prospects of the Properties, the Company, whether
or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or (B) at any time at or
prior to the Minimum Subscription Date (i) if there shall have occurred any new
outbreak of hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis,
or a bankruptcy default with respect to the debt obligations of, or the
institution of proceedings under the Federal bankruptcy laws by or against, any
State of the United States, the effect of such outbreak, calamity or crisis on
the financial markets of the United States being such as in your judgment would
make the offering or delivery of the Securities impracticable, or (ii) if
trading on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended, or minimum or
maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices
for securities shall have been required on such Exchange, or if a banking
moratorium shall have been declared by either Federal or California authorities.
If you terminate this Sales Agency Agreement as provided in this Section, such
termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as
otherwise provided in Section 4.

     (c)  If you elect to prevent this Sales Agency Agreement from becoming
effective or to terminate this Sales Agency Agreement as provided in this
Section 9, the Company shall be notified promptly by you, by telephone or
telegram, confirmed by letter.  If the Company elects to prevent this Sales
Agency Agreement from becoming effective as provided in this Section 9, you
shall be notified promptly by the Company by telephone or telegram, confirmed by
letter.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 10.  Post-Effective Amendment.

     The Company represents and warrants to you that if as of __________ 1996
the Minimum Offering has not been achieved, they will file a post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement deregistering all of the Units and if at
the Offering Termination Date subscriptions for all the Units and the Additional
Shares shall not have been received they will file a post-effective amendment to
the Registration Statement de-registering the unsold Units and unsold Additional
Shares and, in either case, will terminate any additional offerings of Units and
Additional Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement.  In addition, the
Company represents and warrants to you that they will file all reports required
by the regulations with regard to sales of the Units and Additional Shares and
use of the proceeds therefrom.

     SECTION 11  Notices and Authority to Act.

     All communications hereunder shall be in writing and, if sent to you, shall
be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to you at Brookstreet
Securities Corporation, 2361 Campus Drive, Suite 210, Irvine, California 92715,
with a copy to Dennis Doucette, Esq., Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, 600 W.
Broadway, Suite 600, San Diego, California 92101, or, if sent to the Company,
shall be delivered or telegraphed and confirmed at American Equity Trust Inc.,
2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110, El Segundo, California 90245, with a copy to
David R. Decker, Esq. at Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges, 333 South Grand
Avenue, Thirty-fourth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071.

     SECTION 12.  Parties.

     This Sales Agency Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon each of you, the Company and your and the Company's respective successors,
this Sales Agency Agreement and the conditions and provisions hereof being
intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and controlling persons, and for the
benefit of no other person, firm or corporation, except as otherwise
specifically provided herein.

     SECTION 13.  Applicable Law.

     This Sales Agency Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of California.

     If the foregoing is accordance with your understanding of our agreement,
kindly sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument
will become a binding agreement among you and the Company in accordance with its
terms.

                              Very truly yours,

                              BROOKSTREET SECURITIES CORPORATION,
                              a __________ corporation

                              By
                                ---------------------------------
                                 Its
                                    -----------------------------

                              AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
                              a Maryland corporation

                              By
                                ---------------------------------
                                 Its
                                    -----------------------------

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                           AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST INC.
                           (a California corporation)

                          _____ Shares of Common Stock


                          SOLICITING DEALER AGREEMENT

                                                          ________________, 1995

Ladies/Gentlemen:

     We have agreed to use our best efforts to sell up to (a) 1,750,000 Units
("Units"), each Unit consisting of two shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
per share ("Shares") plus one Series "A" Warrant, of American Equity Trust Inc.
(the "Company"), and (b) an additional 1,500,000 Shares (the "Additional
Shares") which number of Additional Shares may be increased by up to an
additional 750,000 Shares as described in the enclosed Prospectus.  The Units,
the Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter sometimes referred to
collectively as the "Securities."  The Securities are being offered by us as
agent for the Company.  The Securities and the terms of the offering are more
fully described in the enclosed Prospectus, receipt of which you hereby
acknowledge.

     We are hereby inviting certain Soliciting Dealers, subject to the other
terms and conditions set forth below and in such Prospectus, to solicit
subscriptions for the Securities.  You hereby confirm that you are a dealer
actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business and that you
are either (i) a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") or (ii) a dealer with its principal place
of business located outside the United States, its territories or possessions
and not required to be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"1934 Act") who hereby agrees not to make any sales within the United States,
its territories or its possessions or to persons who are nationals thereof or
residents therein.  You hereby agree to comply with the provisions of Sections
24 and 34 of Article Ill of the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD, including
Appendix F thereto, and if you are a foreign dealer and not a member of the
NASD, you also agree to comply with: (i) the NASD's interpretation with respect
to free-riding and withholding, (ii) the provisions of Sections 8 and 36 of
Article III of such Rules of Fair Practice, as though you were a member of the
NASD, and (iii) Section 25 of Article III thereof as that Section applies to
non-member foreign dealers.

     The public offering price of the Units is $14.00 per Unit and the public
offering price of Additional Shares is $7.00 per Share.  We will pay to you a
commission of seven percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of each Unit and
each Additional Share sold by the Company pursuant to an order in the form
attached to the Prospectus (an "Order") solicited by you.  We also agree to
reallow to you an amount equal to one percent of the gross proceeds from the
sale of Securities solicited by you as a non-accountable allowance (on account
of your marketing services).  Payment will be made promptly on the Initial
Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date; provided, however, that in the
event that a sale of a Unit or Additional Share for which you have solicited an
Order shall not occur, whether by reason of the failure of any condition
specified herein or the Sales Agency Agreement, no commission or payment in
respect thereof shall be due.  Commissions and payments will be payable only
with respect to transactions lawful in the jurisdiction where they occur.

     Any "single purchaser" who purchases for Units or Additional Shares
subsequent to an initial purchase of Securities may combine all prior and
subsequent purchases for the purpose of determining the amount invested by such
subscriber and the applicable Securities purchase prices for such investments in
the Company; provided, however, that all purchasers are subject to the
limitation regarding the maximum amount of Company securities each, and certain
persons affiliated with them, can own, as described in the Prospectus.
<PAGE>
 
     You agree to submit on behalf of each person desiring to purchase
Securities, an Order in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and all
documents, if any, required under state securities laws.  You shall ascertain
that each Order has been properly completed.  All payments for the Securities
shall be made by check payable to the order of "Trust Company of America as
Escrow Holder for American Equity Trust Inc."

     You agree to promptly submit on behalf of each person desiring to purchase
Securities a completed Order, as well as all checks received by you from
subscribers to Trust Company of America, ______________________, California (the
"Escrow Holder").

     Subscriptions for Securities shall be made only during the offering period
described in the Prospectus.

     You shall have no reasonable grounds to believe, on the basis of having
received and examined the Prospectus, including, without limitation, the
"Estimated Use of Proceeds" [LIST OTHER APPLICABLE SECTIONS] sections thereof,
that all material facts are not adequately and accurately disclosed and provide
a basis for evaluating an investment in the Company.  For purposes of evaluating
the Company, you recognize that under Appendix F you may rely on the information
from an inquiry conducted by another NASD member only if you have reasonable
grounds to believe that such inquiry was conducted with due care, the results of
the inquiry were given to you with the permission of the NASD member that made
the inquiry and that no NASD member that participated in the inquiry is a
sponsor or affiliate of the sponsor of the Company.

     All subscriptions solicited by you will be strictly subject to confirmation
by us and acceptance thereof by the Company.  Neither you nor any other person
is authorized to give any information, written or oral, or make any
representations, written or oral, in connection with the offer and sale of
Securities other than those contained (i) in the Prospectus in connection with
the sale of any of the Securities or (ii) any supplemental sales material
supplied or prepared by the Company and delivered to you by the Company for use
in making offers of Securities.  No dealer is authorized to act as agent for us
when offering any of the Securities to the public or otherwise, it being
understood that you and each other Soliciting Dealer are independent contractors
with us.  Nothing herein contained shall constitute you or any other Soliciting
Dealer an association or partner with us.

     Upon release by us, you may offer the Securities at the public offering
price, subject to the terms and conditions hereof.

     We understand that the Company will provide you with such number of copies
of the enclosed Prospectus and such number of copies of amendments and
supplements thereto as you may reasonably request.  We also understand that the
Company may provide you with certain supplemental sales material to be used by
you in connection with the solicitation of Securities of the Company.  In the
event you elect to use such supplemental sales material, you agree that such
material shall not be used in connection with the solicitations of Securities
unless accompanied or preceded by the Prospectus as then currently in effect and
as it may be amended or supplemented in the future.  You agree that you will
deliver a copy of the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, to
each person to whom you make an offer of Securities and that you will not
disseminate or publish any advertisement relating to your solicitation of
subscribers for the Securities (including, without limitation, any so-called
tombstone advertisement or any advertisement relating to seminars) (i) the form
of which has not been submitted to the NASD by the Company and (ii) that has not
been approved in writing by the Company.

     This Agreement shall terminate at the close of business on the 45th day
after the completion of the sale of all the Securities by the Company, unless
earlier terminated.

     We shall have full authority to take such action as we may deem advisable
in respect to all matters pertaining to the offering.  We shall be under no
liability to you except for lack of good faith and for obligations expressly
assumed by us in this Agreement.  Nothing contained in this paragraph is
intended to operate as, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not
constitute, a waiver by you of compliance with any provision of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or of the rules and regulations
thereunder.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Upon application to us, we will inform you as to the jurisdictions in which
we believe the Securities have been qualified for sale under, or are exempt from
the requirements of, the respective securities laws of such jurisdictions, but
we assume no responsibility or obligation as to your right to sell the
Securities in any jurisdiction.  You agree that we may limit the number of
offers and sales which may be made, or the number of the Securities which may be
sold, by you in any jurisdiction.  You agree not to sell the Securities in any
jurisdiction where such sale by you is prohibited.

     You warrant and represent that you and your agents and employees are duly
licensed to sell the Securities in those jurisdictions in which you do so.  You
further agree that you will promptly notify us of any changes in your, or your
agent's or employee's, status as a licensed broker-dealer in any jurisdiction in
which you or your agent or your employee has been offering or selling the
Securities.  If necessary, we will cause to be filed with the Department of
State of New York a Further State Notice with respect to the Securities and will
cause to be sent to the Pennsylvania Securities Commission a list of the
Soliciting Dealers to whom this Agreement is initially being sent.

     You confirm that you are familiar with Securities Act Release No. 4698 and
Rule 15c2-8 under the 1934 Act, relating to the distribution of preliminary and
final prospectuses, and confirm that you have complied and will comply
therewith.  We will make available to you, to the extent they are made available
to us by the Company, such number of copies of the Prospectus as you may
reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act,
and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder.

     In making any offer or sale of the Securities, you shall comply with the
provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, you shall comply with all of the
provisions of this Soliciting Dealer Agreement, and you shall take all necessary
actions pursuant to instructions given by counsel to the Company or us or
otherwise required to permit the offer and sale of the Securities to comply with
the securities or "blue sky" laws of the jurisdictions in which you make offers
or sales of the Securities.

     This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, this Agreement
and its conditions and provisions being for the sole and exclusive benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and
for the benefit of no other person, firm, partnership or corporation.

     The terms used herein, unless defined otherwise, shall have the same
meaning as in the Sales Agency Agreement.

     This Agreement may be amended only by means of a written document, signed
by the party to be bound, and may not be assigned by you without our prior
written consent.

     This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of California.

     Any notice from us to you shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed
or telegraphed to you at the address to which this Agreement is mailed.

                                      3
<PAGE>
 
     Please confirm your agreement hereto by signing and returning at once to us
at 2361 Campus Drive, Suite 210, Irvine, California 90245. Upon receipt thereof,
this letter and such signed duplicate copy will evidence the agreement between
us.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       BROOKSTREET SECURITIES CORPORATION


                                       By:
                                          -------------------------------
                                          (Authorized Representative)

Accepted:

 
- ------------------------------------
(Signature of Selected Dealer)

 
- ------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------
(Address to which all communications
are to be sent)

Fax No.:
        ----------------------------

                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10.3.1

           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
           ---------------------------------------------------------


     THIS AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE ("Agreement"), is made and entered into
as of the 29th day of March, 1996 by and between American Equity Trust Operating
Partnership L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Buyer"), and Sepulveda
Hatteras, Ltd. a California limited partnership ("Seller").


                                   RECITALS
                                   --------
 
     This Agreement is entered into upon the basis of the following facts,
understanding and intentions of the parties:

     A.   Seller is the owner of certain real property (the "Property"), located
at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California consisting of that certain
eight story office building containing approximately 88,500 rentable square feet
(the "Building") and approximately 58,527 square feet of land, as described in
Exhibit "A" attached hereto.

     B.   Buyer desires to purchase a portion of the Property from Seller and
Seller is willing to sell a portion of the Property to Buyer, on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and the mutual
covenants and obligations of the parties herein contained, the parties agree as
follows:

     1.   PURCHASE
          --------

          Seller agrees to sell to Buyer and Buyer agrees to purchase from
Seller the portion of the Property as set forth below, all on the terms,
covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Property includes all
of the following:

          1.1.   Land.  The land ("Land") located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard,
                 ----                                                         
Van Nuys, California, and legally described as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached
to this Agreement and made a part hereof;

          1.2.   Improvements.  The Building and all other structures and
                 ------------                                            
improvements (collectively "Improvements") now situated on the Land, including,
but not limited to, fixtures and equipment, mechanical systems, electrical
systems, heating and air conditioning systems and plumbing systems;

          1.3.   Personal Property.  All of Seller's interest in fixtures,
                 -----------------                                        
furnishings, equipment, appliances, machinery, tools and other personal property
of every kind and character (collectively "Personal Property") owned by Seller
and currently
<PAGE>
 
attached to, located on or used in connection with the operation and maintenance
of the Improvements on the Land (as well as the Land) including, without
limitation, the items listed on Exhibit "B" attached to this Agreement and made
a part hereof.

          1.4.   Intangible Property. Any and all right, title and interest of
                 -------------------
Seller in all leases, contract rights, equipment leases, licenses, warranties,
guarantees, assignable permits, entitlements, tenant lists, advertising
material, telephone exchange numbers and other intangible property (collectively
"Intangible Property") pertaining to the Land, the Improvements or the Personal
Property or use thereof which in anyway relates to the ownership, management or
operation of the Property.

     2.   ACQUISITION VALUE AND PAYMENT.
          ----------------------------- 

          The acquisition value for the Property shall be the amount of Sixteen
Million Dollars ($16,000,000) and shall be paid as follows:

          2.1.   Buyer shall purchase from Seller a 69.7% interest in the
Property for the sum of $3,680,000 cash subject to the existing first deed of
trust note with an unpaid balance of $10,720,000.

          2.2.  Concurrently with the closing of escrow for the purchase and
sale of Seller's 69.7 interest in the Property to Buyer, Buyer shall contribute
its undivided 69.7% interest in the Property to a new limited partnership to be
formed ("Amreit No. 5805"). In addition to, and not in lieu of any other
payments or contributions due by Buyer under Section 2.1 hereof, Buyer shall
deposit into escrow prior to close of escrow, the sum of $2,720,000 which shall
be used for the purpose of reducing the present encumbrance on the Property to
an unpaid balance of $8,000,000. Buyer shall receive credit for his $2,270,000
deposit as a contribution to the capital of Amreit No. 5805. Buyer shall receive
a 80% partnership interest in Amreit No. 5805. Buyer, or its designee, shall be
the general partner of Amreit No. 5805. For purposes of calculating initial
capital contribution to the partnership, Buyer shall be credited in its capital
account with $6,400,000.

          2.3.   Concurrently with the closing of escrow for the purchase and
sale of Seller's 69.7% interest in the Property to Buyer, Seller shall
contribute its undivided 30.3% interest in the Property to Amreit No. 5805 and
shall receive a twenty percent (20%) partnership interest in the Partnership.
For purposes of calculating initial capital contribution to the partnership,
Seller shall be credited in its capital account with $1,600,000. Seller shall be
a limited partner of Amreit No. 5805.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          2.4.   Seller shall pay for and cause to have the appropriate tests
and investigations performed to determine what work has to be accomplished, if
any, so that the Property complies with the Los Angeles City seismic Ordinance
Number 170406. Seller will be responsible for any costs and/or expenses to bring
the Property in compliance and shall be responsible for ensuring that the work
performed shall satisfy and comply with this Ordinance Number 170406.

          2.5.   The cash to be deposited by Buyer pursuant to Sections 2.1 and
2.2 shall be paid to Hermosa Escrow Company ("Escrow Holder") in cash by wire
transfer of immediately available Federal funds on the Closing Date, or if by
cashiers check or certified check, such checks shall be deposited with Escrow
Holder at least two business days before the scheduled closing, and shall be
drawn on a federally insured bank or savings bank from an office located in
California, with such funds to be immediately available.  The "Closing Date" is
the date the deed records conveying the Property to the Buyer or its designee.
The Closing Date shall be on or before July 31, 1996.

     3.   EXCEPTIONS TO TITLE.
          ------------------- 

          Good and clear record and marketable title to the Property shall be
conveyed to Amreit No. 5805 by a grant deed ("Deed"), subject only to the
following exceptions to title ("Permitted Exceptions").


          3.1.   A lien to secure payment of real estate taxes and assessments
not yet due and payable; and

          3.2.   Such other exceptions to title as may be approved by Buyer
pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 4.1. below.  On the Closing Date and as
a condition to the close of the purchase and sale provided in this Agreement, a
title company of Buyer's choice ("Title Company") licensed to do business in
California, shall issue to Amreit No. 5805 its California form of A.L.T.A.
extended coverage owner's policy of title insurance ("Owner's Policy") in the
amount of the Purchase Price (the "Policy Amount") showing title to the Property
vested of record in Buyer subject only to the Permitted Exceptions.

     4.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION.
          ------------------------------------------ 

          The obligation of Buyer to buy the Property shall be subject to full
satisfaction of the following conditions precedent in Buyer's reasonable
discretion:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          4.1.   Upon execution of this Agreement, Seller shall order and
promptly deliver to Buyer when available a current "as-built" survey ("Survey")
which conforms to the A.L.T.A. Standards and Specifications for a Survey
covering the Land and the Improvements and otherwise in form sufficient to
permit deletion of the survey exception from the Owner's Policy and a
preliminary title report in the name of Buyer in the amount of the Policy
Amount, together with legible copies of all title exception documents shown
thereon covering the Property.  Approval by Buyer of exceptions to title and the
Survey shall be a condition precedent to Buyer's obligation to purchase the
Property.  In the event Buyer gives written notice that it disapproves the
exceptions to title shown on such preliminary title report, stating the
exceptions so disapproved, or the Survey, stating the items shown thereon so
disapproved, on or before the later of (1) fifteen (15) days following delivery
of the Survey, preliminary title report and title exception documents to Buyer
or (2) the expiration of the Review Period, Seller shall have thirty (30) days
after the applicable time period set forth in (1) and (2) above to take all
steps necessary to remove or correct any such objected-to items.  If Seller
shall be unable to remove or correct all such objected-to items on or before the
expiration of such thirty (30) day period, the obligation of Buyer to buy the
Property as herein provided shall terminate unless Buyer waives in writing its
disapproval.  Buyer's failure to give timely notice of disapproval of the
exceptions to title as set forth above shall be deemed to be Buyer's approval of
all such exceptions.  Buyer shall be responsible for causing any of the items
Seller has agreed to remove or correct, to be removed or corrected with Buyer to
receive a credit through escrow at the close of escrow for the cost and expense
incurred.

          4.2.   Promptly following full execution of this Agreement, Seller
shall deliver to Buyer, to the extent that Seller has in its possession or under
its control, and except as provided prior to the date hereof, the following
(collectively, the "Required Information").

                 4.2.1.  As-built plans and specifications for the Improvements,
all surveys, plans and specifications, including architectural plans, site plan,
floor plans, elevations, grading/drainage plan, sewer plan, water plan,
landscape plans, irrigation plan, street improvements plan, utility plan and
recorded parcel/tract map for the Property.

                 4.2.2.  Specification book with catalogue cuts listing the
manufacturer's address, model number and warranty information for any and all
appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, refrigeration, heating and air
conditioning components and other such fixtures and equipment.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                 4.2.3.  Soils report with copy of engineer's
certification of compliance.

                 4.2.4.  Copies of all certificates of occupancy for the
Improvements.

                 4.2.5.  Copies of all third party vendor contracts, including
copies of all certificates of insurance and insurance policies in effect.

                 4.2.6.  Copy of Seller's current business license for the
Property.

                 4.2.7.  Copies of all bills for real and personal property
taxes and assessments for the current and preceding three years.

                 4.2.8.  All tenant leases.

                 4.2.9.  Copies of environmental site assessments, including a
Phase I and Phase II environmental reports, covering the Property. If Seller
does not have the such reports, then Buyer will cause to have the same performed
and charge Seller for the costs of such reports through escrow. Buyer's approval
of such reports is a condition of Buyer's obligation to close escrow. Buyer
shall have until June 15, 1996 to obtain and approve such reports.

          4.3.   Until and including June 15, 1996 (the "Review Period"), Buyer
shall have the opportunity to review the Required Information and perform such
investigations, inquiries and feasibility studies as it deems appropriate to
decide whether the Property is acceptable to Buyer.  All costs and expenses in
connection with any such study or investigation shall be borne solely by Buyer.
Buyer's obligation to purchase the Property as herein provided shall be subject
to Buyer's inspection of the Property and approval of the foregoing items in its
sole discretion.  Seller shall provide access to the Property to Buyer and
Buyer's agents and consultants during normal business hours for the purpose of
conducting any such investigations, inquiries or feasibility studies.  Buyer
shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against all liability, claims,
demands, damages or costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from or
connected with Buyer's inspection of the Property.  If before the end of the
Review Period, Buyer does not deliver a written notice to Seller that the
Property is not acceptable to Buyer, this contingency of the Buyer is waived.

          4.4.   The truth and accuracy of each representation and warranty of
Seller contained herein as if made on and as of the Closing Date.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          4.5.   No material adverse change in the condition of the Property
from its condition as of the date of this Agreement.

          4.6.   Issuance of the Owner's Policy in the form provided in Section
3 above. Seller shall deliver to the Title Company such affidavits and
indemnities as are customarily requested by and furnished to the Title Company
to enable the Title Company to issue the Owner's Policy to Amreit No. 5805 free
of all exceptions to title other than the Permitted Exceptions.

          4.7.   Buyer obtaining approval for the transfer of the Property from
all current secured lenders who have a "due on sale" clause contained in the
deed of trust securing their loans.

          4.8.   Delivery by Seller to Buyer of signed and completed estoppel
certificates executed by each tenant of the Property certifying with respect to
its lease (i) that such lease is in full force and effect and has not been
modified or amended, except as described in the estoppel certificate, (ii) the
amount of rent payable under the lease, (iii) the amount of any security
deposit, (iv) the lease termination date, (v) the date through which the rent
has been paid, (vi) that no default on the part of Seller exists under the lease
to the best knowledge of the tenant and (vii) that such tenant claims no right
of offset against the landlord under the lease. The contents of such estoppel
certificate, as completed and signed must be consistent in all material respects
with the information contained in the copy of such tenant lease delivered to
Buyer by Seller pursuant to Subsection 4.2.8. above.

          4.9.   A limited partnership agreement for Amreit No. 5805 signed by
both Buyer and Seller.

          4.10.  The obtaining by American Equity Trust Inc. of approval to sell
shares by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the receipt
of sufficient money from the sale of shares to concurrently purchase the
Property, as described herein, as well as that certain property located at 1901
Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

          4.11.  Obtaining on or before Closing a commitment permitting the
assumption of the Imperial Bank loan by Amreit No. 5805 subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 5.3 or a commitment for a similar loan from
another lending institution on or before Closing.

          In the event the conditions set forth in Section 4 above shall not
have been satisfied within the time periods set forth herein, Buyer shall have
the right to terminate this Agreement and Buyer and Seller shall have no further
rights or obligations

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
hereunder.  Buyer shall have the option to waive any of the conditions contained
above, and in the event of any such waiver, such condition shall be deemed
satisfied for all purposes.

     5.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE.
          ---------------------------------------------------- 

          Seller's obligation to consummate the transaction contemplated
hereunder is subject to full satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

          5.1.   The delivery by Buyer to Escrow Holder the sum set forth in
Section 2.2, and any other funds required of Buyer.

          5.2.   The delivery to Seller of a limited partnership agreement for
Amreit No. 5805 signed by Buyer.

          5.3.   Imperial Bank release of Seller and its individual partners
from liability under the promissory note and deed of trust which imposes a lien
on the Property and secures the promissory note, and Buyer's assumption of the
promissory note and deed of trust. If Seller and its partners are not released
from liability under the promissory note and deed of trust, then Buyer shall
have the right to close escrow by paying cash and later obtaining new financing
in the amount of up to Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000) at the then prevailing
terms and conditions with the interest rate not to exceed 9.25% per annum.

     In the event the conditions set forth in Section 5 above shall not have
been satisfied within the time periods set forth herein, Seller shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement and Buyer and Seller shall have no further
rights or obligations hereunder. Seller shall have the option to waive any of
the conditions contained above, and in the event of any such waiver, such
condition shall be deemed satisfied for all purposes.

     6.   CLOSING.
          ------- 

          6.1.   The sale and purchase herein provided shall be consummated
through the Escrow Holder.  Escrow shall close on or before July 31, 1996 or
such later date if Seller and Buyer agree in writing.

          6.2.   At closing, Escrow Holder shall deliver to Amreit No. 5805:

                 6.2.1.  A Bill of Sale executed by Seller conveying to Buyer
the Personal Property and Intangible Property free and clear of any liens or
encumbrances and in form substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "C"
attached hereto and incorporated by reference.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                 6.2.2.  An assignment and assumption agreement executed by
Seller covering those contracts and leases Buyer has elected to assume in a form
substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "D" attached hereto and
incorporated by reference acceptable to Buyer;

                 6.2.3.  All books and records of the use, operations and
management of the Property;

                 6.2.4.  All keys (properly tagged) to the Property;

                 6.2.5.  The "FIRPTA Affidavit" (defined in Section 13), duly
executed by Seller in a form substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "E"
attached hereto and incorporated by reference.

                 6.2.6.  A certification dated as of the Closing Date confirming
the truth and accuracy of each representation and warranty of Seller contained
herein as if made on and as of the Closing Date;

                 6.2.7.  Internal Revenue Forms W-8 or W-9, as applicable, and
any form for compliance with any withholding laws of California; and

                 6.2.8.  Evidence of the authorization of Seller to execute and
deliver this Agreement and the documents and instruments to be executed by
Seller hereunder.

          6.3.   At closing, Escrow Holder shall deliver to Seller:

                 6.3.1.  The sum of $3,680,000 reduced by any net prorations in
favor of Buyer and increased by any net prorations in favor of Seller;

                 6.3.2.  An assignment and assumption agreement executed by
Buyer covering those contracts Buyer has elected to assume;

                 6.3.3.  A certified resolution of the Board of Directors of
Buyer authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the documents
and instruments to be executed by Buyer hereunder.

          6.4.   Escrow shall pay down the existing loan secured by the first
deed of trust to $8,000,000.  Buyer shall pay the costs, if any, of paying down
or paying off the Imperial Bank loan except to the extent of any assumption
fees, if the loan is assumed by Amreit No. 5805.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          6.5.   Title shall deliver to Buyer the Owner's Policy.

          6.6.   The Deed shall be delivered to Buyer by the Title Company
depositing the same for recordation in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable law, with instructions to record the same as required and thereafter
forward the same to Buyer at its address hereinafter specified in this
Agreement.

     7.   CLOSING COSTS AND PRORATIONS.
          ---------------------------- 

          Seller shall each pay one-half of the escrow fees and any other
recording fees.  Seller shall pay the premium for the Owner's Policy,
documentary and other transfer taxes and any other costs of Seller hereunder.
Buyer shall pay premiums for any special title endorsements requested by Buyer,
and any other costs of Buyer hereunder.  Seller and Buyer each shall pay their
own attorneys' fees.  Security deposits held by Seller shall be given to Buyer
by a credit at the Closing through escrow.  Prepaid insurance shall be prorated
at the Closing Date only if Buyer requests that existing insurance policies be
transferred to Buyer.  Operating expenses and utility charges shall be prorated
at the Closing Date.  Real property taxes shall be prorated as of the Closing
Date based upon the latest tax bill available.  If taxes are prorated on a basis
other than a tax bill for the tax year in which the Closing Date occurs, they
shall be again prorated as soon as the tax bill for said tax year becomes
available.  Buyer and Seller agree to prorate as of the Closing Date any taxes
assessed against the Property by a supplemental bill levied by reason of an
event occurring prior to the Closing Date.  All prorations at the Closing Date
shall be made as of 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date.


     8.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY SELLER.
          ---------------------------------------- 

          Effective as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date,
Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, to the best of Seller's
knowledge, without investigation of the general partner of Seller, or their
officers, directors or shareholders, and acknowledges that Buyer and Amreit No.
5805 are relying upon such representations and warranties in purchasing the
Property, as follows:

          8.1.   Seller has and on the Closing Date will have good and
marketable fee simple title to the Property, free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances except for the Permitted Exceptions and those encumbrances which
will be removed on the Closing Date by Seller; on the Closing Date there will be
no parties with any rights of possession in the Property other than Seller;
Seller and the persons signing this Agreement for Seller have the full right,
authority and power to sign this Agreement, to sell the

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Property, to perform all of Seller's obligations under this Agreement and to
sign and deliver all of the documents required to be signed and delivered by
Seller.  Seller has obtained, or will obtain prior to the Closing Date, all
consents and/or approvals required.

          8.2.   The Property is not in material violation of any applicable
federal, state, county or municipal land use, zoning, environmental or other
law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, administrative or judicial order
except as disclosed in writing on Exhibit "F", attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
 .

          8.3.   Seller has not received any notice of any proceedings in
condemnation, nor any written offer to purchase all or any part of the Property
in lieu of condemnation, nor of any contemplated zoning change or other action
by any governmental body, authority or agency that will in any way materially
affect the Property including, but not limited to, the size of, use of,
construction on or access to the Property.

          8.4.   Neither this Agreement nor the performance by Seller of its
obligations hereunder contravene any provision of any present judgment, order,
decree, writ or injunction or other proceeding.

          8.5.   Seller shall maintain and operate the Property until the
Closing Date in its present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, which
shall include maintaining existing policies of fire and casualty insurance on
the Property. The Improvements on the Property are in good operating condition,
reasonable wear and tear excepted.

          8.6.   There is no material defect in the physical condition of the
Property or any improvements constructed thereon and the improvements
constructed thereon, comply with all existing governmental seismic laws, rules,
regulations and construction standards except as disclosed in writing on Exhibit
"G", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

          8.7.   Except as set forth on Exhibit "H", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there is no litigation, dispute, action or
claim against or by any person, whether pending or threatened, which may have a
material adverse effect on the Property.

          8.8.   Except as set forth on Exhibit "I", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, Seller is not in material breach of any
obligation secured by the Property.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
          8.9.   Except as set forth on Exhibit "J", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there is no material default under any
agreement, contract, lease or other commitment, or any claim, demand,
litigation, proceedings or governmental investigation pending or threatened
against Seller, the Property, or related to the business or assets of the
Property, which would materially and adversely affect Seller or the Property.

          8.10.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "K", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, Seller has never used, manufactured, stored,
buried or disposed of hazardous waste, toxic substances or related materials
("Hazardous Materials") on the Property in violation of any applicable law.  For
purposes of this representation and warranty, Hazardous Materials shall include,
but shall not be limited to, the following:

                 8.10.1. Those substances included within the definitions of
hazardous substance, hazardous waste, hazardous material, toxic substance, solid
waste, or pollutant or contaminant in the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 CERCLA)[42 USCS (S) 9601 et seq.]; the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) [42 USCS (S)(S) 6901 et
seq.]; the Clean Water Act, also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (FWPCA) [33 USCS (S)(S) 1251 et seq.]; the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) [15 USCS (S)(S) 2601 et seq.]; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
(HMTA) [49 USCS (S)(S) 1801 et seq.] or under any other Environmental Law;

                 8.10.2. Those substances listed in the United States Department
of Transportation (DOT) Table [49 CFR (S) 172.101], or by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), or any successor agency, as hazardous substances [40
CFR Part 302];

                 8.10.3. Other substances, materials, and wastes which are
regulated or classified as hazardous or toxic under federal, state, or local
laws or regulations; and

                 8.10.4  Any material, waste, or substance which is (i) a
petroleum or refined petroleum product, (ii) asbestos, (iii) polychlorinated
biphenyl, (iv) designated as a hazardous substance pursuant to 33 USCS (S) 1321
or listed pursuant to 33 USCS (S) 1317, (v) a flammable explosive, or (vi) a
radioactive material.

          8.11.  The Property is free from underground storage tanks, asbestos
and polychlorinated biphenyls.

          8.12.  Seller and the Property are in material full compliance with
all federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of the
environment ("Environmental Laws")

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
and there is no civil, criminal or administrative action, suit, demand, claim,
hearing, notice of violation, investigation, proceeding, notice or demand letter
pending or threatened against Seller in respect of the Property or the
activities conducted thereon relating in any way to Environmental Laws.

          8.13.  The Property is not in a flood plain or a geologic special
studies zone.

          8.14.  Seller shall not do, commit, allow to be done or fail to do
anything that would have a material adverse effect on Seller's title to or
condition of the Property.

          8.15.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "L", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there are no restrictions on entrance to or
exit from the Property from the adjacent public streets that may have a material
adverse effect on the Property.

          8.16.  All of the information and documents delivered or to be
delivered to Buyer pursuant to Subsection 4.2. are and will be true, complete
and correct and do not and will not omit to state a material fact.

          8.17.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "M", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there are no material contracts affecting the
Property and there are no material contracts that shall be binding on Buyer
after the Closing Date which are not cancelable on not more than 60 days'
notice; and no services, material or work have been supplied by Seller's
contractors, subcontractors or materialmen with respect to the Property, of a
cost or value of over $5,000, for which payment has not been made, or will not
be made in full by the Closing Date except for the Seismic Contract specified
elsewhere in this Agreement.  If, subsequent to the Closing Date, any mechanic's
or other lien, charge, claim or order for the payment of money shall be filed
against the Property or against Buyer or Buyer's assigns, based upon any act or
omission, or alleged act or omission before or after the Closing Date, of
Seller, its agents, servants or employees, or any contractor, subcontractor or
materialman connected with construction or repairs made to the Property by or on
behalf of Seller (whether or not such lien, charge or order shall be valid or
enforceable as such), within 30 days after notice to Seller of the filing
thereof, Seller shall take such action, by bonding, deposit, payment or
otherwise, as will remove or satisfy such lien of record against the Property.
It is the understanding of Buyer and Seller that the obligations incurred for
materials or services provided before the Closing Date shall be paid by the
Seller; and obligations incurred for materials or services requested by the
Buyer and provided after the close of escrow shall be paid for by Buyer.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          8.18.  Seller is not a "foreign person" and is not subject to
withholding within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code.

          8.19.  The representations and warranties of Seller contained herein
shall be accurate and true in all material respects on the Closing Date as if
made on the Closing Date.

     9.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY BUYER.
          --------------------------------------- 

          Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

          9.1.   Buyer has full right, power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and all of Buyer's closing documents, to engage in the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to perform and observe all of
Buyer's obligations under this Agreement.

          9.2.   This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer
and is a legal, valid and binding instrument, enforceable against Buyer in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i)
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and (ii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law).

          9.3.   This Property will be purchased concurrently with the
acquisition of that certain property located at 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los
Angeles, California and will be purchased prior to the acquisition of any other
property pursuant to the public offering referred to in Section 4.10 above.

          9.4.   All representations and warranties made by the parties in this
Agreement or in any certificate, schedule, exhibit, statement, document or
instrument furnished hereunder or in connection with negotiation, execution and
performance of this Agreement shall survive the Closing Dated for a period of
three years.

     10.  DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.
          ----------------------- 

          If the Property is materially damaged or destroyed between the date of
this Agreement and the Closing Date, Buyer shall have the right, exercisable in
Buyer's sole discretion, within ten (10) days from the occurrence of the event
causing the damage or destruction, to:

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
          10.1.  Terminate this Agreement and neither party shall have any
further obligation or liability to the other;

          10.2.  Accept the Property in its then condition, in which event there
shall be credited against the Purchase Price any deductible which is payable
under all applicable insurance policies which provide insurance coverage for the
Property or Improvements and all proceeds of insurance payable to Seller by
reason of such damage shall be assigned and paid by Seller to Buyer and Buyer
shall have the sole right to negotiate and adjust any claim under such
insurance; or

                 Following notification of the existence of any damage or
destruction, Buyer's failure to affirmatively elect within the allotted time
period, shall be considered an election to terminate this Agreement under
Subsection 10.1. above.

     11.  CONDEMNATION.
          -------------

          If, prior to the Closing Date, all or any portion of the Property or
the means of ingress or egress thereon is taken by eminent domain (or is the
subject of a pending or contemplated taking which has not been consummated),
including, but not limited to, any land donation or public space requirements or
encumbrances on the Property requiring owner contributions, Seller shall
promptly notify Buyer of such fact and Buyer shall have the option to terminate
this Agreement upon notice to Seller given not later than 20 days after receipt
of Seller's notice and neither party shall have any further rights or
obligations hereunder.  If Buyer does not so elect to terminate this Agreement,
Seller shall assign and turn over, and Buyer shall be entitled to receive and
keep, all awards for the taking by eminent domain and Buyer's and Seller's
rights and obligations hereunder shall remain in full force and effect except as
to Seller's obligation to deliver to Buyer the portion of the Property so
condemned.

     12.  POSSESSION.
          ---------- 

          Possession of the Property, subject to the rights of Seller and the
tenants under the Leases, shall be delivered to Buyer on the Closing Date.

     13.  FIRPTA REQUIREMENTS.
          ------------------- 

          Seller shall take all actions as may be reasonable and necessary to
comply with Sections 897 and 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and any rules, regulations and orders which may be
promulgated thereunder, and in connection therewith, an authorized individual of
Seller shall execute and deliver to Escrow Holder prior to the Closing Date,

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
an affidavit in the form of Exhibit "E" attached hereto and made a part of this
Agreement (the "FIRPTA Affidavit").  In the event that Seller fails to provide
to Buyer, at or prior to the Closing Date, either (i) the FIRPTA Affidavit or
(ii) evidence satisfactory to Buyer's counsel that the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement is exempt from any taxes which may apply by reason of Section
897 of the Code, Buyer shall have the right to withhold ten percent of the
Purchase Price hereunder (the "Section 1445 Withholding"), and Buyer, or Escrow
Holder, shall hold and dispose of the Section 1445 Withholding in accordance
with the requirements of that Section.  The amount of the Section 1445
Withholding shall be credited against the cash balance of the Purchase Price
otherwise due and payable hereunder by Buyer to Seller at the Closing Date and
Seller shall have no recourse against Buyer therefore.  Seller shall, in
addition, comply with the appropriate California statutes concerning withholding
if Seller is non-California resident.

     14.  SELLER COMPLIANCE WITH REAL ESTATE REPORTING REQUIREMENT OF 1986 TAX
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
          REFORM ACT.
          ---------- 

          Seller shall comply with the real estate reporting requirement of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to file with the Internal Revenue
Service a Form 1099 or such other form acceptable to the Internal Revenue
Service.  Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer from and
against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from
failure to comply with such real estate reporting requirement.

     15.  HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INDEMNITY.
          ----------------------------- 

          15.1.  Seller shall indemnify, defend with counsel selected by Buyer,
protect and hold harmless Buyer, its directors, officers, employees, agents and
successors in ownership of the Property (collectively, "Indemnified Parties" or
singularly, "Indemnified Party") from and against all claims, actual damages,
injuries, costs, response costs, losses, demands, debts, liens, liabilities,
causes of action, suits, legal and administrative proceedings, interest, fines,
charges, penalties and expenses including without limit attorney's, engineers,
consultants' and expert witness fees and costs incurred in defending against any
of the foregoing or in enforcing this indemnity or paid, incurred or suffered by
any Indemnified Party, or asserted against the Property, directly or indirectly
arising from or attributable to (i) any breach by Seller of any of its
agreements, representations or warranties set forth herein in Section 8.10 or
(ii) any repair, cleanup, remediation, detoxification, closure or preparation
and implementation of any plan therefor undertaken by any Indemnified Party
concerning Hazardous Materials on, under or about the Property as a result

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
of breach of Section 8.10. hereof.  The foregoing indemnity shall apply whether
acts of any Indemnified Party are undertaken because of proceedings initiated by
any federal, state or other government authority or by any private legal
person(s).  Anything in the foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the
foregoing indemnity shall not apply to Hazardous Waste placed on, under or about
the Property before of after the date Buyer becomes entitled hereby to
possession of the Property except to the extent placed or permitted to be placed
thereon with the knowledge of the Seller.  The foregoing indemnity is intended
by the parties to be an agreement pursuant to Section 107(e) of CERCLA, 42
U.S.C. Section 9607(e), and the similar applicable California statutes.

          15.2.  The indemnification set forth in this Section 15 shall be the
sole and exclusive remedy of Buyer with respect to the inaccuracy, untruth,
incompleteness or breach of or failure to perform any representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement set forth herein or in any certificate, schedule,
statement, document or instrument furnished hereunder or in connection with
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and with respect to any
act, conduct, omission, contract or commitment of Buyer at any time or times on
or before or after the Closing Date.  Seller shall have no liability to
indemnify Buyer hereunder for any circumstances whatsoever unless Seller
receives written notice specifically setting forth Buyer's claim for
indemnification together with all facts and circumstances supporting such claim
no later than 36 months after the date of this Agreement.

     16.  NOTICES.
          ------- 

          All notices, demands or requests made pursuant to, under or by virtue
of this Agreement must be in writing and delivered personally or mailed postage
prepaid by registered or certified mail or sent by Federal Express, return
receipt requested, addressed as follows:

          To Seller:     Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.
                         5805 Sepulveda Boulevard
                         Suite  601
                         Van Nuys, California 91411
                         Attention: Mr. Ari Steinbeck

          With a copy to:

                         Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp
                         11377 West Olympic Boulevard
                         Los Angeles, California 90064
                         Attention:  David Newman, Esq.
 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
          To Buyer:      American Equity Trust, Inc.
                         2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
                         El Segundo, California  90245
                         Attention: Dois Brock

          With a copy to:

                         Fainsbert, Mase,& Snyder
                         11835 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1100
                         Los Angeles, California 90064
                         Attention:  Stephen B. Fainsbert

Any party may designate a different address by notice similarly given.  Any
notice, demand or document so given, delivered or made by United States mail
shall be deemed to have been given or delivered or made on the third business
day following the day on which the same is deposited in the United States mail
as registered or certified mail, addressed as above provided, with postage
thereon fully prepaid.  Any such notice, demand or document not given, delivered
or made by registered or certified mail as aforesaid, shall be deemed to be
given, delivered or made on receipt of the same by the party to whom the same is
to be given, delivered or made.


     17.  INDEMNIFICATION.
          --------------- 

          17.1.  Buyer shall hold harmless, indemnify and defend Seller from and
against:  (1) any and all claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any
way related to the Property and arising or accruing on or after the Closing
Date, or in any way related to or arising from any act, conduct, omission,
contract or commitment of Buyer at any time or times on or before or after the
Closing Date; (2) all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, related to
any actions, suits or judgments incident to any of the foregoing and any and all
claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any way related to Buyer's and
its affiliates sales of securities to the public, any prospectus or disclosure
documents distributed to the public and/or filed with the SEC of any securities
exchange (including NASDAQ), and any and all other matters arising out of or
relating to securities matters involving Buyer's and its affiliates securities.
Seller shall notify Buyer of any such claim against Seller within 30 days after
it has notice of such claim, but failure to notify Buyer shall in no case
prejudice the rights of Seller under this Agreement unless Buyer shall be
prejudiced by such failure and then only to the extent of such prejudice.

          17.2.  Seller shall hold harmless, indemnify and defend Buyer from and
against:  (1) any and all claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any
way related to the Property

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
(including but not limited to its operations and management) and arising or
accruing before the Closing Date, or in any way related to or arising from any
act, conduct, omission, contract or commitment of Seller at any time or times on
or before the Closing Date; and (2) all costs and expenses, including attorneys'
fees, related to any actions, suits or judgments incident to any of the
foregoing.  Buyer shall notify Seller of any such claim against Buyer within 30
days after it has notice of such claim, but failure to notify Seller shall in no
case prejudice the rights of Buyer under this Agreement unless Seller shall be
prejudiced by such failure and then only to the extent of such prejudice. The
indemnification set forth in this Section 17 shall be the sole and exclusive
remedy of Buyer with respect to the inaccuracy, untruth, incompleteness or
breach of or failure to perform any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement set forth herein or in any certificate, schedule, statement, document
or instrument furnished hereunder or in connection with negotiation, execution
and performance of this Agreement and with respect to any act, conduct,
omission, contract or commitment of Buyer at any time or times on or before or
after the Closing Date.  Seller shall have no liability to indemnify Buyer
hereunder for any circumstances whatsoever unless Seller receives written notice
specifically setting forth Buyer's claim for indemnification together with all
facts and circumstances supporting such claim no later than 36 months after the
date of this Agreement.

          17.3.  The covenants and provisions of this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 15 and this Section 17,
shall survive the closing of the transaction herein contemplated and the
delivery of the deed by Seller to Buyer for a period of three years.

          17.4.  The General Instructions of Hermosa Escrow Co. shall be
attached hereto as Exhibit "M".


     18.  LIMITATION OF SELLER'S LIABILITY
          --------------------------------

     Seller shall have no liability with respect to the matters described herein
until the total of all claims and losses thereunder exceeds $50,000 and then
only for the amount by which such claims and losses exceeds $50,000. In no event
shall the aggregate liability of Seller be in excess of $1,000,000. To the
extent that any loss is covered by insurance and insurance proceeds are actually
received, then any claim against Seller shall be offset by the insurance
proceeds actually received by Buyer, except if the insurance company has any
rights of subrogation and such rights are exercised, or to the extent of any
recovery from other sources, after costs and/or attorneys fees incurred in such
recovery are deducted.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
     19.  MISCELLANEOUS.
          ------------- 

          19.1.  Best knowledge.  The phrase "Best Knowledge of the Seller" or a
                 --------------                                                 
phrase of similar import, when used herein, shall mean the best knowledge , with
out investigation, of the general partner of Seller or its officers, directors
or shareholders.

          19.2.  Successors and Assigns.  The terms, covenants, conditions,
                 ----------------------                                    
representations and warranties, contained herein shall be binding on and inure
to the benefit of the heirs, successors and assigns of the respective parties
hereto.  It is specifically understood and agreed that benefits of terms,
covenants, conditions, representations and warranties contained in this
agreement shall be assigned and inure to the benefit of Amreit No. 5805.

          19.3.  Attorneys' Fees.  Should it become necessary for any party to
                 ---------------                                              
this Agreement, or someone acting on their behalf, to incur costs and expenses
to retain the services of an attorney to enforce this Agreement, or any portion
thereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the others
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees thereby expended, for which liability is
incurred.

          19.4.  Real Estate Commission. Buyer represents and warrants to Seller
                 ----------------------
and Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that no broker has been engaged by
it in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement other than
Richardson Properties who shall receive a real estate commission in the amount
of $240,000 on condition that this acquisition is completed in accordance with
its terms and conditions. Seller covenants and agrees to pay any commission due
to such brokers. Each party shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless
the other party, including reasonable attorney's fees, in respect of any breach
of such representation and warranty.

          19.5.  Severability.  The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability
                 ------------                                                  
of any provision of this Agreement shall in no way affect the validity of any
other provision of this Agreement.  In the event that any provision of this
Agreement is contrary to any present or future statute, law, ordinance, or
regulation, the latter shall prevail, but in any such event the provisions of
this Agreement affected shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent
necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law.

          19.6.  California.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
                 ----------                                                    
in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
          19.7.  Waiver.  The waiver or failure to enforce any provision of this
                 ------                                                         
Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any future breach of such provision
or any other provision hereof.

          19.8.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                 ------------                                                  
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, and
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.

          19.9.  Review; Interpretation.  Each party to this Agreement has
                 ----------------------                                   
carefully reviewed this Agreement, is familiar with the terms and conditions
herein, and was advised by legal counsel of his or its own choice with respect
thereto.  This Agreement is the product of negotiation among the parties hereto
and is not to be interpreted or construed against any party hereto.

          19.10. Headings; Constructions.  The headings which have been used
                 -----------------------                                    
throughout this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only
and do not constitute matter to be construed in interpreting this Agreement.
Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and construed to
include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to
include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.  The
words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder" and other similar compounds of the word
"here" when used in this Agreement shall refer to the entire Agreement and not
to any particular provision or section.  If the last day of any time period
stated herein shall fall on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, then the
duration of such time period shall be extended so that it shall end on the next
succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

          19.11. Time of the Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Agreement
                 -------------------                                           
and of the obligations of the parties to purchase and sell the Property, it
being acknowledged and agreed by and between the parties that any delay in
effecting a closing pursuant to this Agreement may result in loss or damage to
the party in full compliance with its obligations hereunder.

          19.12. Further Acts.  In addition to the acts recited in this
                 ------------                                          
Agreement to be performed by Seller and Buyer, Seller and Buyer agree to perform
or cause to be performed on or before the Closing Date any and all such further
acts consistent with the terms of this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary
to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby.

          19.13. Entire Agreement; Amendments.  This Agreement contains all of
                 ----------------------------                                 
the terms agreed upon between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.  This Agreement may not be changed, modified or terminated, except by an
instrument executed by the parties hereto.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
          19.14. Confidentiality.  Neither party to this Agreement shall 
                 ---------------                                        
disclose any of the terms of this transaction or any information gathered with
respect to this transaction except to such party's attorneys, accountants or
other consultants as may be required to enable such consultants to perform the
activities contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, or except as compelled
by process of law.

          19.15. Best Efforts.  Seller shall use its best efforts to procure
                 ------------                                               
any and all necessary consents, approvals, and/or authorizations in connection
with the sale of the Property
including, but not limited to, such  consents and approvals from the Bankruptcy
court.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


BUYER:                            SELLER:
American Equity Trust             Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.
Operating Partnership,            a California limited partnership
a Delaware limited
partnership


By/s/ Arthur P. Herring           By /s/ Jay Steinbeck
  ---------------------              -----------------

Date: 6/7/96, 1996                Date: 6/7/96, 1996
      ------                            ------           

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"

                               LEGAL DESCRIPTION

                             [To be inserted later]
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"

                           LIST OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"


                                  BILL OF SALE
 
Recitals
Section       1.   Transfer
Section       2.   Seller's Covenants
Section       3.   Attorney Fees
Section       4.   Governing Law
Exhibit       A.   Legal Description
Exhibit       B.   Personal Property
 

                           ************************

  This Bill of Sale ("Bill of Sale") is executed as of ________________, 1996
by Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. a California limited partnership ("Seller") in favor
of American Equity Trust Operating Partnership L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("Purchaser").


                                    RECITALS

  A.  Seller and Purchaser have entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale
dated ("Purchase Agreement"), in which Purchaser has agreed to purchase
improved real property located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys,
California consisting of that certain eight story office building containing
approximately 88,500 rentable square feet (the "Building"), more particularly
described in attached Exhibit A, incorporated in this Bill of Sale.

  B.  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Seller has agreed to transfer to
Purchaser all Seller's rights in fixtures, furnishings, equipment, appliances,
machinery, tools and other personal property of every kind and character
(collectively "Personal Property") owned by Seller and currently attached to,
located on or used in connection with the operation and maintenance of the
Improvements on the Land which personal property is described in Exhibit B,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

  For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are
hereby acknowledged, Seller agrees as follows:


                             SECTION 1.  TRANSFER.

  Seller transfers to Purchaser all of Seller's right, title, and interest in
the Personal Property.


                        SECTION 2.  SELLER'S COVENANTS.

  Seller covenants to Purchaser that Seller has good and
<PAGE>
 
marketable title to the Personal Property, free of all liens, and has the right
to transfer the Personal Property.  Seller further agrees that Seller will
defend Purchaser's title to the Personal Property against the demands of anyone
claiming through Seller.


                           SECTION 3.  ATTORNEY FEES.

  If any suit or action is instituted to enforce the rights of either party
under this Bill of Sale, the successful party, as adjudicated by a court, shall
be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and court costs.


                           SECTION 4.  GOVERNING LAW.

  This Assignment shall be governed and construed in accordance with California
law.


  Seller has executed this Bill of Sale as of the date first above written.

BUYER:                                SELLER:
American Equity Trust                 Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.
Operating Partnership,                a California limited partnership
a Delaware limited
partnership


By /s/ Arthur P. Herring              By /s/ Ari Steinbeck
  ------------------------------      --------------------------------    
       Arthur P. Herring                     Ari Steinbeck
                                      Assistant to General Partner
           
Date:  June 7, 1996                   Date:  June 7, 1996
     ---------------------------           ---------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "D"


              ASSIGNMENT OF LESSOR'S INTEREST IN LEASES SECURITY,

             AND OTHER DEPOSITS, SERVICE CONTRACTS AND WARRANTIES.


  THIS ASSIGNMENT, made and effective as of ____________, 1996, by and between
Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd. a California limited partnership (hereinafter
referred to as "Assignor"), and American Equity Trust  Operating Partnership
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter referred to as "Assignee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H
                              - - - - - - - - - -

  WHEREAS, Assignor has this day conveyed the real property (the "Property")
located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California consisting of that
certain eight story office building containing approximately 88,500 rentable
square feet and legally described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.

  WHEREAS, Assignor, as lessor, has heretofore entered in the lease and/or
tenancy agreements ("Leases") with third party tenants covering portions of
space on the Property, and Assignor is the present owner of all right, title and
interest in the lessor under the terms of such Leases; and

  WHEREAS,  Assignor has also entered into certain service agreements with third
parties affecting all or a portion of the Premises, certain lease agreements,
and Assignor is the present owner of all right, title and interest of the owner
of the Property under the terms of such service agreements as well as the
leases; and

  WHEREAS, Assignor desires to convey all of its right, title and interest in
and to such Leases (and all security and other deposits for such leases) and
service agreements to Assignee;

  WHEREAS, Assignor desires to convey all of its right, title and interest in
and to such leases (all security and other deposits for such leases) and service
agreements to Assignee;

  NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00)
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, Assignor does hereby GRANT, BARGAIN, SELL, CONVEY,
ASSIGN, TRANSFER, SET OVER and DELIVER unto Assignee its successors and assigns,
all of Assignor's right, title and interest in and to any service contracts,
leases and security deposits or other deposits, including, without limitation,
all of the rights, powers, estates and privileges of lessor in, to and under the
leases and rent to accrue thereunder, and all rights of reversion and all of the
rights and benefits of every description whatsoever belonging to or
<PAGE>
 
accruing to the benefit of the lessor in said leases and to the owner of the
Property under the service agreements, as well as any warranties it received
from any of the work of improvement on said Property, as well as any warranties
for any of the furniture, fixtures and equipment on said real property.

  It is understood and agreed that, by its execution hereof, Assignee hereby
assumes and agrees to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions of the
leases herein assigned on the part of the lessor therein required to be
performed arising from and after the date hereof, including, but not limited to,
the obligation to repay, in accordance with the terms of such leases, to such
lessees, all security and pet deposits actually received by Assignee and
required to be repaid by the terms thereof or by law.

  Assignor covenants and agrees to discharge any and all obligations of the
lessor under any leases, any of Assignor's obligations under any service
contracts herein assigned where the obligation arose prior to ____________,
1996.

  It is understood and agreed that, by its execution hereof, Assignee hereby
assumes and agrees to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions of the
service contracts which it agrees to assume arising from and after the effective
date hereof and in connection therewith, to discharge any and all such
obligations of Assignor under said contract promptly, and to indemnify, save and
hold harmless Assignor from any and all liability, claims or causes of action
existing in favor of or asserted by other parties to said contracts, arising out
of or relating to Assignee's failure to perform any of the obligations of
Assignor under the service contracts arising after the effective date hereof.

  All of the covenants, terms and conditions set forth herein shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective successors
and assigns.

BUYER:                                SELLER:
American Equity Trust                 Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.
Operating Partnership,                a California limited partnership
a Delaware limited
partnership

By /s/ Arthur P. Herring              By /s/ Ari Steinbeck
  ------------------------------      --------------------------------    
       Arthur P. Herring                     Ari Steinbeck
                                        Chief Financial Officer    

Date:  June 7, 1996                   Date: June 7, 1996
     ---------------------------           --------------------------



                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "E"


                       AFFIDAVIT OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS BY
                               ENTITY TRANSFEROR
                                 (SECTION 1445)



Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that a transferee of a U.S.
real property interest must withhold tax if the transferor is a foreign person.
To inform the transferee that withholding tax is not required upon the
disposition of a U.S. real property interest by Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd., a
California limited partnership ("Sepulveda Hatteras"), the undersigned hereby
certifies the following on behalf of Sepulveda Hatteras:

  1. The common address of the real property that reflects or includes the U.S.
real property interest which is the subject of this affidavit is

     1901 Sepulveda Boulevard 
     Van Nuys, California

  2. Sepulveda Hatteras is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership,
foreign trust, or foreign estate (as those terms are defined In the Internal
Revenue Code and the Income Tax Regulations).

  3. The U.S. employer identification number of Sepulveda Hatteras is
     95-3857856.
     -----------

  4. The office address of Sepulveda Hatteras is 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite
601, Van Nuys, California 91411.

          Sepulveda Hatteras understands that this affidavit may be disclosed to
the Internal Revenue Service by the transferee and that any false statement
contained herein could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

  Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this affidavit and
to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct, and complete, and I
further declare that I have authority to sign thIs document on behalf of
Sepulveda Hatteras.

Dated:

                                        SEPULVEDA HATTERAS, LTD.

                                            
                                         By: /s/ Ari Steinbeck
                                             -----------------------------
                                                   Ari Steinbeck
                                             Assistant to General Partner
                 
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "F"

                      MATERIAL VIOLATIONS OF VARIOUS LAWS


Property may not be in conformance with ADA requirements.

Property may not be in conformance with local and State disabled access
requirements.

Property is not in conformance with City of Los Angeles Seismic requirements.
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "G"

                            LIST OF MATERIAL DEFECTS


Small leaks may occur throughout the curtain wall. 

Air Compressor problems may occur during the summer months.

Seismic damage may occur during earthquakes (as it has in the past).

Heating ceiling tiles may be defective.
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT "H"

                         LITIGATION, DISPUTES OR CLAIMS


We are investigating the possibility of litigation with contractors, engineers
and architects that originally constructed the building.
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "I"

                   BREACH OF ANY OBLIGATION ON THE PROPERTY
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "J"

                           DEFAULTS UNDER AGREEMENTS


Mishel, Trock & Associates are currently more than 60 days behind in their rent
payments
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "K"

               EXCEPTIONS TO HAZARDOUS WASTE REPRESENTATIONS AND
                                   WARRANTIES

20 gallons of coil cleaner - phosphoric acid and/or hydrofloric acid

20 gallons of degreaser - butycellosolbe

1 quart of potasium hydroxide

1 quart of butoxyethenol 

two cases of spray paint 

oil based paint 

water based paint

large quantities of freon inside the A/C system 

20 gallons of diesel fuel

air compressor oil 

motor oil 

paint thinner 

coleman fuel 

polycel insulating foam

household oil 

anti-freeze 

roof cement 

silicone caulking 

paint thinner 

Simple Green
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "L"

                 RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRANCE OR EXIT FROM PROPERTY


There is no left turn when exiting the building on Sepulveda Blvd.
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "M"

                        CONTRACTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY


Elevator repair contract with Fujitec for 5 years 

Management contract with Insignia Commercial Group for 1 year
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF HERMOSA ESCROW CO., INC.]


                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

                                     BUYER

   I agree to pay on demand all pro-rated adjustments chargeable to me, charges
for recording deed, for notary fees on documents executed by me, for completing
documents, cost of recording documents necessary on my part to complete this
escrow, title company charges, if any, for showing title vested in me and
Buyer's escrow fee as charged.

                                    SELLER

   You will, as my agent, assign any insurance of mine if prorated in this
escrow, instruct the Title Company to begin search of title at once. I agree to
pay on demand charges and expenses incurred by you for me, charges for assurance
of title, for sending in offset and/or Beneficiaries Statement and/or demands,
acknowledging documents executed by me, my conveyance and recording charges, and
transfer of insurance, if prorated, and seller's escrow fee as charged.

                 ADDITIONAL ESCROW CONDITIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

   1. It is mutually understood and agreed by all the parties to this escrow,
jointly and severally, all funds received in this escrow shall be deposited with
a State or Federal bank with other escrow funds and all disbursements shall be
made by your check. You are hereby authorized to deposit any funds or documents
handed you under these escrow instructions, or cause the same to be deposited,
with any duly authorized sub-escrow agent, subject to your order at or prior to
close of escrow, in the event such deposit shall be necessary or convenient for
the consummation of this escrow.

   2. It is agreed by the parties hereto that so far as your rights and
liabilities are involved, this transaction is an escrow and not any other legal
relation and you are an escrow holder only on the foregoing expressed terms, and
you shall have no responsibility of notifying me or any of the parties of this
escrow of any sale, resale, loan, exchange, or other transaction involving any
property herein described or any profit by any person, firm or corporation
(broker, agent, and parties to this and/or any other escrow included) in
connection therewith, regardless of the fact that such transaction(s) may be
handled by you in this escrow or in another escrow. You shall not be responsible
or liable in any manner whatsoever for the sufficiency or correctness as to
form, manner of execution or validity of any documents deposited in escrow, nor
as to the identity, authority or rights of any person executing the same, either
as to document of record or those handled in this escrow. Your duties hereunder
shall be limited to the safekeeping of such money and documents received by you
as escrow holder, and for the disposition of the same in accordance with the
written instructions accepted by you in this escrow. You shall not be required
to take any action in connection with the collection, maturity or apparent
outlaw of any obligations, deposited in this escrow, unless otherwise
instructed. You shall not be liable for any of your acts or omissions done in
good faith, nor for any claims, demands, losses or damages made, claimed or
suffered by any party to this escrow, excepting such as may arise through or be
caused by your willful neglect or gross misconduct.

    3. Seller guarantees and you shall be fully protected in assuming that, as
to any insurance policies handed you, each policy is in force, has not been
hypothecated, and that all necessary premiums therefore have been paid. In the
event existing fire insurance policy is not acceptable to any new lending
institution, or should buyer elect to provide new insurance, you are instructed
to cause existing fire policy to be returned to seller.

    4. Deliver assurances of title, if requested, and insurance policies, if 
any, to holder of senior encumbrance or his order, or if there be no 
encumbrances, then to the buyer or his order.  Mail, unregistered, all documents
and funds to the respective parties.  Our signatures on any documents and 
instructions pertaining to this escrow indicated our unconditional approval of 
same.

    5. In the event that conditions of this escrow have not been complied with
at the expiration of the time provided for herein, you are instructed,
nevertheless, to complete the same at any time thereafter as soon as the
conditions (except as to time) have been complied with, unless any of us shall
have made written demand upon you for the return of money or documents deposited
by him. We, jointly and severally, agee that in the event of cancellation we
shall pay you a sum sufficient to pay you for any expense which you have
incurred pursuant to the foregoing instructions, and a reasonable cancellation
fee for services rendered by you, said expenses and fees to be put in escrow
before cancellation is effective.

    6. All notices, demands and instructions must be in writing. In the event
 conflicting demands are made or served upon you or any ???? third person
 growing out of or relating to this escrow, you shall have the absolute????


 
<PAGE>
 
                         LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
 
                                       OF
                                        
                                AMREIT N0. 5805
                       A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



          This Limited Partnership Agreement of AMREIT N0. 5805, a California
limited partnership ("Agreement"), is made and entered into effective as of June
7, 1996, by and between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, as the General Partner, and Sepulveda Hatteras,
Ltd., a California limited partnership ("Sepulveda Hatteras"), as the Limited
Partner.  The General Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras may be referred to in this
Agreement collectively as the "Partners" and individually as a "Partner."


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

     1.1  GLOSSARY OF TERMS

          Certain terms and words used in this Agreement shall have the meaning
set forth in the Glossary of Terms attached to this Agreement as Exhibit "1" and
made a part hereof.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                  ORGANIZATION

     2.1  AGREEMENT

          The Partners hereby join together to establish a limited partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the California Revised Limited Partnership Act
(the "Act") and they now enter into this Agreement to establish the rights,
duties and obligations of the Partners and the limited liability of Sepulveda
Hatteras.

     2.2  PARTNERSHIP NAME

          The name of the Partnership shall be AMREIT NO. 5805, a California
limited partnership (the "Partnership").

     2.3  PLACE OF BUSINESS

          The mailing and business office address of the Partnership shall be
2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110, El Segundo, California 90245.  The Partnership
address may be changed from time to time by the General Partner in its sole
discretion after providing written notice thereof to Sepulveda Hatteras.

     2.4  TERM

          The term of this Partnership shall commence on the date of this
Agreement and shall continue thereafter until December 31, 2006, unless sooner
terminated pursuant to this Agreement.

     2.5  REQUIRED OR PERMITTED FILINGS

          Promptly following the execution of this Agreement by the Partners,
the General Partner shall cause to be prepared and filed a Certificate of
Limited Partnership (Form LP-1) with the California Secretary of State and 
<PAGE>
 
such other documents that may be required or permitted for the Partnership to be
formed and conduct business consistent with the purposes of this Partnership.
The name and address of the initial agent for service of process of the
Partnership shall be designated and may be changed from time to time by the
General Partner, in its sole discretion after providing written notice thereof
to Sepulveda Hatteras.

     2.6  PURPOSES

          The principal purposes of the Partnership are:

          (a) To operate for the production of rental income that certain parcel
of real property, improved with a Class A office building of approximately
88,500 gross leasable square feet, located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van
Nuys, California, and legally described as set forth in Exhibit "2" attached to
this Agreement and made a part hereof (the "Property") and related purposes.

          (b) To hold the Property for investment and long term appreciation.

          (c) To ultimately realize appreciation of the Property through the
sale, exchange or other disposition of the Property.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                   MEMBERSHIP
                                        
     3.1  GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner of this Partnership is American Equity Trust
Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.  The address,
Capital Contribution and Partner Percentage of the General Partner is set forth
on Exhibit "3" attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof, the original
of which and any amendments or supplements thereto shall be kept at the
principal place of business of the Partnership.

     3.2  LIMITED PARTNERS

          The initial Limited Partner of this Partnership is Sepulveda Hatteras,
Ltd., a California limited partnership.  The address, Capital Contribution and
Partner Percentage of Sepulveda Hatteras is set forth on Exhibit "3" attached to
this Agreement and made a part hereof, the original of which and any amendments
or supplements thereto shall be kept at the principal place of business of the
Partnership.

     3.3  ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL PARTNERS

          Except as set forth in this Agreement, additional General Partners or
Limited Partners may be admitted to the Partnership only with the written
consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

                                 ARTICLE IV
                             CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
                                        
     4.1  CONTRIBUTION TO INITIAL CAPITAL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner shall contribute the sum of $2,720,000.00 plus its
undivided sixty nine and seven-tenths percent (69.7%) interest in the Property
to the Initial Capital of the Partnership as its Capital Contribution for an
initial Partner Percentage of eighty percent (80%), on the following terms and
conditions:

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  The General Partner shall cause its interest in the Property to
be contributed to the Partnership by a recordable form of grant deed in favor of
the Partnership conveying title to the Property free and clear of all trust
deeds, mortgages, land contracts, leases, tenancies, delinquent property taxes,
assessments, covenants, conditions, reservations, restrictions, rights, rights
of way and easements, except those title exceptions acceptable to the General
Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (b)  The Partnership shall not be obligated to accept the Property,
unless, concurrently therewith, the Partnership is furnished with a policy of
title insurance in such form, with such liability and with such exceptions
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (c)  The General Partner shall receive a Capital Contribution of
$6,400,000.00 consisting of $2,720,000.00 of cash and $3,680,000.00 representing
the General Partner's share of the Agreed Equity in the Property.  The Agreed
Equity is based on an agreed fair market value of $16,000,000.00 for the entire
Property, reduced by the debt balance of approximately $10,720,000.00 in favor
of Imperial Bank (before the pay down of $2,720,000.00 by the Partnership),
multiplied by the General Partner's undivided sixty nine and seven-tenths
percent (69.7%) interest in the Property.

          (d)  The formation of this Partnership is subject to and contingent
upon the Partners owning the undivided interest in the Property set forth above
sufficient to contribute to the Initial Capital of the Partnership.
 
     4.2  CONTRIBUTION TO INITIAL CAPITAL BY SEPULVEDA HATTERAS

          Sepulveda Hatteras shall contribute its undivided thirty and three-
tenths percent (30.3%) interest in the Property to the Initial Capital of the
Partnership as its Capital Contribution for an initial Partner Percentage of
twenty percent (20%), on the following terms and conditions:

          (a)  Sepulveda Hatteras shall contribute its interest in the Property
to the Partnership by executing and delivering a recordable form of grant deed
in favor of the Partnership conveying title to the Property free and clear of
all trust deeds, mortgages, land contracts, leases, tenancies, delinquent
property taxes, assessments, covenants, conditions, reservations, restrictions,
rights, rights of way and easements, except those title exceptions acceptable to
the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (b)  The Partnership shall not be obligated to accept the Property,
unless, concurrently therewith, the Partnership is furnished with a policy of
title insurance in such form, with such liability and with such exceptions
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (c)  Sepulveda Hatteras shall receive a Capital Contribution of
$1,600,000.00 representing Sepulveda Hatteras' share of the Agreed Equity in the
Property.  The Agreed Equity is based on an agreed fair market value of
$16,000,000.00 for the entire Property, reduced by the existing debt balance of
$10,720,000.00 in favor of Imperial Bank (before the pay down of $2,720,000.00
by the Partnership), multiplied by Sepulveda Hatteras' undivided thirty and
three-tenths percent (30.3%) interest in the Property .

     4.3  ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CALL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner shall contribute any additional funds needed to
meet the reasonable needs of the Partnership.  Sepulveda Hatteras shall not be
required to make any additional Capital Contributions.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     4.4  WITHDRAWAL OF CAPITAL

          No Partner shall have the right to withdraw or receive a return of any
Capital Contributions and no Capital Contribution may be returned in the form of
property other than cash, except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement.

     4.5  LIMITED LIABILITY.

          Sepulveda Hatteras shall not have any personal liability for
liabilities or obligations of the Partnership in excess of its contributions to
the capital of the Partnership.


     4.6  INTEREST ON CAPITAL

          No Partner shall be entitled to receive any interest on his Capital
Contributions or on any positive Capital Account balance, except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE V
                         DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

     5.1  DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

          Cash Flow From Operations, if any, shall be distributed as follows:

          (a)  First, a preferred return to the General Partner in an amount
equal to a cumulative, non-compounded, ten and one-half percent (10.5%) per
annum return on its Net Capital Contributions, pro rated daily.

          (b)  Next, a preferred return to Sepulveda Hatteras (and to the
General Partner on a pro rata basis to the extent that the General Partner has
received any portion of Sepulveda Hatteras' interest pursuant to Paragraph 10.6)
in an amount equal to a cumulative, non-compounded, eight percent (8%) per annum
return on its Net Capital Contributions, prorated daily.

          (c)  Thereafter, the balance of Cash Flow From Operations shall be
distributed to the Partners as follows:

               (1)  Fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner;

               (2)  Fifty percent (50%) to Sepulveda Hatteras.


     5.2  DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING

          Cash Flow From Sale or Refinancing, if any, shall be distributed to
the Partners as follows:

          (a)  First, to the General Partner in an amount equal to any unpaid
preferred return under Paragraphs 5.1(a) and 5.1(b).

          (b)  Next, to Sepulveda Hatteras in an amount equal to any unpaid
preferred return under Paragraph 5.1(b).

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  Next, to the General Partner in an amount equal to the sum of
$2,720,000 plus any Net Capital Contributions made by the General Partner
subsequent to its Capital Contributions to Initial Capital.

          (d)  Next, to the Partners on a pro rata basis to the extent of their
Net Capital Contribution balances.

          (e)  Thereafter, any remaining Cash Flow From Sale or Refinancing
shall be distributed fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner and fifty
percent (50%) to Sepulveda Hatteras.

     5.3  ALLOCATION OF LOSSES

          Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 below,
Operating Losses and Losses From Sale shall be allocated to the Partners pro
rata in accordance with their Partner Percentages.

     5.4  ALLOCATION OF PROFITS

     Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 below, Operating
Profits and Gain from Sale shall be allocated as follows:

          (a)  First, to the Partners pro rata in accordance with their Partner
Percentages to the extent of any losses previously allocated to the Partners
under Paragraph 5.3 above and not previously recouped under this Paragraph
5.4(a).

          (b)  Thereafter, fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner and fifty
percent (50%) to Sepulveda Hatteras.

     PARAGRAPHS 5.5 AND 5.6 ARE DELETED AND INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

     5.7  ALLOCATION OF NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS; MINIMUM GAIN CHARGEBACK

          (a)  Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable year of the Partnership
shall be allocated in the same manner as Operating Losses are allocated under
subparagraph 5.3(b), above.

          (b)  To the extent of the Nonrecourse Deductions allocated for any
taxable year of the Partnership pursuant to subparagraph 5.7(a), above, any
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year or other period shall be
specially allocated to the General Partner or Limited Partner who bears the
economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Liability to which
such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with
Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1).

          (c)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article 5, if there
is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain (as defined in the Treasury
Regulations) during any Partnership fiscal year, each General Partner and
Sepulveda Hatteras shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and
gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to
the greater of (i) the portion of such Partner's share of the net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Regulations Section
1.704-2, that is allocable to the disposition of Partnership Property subject to
Nonrecourse Liabilities, or (ii) if such Partner would otherwise have a deficit
in his Capital Account at the end of such year that exceeds his share of Minimum
Gain, an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess deficit. Allocations
pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective
amounts required to be allocated to each respective Partner pursuant thereto.
The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Section
1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. This Paragraph 5.7(c) is intended to comply
with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in such Section of the Regulations
and shall 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
be interpreted consistently therewith. To the extent permitted by such
Section of the Regulations and for the purposes of this Paragraph 5.7(c) only,
each Partner's Capital Account Deficit shall be determined prior to any other
allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.7 with respect to such fiscal year and
without regard to any net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain during such fiscal
year.

          (d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 5 except
Paragraph 5.7(c), if there is a net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain
attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Liability during any Partnership fiscal
year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Minimum Gain attributable to
such Partner Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-
2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for
such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to the
greater of (i) the portion of such Partner's share of the net decrease in
Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Liability,
determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), that is
allocable to the disposition of Partnership Property subject to such Partner
Nonrecourse Liability, or (ii) if such Partner would otherwise have a Capital
Account Deficit at the end of such year that exceeds his share of Minimum Gain,
an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess Capital Account Deficit.
Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the
respective amounts required to be allocated to each General Partner and to
Sepulveda Hatteras pursuant thereto.  The items to be so allocated shall be
determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2) of the
Regulations.  This Paragraph 5.7(d) is intended to comply with the minimum gain
chargeback requirement in such Section of the Regulations and shall be
interpreted consistently therewith.  Solely for purposes of this Paragraph
5.7(d), each Partner's Adjusted Capital Account Deficit shall be determined
prior to any other allocations pursuant to this Article 5 with respect to such
fiscal year, other than allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(c) hereof.

     5.8  QUALIFIED INCOME OFFSET

          (a)  In the event any Limited Partner who is not a General Partner
unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described
in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), or (6), items of
Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to each such Limited
Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required
by the Regulations, the Capital Account Deficit of such Limited Partners as
quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Paragraph
5.8(a) shall be made if and only to the extent that such Limited Partner would
have a Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this
Article 5 have been tentatively made as if this Paragraph 5.8(a) were not in the
Agreement.

          (b)  In the event any Limited Partner who is not a General Partner has
a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Partnership fiscal year that is in
excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Limited Partner is obligated to
restore, and (ii) the amount of such Limited Partner is deemed to be obligated
to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Regulations Section 1.704-
2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Limited Partner shall be specially
allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as
quickly as possible provided that an allocation pursuant to this Paragraph
5.8(b) shall be made if an only to the extent that such Limited Partner would
have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations
provided for in this Article 5 have been tentatively made as if Paragraph 5.8(a)
hereof and this Paragraph 5.8(b) were not in the Agreement.

     5.9  TAX ALLOCATIONS

          (a)  All items of income, gain, loss and deduction for federal and
state income tax purposes shall be allocated in accordance with the
corresponding "book" items in accordance with the principles of IRC Section
704(c) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4).  If the General Partner
determines that it is necessary or appropriate to modify the manner in which
such tax allocations are allocated under this Paragraph 5.9 in order to comply
with the principles reflected in IRC Section 704(c) or such Regulation, the
General Partner may make such modifications.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Depreciation, amortization or other method of cost recovery for
federal income tax purposes ("Tax Depreciation") with respect to an item of
Partnership property shall be determined using the Adjusted Tax Basis of such
property, rather than its Book Value.

     5.10 ALLOCATIONS TO NEWLY ADMITTED PARTNERS AND BETWEEN
          TRANSFERORS AND TRANSFEREES OF INTERESTS IN THE PARTNERSHIP

          On the transfer of an interest in or the admission of an Additional
Partner to the Partnership, Operating Profits, Operating Losses, Gain From Sale,
Loss From Sale and Cash Flow shall be allocated and distributed according to the
following provisions:

          (a)  EFFECTIVE DATE OF ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL
               PARTNER OR TRANSFEREE

               Any person who is admitted as a Partner on or before the 15th day
of a calendar month shall be recognized as the owner and holder of the interest
so acquired as of the first day of such calendar month. Any person who is
admitted as a Partner on or after the 16th day of a calendar month shall be
recognized as the owner and holder of the acquired interest in the Partnership
as of the first day of the next calendar month. The Partnership shall recognize
the transferee of an interest in the Partnership as the owner and holder of the
transferred interest no later than the end of the calendar month during which
the Partnership is given written notice of the transfer. Such written notice
shall not be effective and no allocations or distributions shall be made by the
Partnership in reliance thereon unless the notice states the date the interest
in the Partnership was transferred and such other information as the General
Partner may reasonably request. In the absence of such notice and information,
neither the Partnership nor the General Partner shall incur any liability for
making allocations or distributions in accordance with this Article V.

          (b)  ALLOCATION OF OPERATING PROFITS AND LOSSES
               AND DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

               Operating Profits or Losses for each taxable year allocable to
any interest in the Partnership which has been transferred during such year
shall be allocated between the transferor and transferee based on the number of
months each was recognized as the owner and holder of the transferred
Partnership Interest under subparagraph (a), above. Cash Flow from Operations
for any period allocable to any interest in the Partnership which has been
transferred during the period shall be distributed to the transferor and the
transferee based on the number of months during the period that each was
recognized as the holder of the transferred Partnership Interest under
subparagraph (a), above, without regard to the results of Partnership operations
during such period.

          (c)  ALLOCATION OF GAIN OR LOSS FROM SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF
               CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING

               Any Gain From Sale or Loss From Sale shall be allocated to the
Partners recognized as the holders of the Partnership Interests as of the date
on which the Partnership recognizes such Gain From Sale or Loss From Sale.  Cash
Flow From Sale or Refinancing shall be distributed to the Partners recognized as
the holders of Partnership Interests as of the last day of the calendar month
during which the Partnership received such Cash Flow.

          (d)  ALLOCATIONS WHEN PARTNER'S INTEREST CHANGES

               Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 5.10,
allocations of Operating Profits or Losses under this Article V shall be made
utilizing (i) the varying interest rules of IRC Section 706, using any

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
convention permitted by law and selected by the General Partner and (ii) such
daily, monthly or other period determinations permitted under IRC Section 706
and the Treasury Regulations thereunder selected by the General Partner.

     5.11 SECTION 754 ADJUSTMENT

          To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any
Partnership asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is
required, pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into
account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the
Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment
increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such
basis) and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a
manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required
to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Regulations.

     5.12 CURATIVE ALLOCATIONS

          (a)  The "Regulatory Allocations" consist of the "Basic Regulatory
Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12 hereof, the "Nonrecourse Regulatory
Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12(c) hereof, and the "Partner
Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12(d) hereof.

          (b)  The Basic Regulatory Allocations consist of allocations pursuant
to Paragraph 5.8(a), (b) and 5.11, hereof.  Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations, the Basic Regulatory
Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating items of income, gain,
loss and deduction among the General Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras so that, to
the extent possible, the net amount of such allocations of other items and the
Basic Regulatory Allocations to each General Partner and Limited Partner shall
be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such General
Partner and Limited Partner if the Basic Regulatory Allocations had not
occurred.  For purposes of applying the foregoing sentence, allocations pursuant
to this Paragraph 5.12(b) shall only be made with respect to allocations
pursuant to Paragraph 5.11 hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determine that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the economic
agreement among the parties to this Agreement.

          (c)  The "Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations" consist of all
allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.7(a) and 5.7(c) hereof.  Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations,
the Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating
items of income, gain, loss, and deduction among the General Partner and
Sepulveda Hatteras so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such
allocations of other items and the Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations to each
General Partner and Limited Partner shall be equal to the net amount that would
have been allocated to each such General Partner and Limited Partner if the
Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations had not occurred.  For purposes of applying
the foregoing sentence (i) no allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.12(c)
shall be made prior to the Partnership fiscal year during which there is a net
decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain, and then only to the extent necessary to
avoid any potential economic distortions caused by such net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain, and (ii) allocations pursuant to this Paragraph
5.12(c) shall be deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to Paragraph
5.7(a) hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably determine that such
allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent allocations pursuant to
Paragraph 5.7(c) hereof.

          (d)  The "Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations" consist of all
allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.7(b) and 5.7(d) hereof.  Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations,
the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in
allocating items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the General Partner
and Sepulveda Hatteras so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such
allocations of other items and the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations to
each General Partner and Limited Partner shall be equal to the net amount that
would have been allocated to each 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
such General Partner and Limited Partner if the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory
Allocations had not occurred. For purposes of applying the foregoing sentence
(i) no allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.12(d) shall be made with respect
to allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(b) relating to a particular Partner
Nonrecourse Debt prior to the Partnership fiscal year during which there is a
net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse
Debt, and then only to the extent necessary to avoid any potential economic
distortions caused by such net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain, and (ii)
allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.12(d) shall be deferred with respect to
allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(b) hereof relating to a particular Partner
Nonrecourse Debt to the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that
such allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent allocations pursuant to
Paragraph 5.7(d) hereof.

          (e)  The General Partner shall have reasonable discretion, with
respect to each Partnership fiscal year, to (i) apply the provisions of
Paragraphs 5.12(b), (c) and (d)  hereof in whatever order is likely to minimize
the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the Regulatory
Allocations, and (ii) divide all allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.12 (b),
(c) and (d) hereof among the General Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras in a manner
that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.

     5.13 INTENT OF ALLOCATIONS

          It is the intent of the Partnership that this Agreement comply with
the safe harbor test set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-
1(b)(2)(ii)(D) including the Qualified Income Offset and Minimum Gain
Chargeback, which are hereby incorporated by reference.  If, for whatever
reasons, the Partnership is advised by counsel or its accountants that the
allocation provisions of this Agreement are unlikely to be respected for federal
income tax purposes, the General Partner is granted the authority to amend the
allocation provisions of this Agreement, to the minimum extent deemed necessary
by counsel or its accountants to effect the plan of allocations and
Distributions provided in this Agreement.  The General Partner shall have the
discretion to adopt and revise rules, conventions and procedures as it believes
appropriate with respect to the admission of the Limited Partners to reflect
Partners' interests in the Partnership at the close of the years.

     5.14 AGREEMENT TO CONTROL DISTRIBUTIONS

          Notwithstanding any adjustment of the allocation of Operating Profits
or Losses, Gain or Loss From Sale or other items for income tax purposes
provided in this Agreement by any judicial body or governmental agency, the
provisions of this Agreement shall control for all purposes of determining the
Partner's entitlement to distributions of Cash Flow.

     5.15 METHOD OF ACCOUNTING

          Operating Profits, Operating Losses, Gain From Sale and Loss From Sale
shall be computed by use of the cash or accrual method of accounting, as
determined by the General Partner and the accountant for the Partnership, in
accordance with sound tax accounting principles consistently applied, adjusted
to the extent necessary to conform with the applicable provisions of this
Article V and Article VI, below.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                        MAINTENANCE OF CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

     6.1  CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

          (a)  CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

               Throughout the term of this Partnership, the Partnership shall
establish and maintain a Capital Account for each Partner, which shall reflect
items of Partnership property recorded on the books of the Partnership at Book
Value and thereafter adjusted to reflect allocations of income, gain, loss,
deduction and credits with respect to such item of property and any other
adjustments necessary to properly reflect Capital Accounts in a manner
consistent with the rules and principles of this Article VI and reasonably
prudent tax accounting principles consistent with the Partnership's method of
accounting.

          (b)  ADJUSTMENTS BY GENERAL PARTNER

               The General Partner and the accountants retained by the General
Partner shall maintain the Capital Accounts of the Partners in compliance with
the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b), as amended, which
provisions, as amended, are incorporated in this Agreement and made a part
hereof.  In the event that the General Partner determines that it is prudent to
modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts are adjusted and/or maintained
in order to comply with the requirements of such Regulation, the General Partner
may make such modification, provided that it is not likely to have a material
effect on the amounts distributable to any Partner under Article XIII, below, on
dissolution of the Partnership.

          (c)  TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

               In the event of a transfer of an interest in this Partnership, in
compliance with the terms of this Agreement, the Capital Account of the
transferor attributable to the transferred Partnership Interest shall carry over
and become the Capital Account of the transferee Partner and shall continue to
be subject to all of the provisions of this Article concerning adjustments to
Capital Accounts.

          (d)  ADJUSTMENTS WHERE GUIDANCE IS LACKING

               If the provisions of this Article or Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b) fail to provide guidance on how the Capital Accounts of the Partners
should be maintained to reflect particular adjustments to Partnership capital on
the books of the Partnership, such capital adjustments shall be made in a manner
that:

               (1)  maintains equality between the aggregate governing Capital
Accounts of the Partners and the amount of Partnership capital reflected on the
Partnership's balance sheet;

               (2)  is consistent with the underlying economic arrangements of
the Partners; and

               (3)  is based, wherever practicable, on federal income tax
accounting principles.

     6.2  BASIC RULES FOR CAPITAL ACCOUNT ENTRIES

          (a)  The "Capital Account" of a Partner means the capital account of
that Partner determined strictly in accordance with the rules set forth in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).  For purposes hereof, the General
Partners' initial Capital Account balance shall be $6,400,000.00 after its
Capital Contribution made to 

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
Initial Capital as set forth in Section 4.1. Sepulveda Hatteras' initial Capital
Account balance shall be $1,600,000.00 after its Capital Contribution made to
Initial Capital as set forth in Section 4.2.

          (b)  Subject to subparagraph (a), above, a Partner's Capital Account
SHALL BE INCREASED BY:

               (1)  the amount of money contributed by the Partner to the
capital of the Partnership,

               (2)  the fair market value of property contributed by the Partner
to the capital of the Partnership (net of liabilities secured by the contributed
property that the Partnership is considered to assume or take subject to under
IRC Section 752), and

               (3)  the net amount of income allocated to the Partner.

          (c)  Subject to subparagraph (a) above, a Partner's Capital Account
shall be decreased by:

               (1)  the amount of money distributed to the Partner by the
Partnership,

               (2)  the fair market value of property distributed to the Partner
by the Partnership (net of liabilities secured by such distributed property that
the Partner is considered to assume or take subject to under IRC Section 752),

               (3)  the Partner's share of the Partnership's IRC Section
705(a)(2)(B) Expenditures, including losses which are nondeductible under IRC
Sections 267(a)(1) or 707(b),

               (4)  the Partner's share of amounts paid or incurred by the
Partnership to organize the Partnership, except to the extent properly
amortizable for federal income tax purposes, and

               (5)  the net amount of loss allocated to the Partner.

          (d)  For purposes of this Article VI, "income" refers to all items of
income (including gain from the sale of Partnership property and income exempt
from tax) as properly determined for Book Purposes, and "loss" refers to all
items of loss (including loss from the sale of Partnership property), as
properly determined for Book Purposes.  Book Income and Loss shall be determined
based on the Book Value of the Partnership's assets in accordance with the
principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).  Otherwise, income
and loss shall be determined strictly in accordance with federal income tax
principles (including rules governing depreciation and amortization), utilizing
the Book Value of Partnership assets.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                     ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS
                                        
     7.1  BOOKS AND RECORDS

          The General Partner shall keep the following Partnership documents at
the principal office of the Partnership:

          (a)  A current list of the full name and last known address of each
Partner, together with the Capital Contribution and Partner Percentage of each
Partner.

          (b)  An executed original of this Agreement and all amendments to this
Agreement.

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  A copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, a copy of all
Certificates of Amendment thereto and an executed original of any power of
attorney pursuant to which such Certificates have been executed.

          (d)  Copies of the federal, state and local income tax or information
returns and reports of the Partnership, if any, for the six most recent taxable
years.

          (e)  Financial statements of the Partnership for the six most recent
fiscal years.

          (f)  The books and records of the Partnership for at least the current
and past six fiscal years.

     7.2  DELIVERY TO PARTNERS AND INSPECTION

          (a)  Each Partner has the right, on reasonable request, to inspect and
copy, during normal business hours, any of the Partnership records required to
be maintained under Paragraph 7.1, above.

          (b)  Within ninety (90) days of the end of each taxable year of the
Partnership, the General Partner shall provide each Partner with a copy of the
federal and state income tax returns of the Partnership and the information
necessary for the Partner to complete his federal and state income tax or
information returns.

     7.3  TAX AND FISCAL YEAR

          The Partnership's tax and fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

     7.4  TAX MATTERS PARTNER

          The General Partner shall be the Tax Matters Partner for purposes of
Section 6231(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                         MANAGEMENT AND RELATED MATTERS
                                        
     8.1  CONTROL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          Subject to the consent, voting and other approval rights expressly
granted to the Limited Partners under this Agreement and the Act, the General
Partner shall have sole and exclusive control over the business and affairs of
the Partnership and shall have all of the rights and powers which may be
possessed by a Partner under the Act.

     8.2  SPECIFIC AUTHORITY, POWERS AND DUTIES

          The General Partner shall have the specific rights, powers and duties
required for or appropriate to management of the Partnership's business,
including, but not limited to, the right and power to:

          (a)  Sell or otherwise dispose of assets of the Partnership in the
ordinary course of the Partnership's business, which does not involve the sale
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Partnership assets. For
those purposes, "substantially all" shall be defined to mean assets of the
Partnership representing more than eighty percent (80%) of the net book value of
all Partnership assets as of the end of the most recently completed calendar
quarter.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Execute any and all loan documents, notes, mortgages, financing
statements and/or any other financing or security documents requested of the
Partnership without requiring any of the other Partners to execute any such
documents as long as the amount of the loan shall not exceed the unpaid
principal balance of all indebtedness of the Partnership, plus all costs related
to such financing and the reasonable costs of procuring the loan. Any loan in
excess of the foregoing shall require the written approval of Sepulveda
Hatteras.

          (c)  Borrow money on behalf of the Partnership, and encumber the
Partnership assets or place title in the name of a nominee for the purposes of
obtaining such financing as long as the amount of the loan shall not exceed the
unpaid principal balance of all indebtedness of the Partnership, plus all costs
related to such financing and the reasonable costs of procuring the loan. Any
loan in excess of the foregoing shall require the written approval of Sepulveda
Hatteras.

          (d)  Manage and operate the Partnership's assets.

          (e)  Employ from time to time, at the expense of the Partnership,
insurance brokers, property managers, real estate brokers, loan brokers,
consultants, accountants and attorneys, including Partners and their Affiliates,
subject to the limitations of Paragraphs 8.4 and 8.9, below.

          (f)  Pay, at the expense of the Partnership, all organization expenses
incurred in the creation of the Partnership (not to exceed $5,000.00) and all
reasonable expenses incurred in the operation of the Partnership, including the
payment or reimbursement of costs incurred by the General Partner and its
Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.

          (g)  Make any and all elections for federal, state or local tax
purposes, including, without limitation, elections to: (i) adjust the basis of
Partnership property under IRC Sections 734(b) and 743(b), if the General
Partner decides, in its sole discretion, to file such an election; (ii) extend
the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against Partners
with respect to adjustments to the Partnership's federal, state or local tax
returns; and (iii) represent and bind the Partnership and the Partners before
taxing authorities and courts of competent jurisdiction in tax matters affecting
the Partnership and the Partners, in their capacities as such, including the
execution of any agreement affecting such matters.

          (h)  Certify to third parties: (i) copies of this Agreement and any
amendments thereto; (ii) the existence or nonexistence of any fact or facts
which constitute a condition precedent to acts by a General Partner or which are
in any manner germane to the business or affairs of the Partnership, including,
without limitation, those pertaining to votes or consents of the Partners; (iii)
the identity of any Partner; (iv) the persons who are authorized to execute and
deliver any instrument or document of the Partnership; or (v) any act or failure
to act by the Partnership or any other matter whatsoever involving the
Partnership or any Partner.  Third parties are intended and expected to rely on
said certificates and the Partnership and the Partners shall be conclusively
bound thereby as between such third parties and the Partnership and/or the
Partners.

          (i)  Receive a notice of default or any other notices required or
permitted to be given by any financial institution or creditor of the
Partnership, on behalf of the Partnership, without requiring any such financial
institution or creditor to give notice to any other Partner of this Partnership
other than the General Partner.

          (j)  Assume the overall duties and exercise any power or authority
conferred on the General Partner under the provisions of this Agreement or the
Act.

          (k)  In the event there is more than one (1) General Partner, the
General Partners shall equally manage the Partnership.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
     8.3  FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS

          The General Partner shall be under a fiduciary duty to conduct affairs
of the Partnership in the best interests of the Partnership and the other
Partners.  The General Partner shall have a fiduciary responsibility for the
safekeeping and use of all Partnership funds and assets, whether or not in its
possession or control or under its management, for the exclusive benefit of the
Partnership.  No Partner or any Affiliate of a Partner shall enter into any
transaction with the Partnership which may significantly benefit any Partner or
any Affiliate of a Partner in his or its independent capacity, unless the
transaction is expressly permitted under this Agreement.

     8.4  LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY

          Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Partner (including
the General Partner) shall have any authority to do any act prohibited by law or
any authority to:

          (a)  Permit any creditor who makes a nonrecourse loan to the
Partnership to acquire, at any time as a result of making such loan, any direct
or indirect interest in the profits, capital or property of the Partnership
other than as a secured creditor.

          (b)  Enter into agreements between the Partnership and themselves or
any of their Affiliates for services, except as may be necessary for the prudent
operation of the Partnership; in such event the Partnership shall pay such
Persons amounts competitive with the customary fees being charged in the
industry for similar services.

          (c)  In the case of the General Partner, retire as a General Partner,
except with the prior written consent of Limited Partner(s) holding more than
fifty percent (50%) of the Partner Percentages of all the Limited Partners.

     8.5  AUTHORITY OF PARTNERS TO APPOINT
          ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT

          Each Partner shall have the power and authority to constitute and
appoint any other natural person, including another Partner in his individual,
non-partner capacity, as the attorney-in-fact of the appointing Partner under a
written revocable power of attorney to execute and, where required or
appropriate, acknowledge, in the name, place and stead of the appointing
Partner, such documents and instruments for and on behalf of this Partnership as
the Partner is required or permitted to execute, or execute and acknowledge,
under this Agreement, applicable law or any contract, agreement or other
commitment of the Partnership.  Such documents and instruments shall include,
but shall not be limited to, contracts, conveyances, mortgages, trust deeds,
notes, leases and amendments to this Agreement.

     8.6  BUSINESS OR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

          Any Partner, and any shareholder, officer, director, employee,
Affiliate or other person holding a legal or beneficial interest in any entity
which is a Partner, may engage in or possess an interest in other business
ventures of every nature and description, independently or with others, whether
such ventures are competitive with the Partnership or otherwise, including but
not limited to, the acquisition, ownership, financing, leasing, operation,
management, syndication, brokerage, sale, construction and development of real
property, which may be located in the market area or vicinity of any Partnership
real property. Neither the Partnership nor the Partners shall have any right by
virtue of this Agreement in or to such independent ventures or to the income or
profits derived therefrom. No Partner or any Affiliate is obligated to present
to the Partnership any particular investment opportunity which comes to its
attention, even if such opportunity is of the character which might be suitable
for investment by the

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
Partnership.  Nothing in this Paragraph shall be deemed to diminish the
overriding fiduciary obligations of the Partners to the Partnership or act a
waiver of any right or remedy the Partnership or the other Partners may have in
the event of a breach by a Partner of such obligation.

     8.7  DEVOTION OF TIME

          None of the Partners shall be obligated to devote full time to the
business and affairs of the Partnership.  The Partners are involved in other
businesses and occupations and other Partnerships.  The General Partner shall
devote such reasonable amounts of time as it determines, in its sole discretion,
is necessary to manage the Partnership business and affairs and perform the
duties of the General Partner under this Agreement.

     8.8  REIMBURSEMENTS TO PARTNERS

          The Partners, including the General Partner, shall be reimbursed by
the Partnership for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with operating Partnership assets and administering the Partnership.

     8.9  AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH PARTNERSHIP

          Without limitation upon the other powers set forth herein, the General
Partner is expressly authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership,
to enter into one or more written property management agreements with the
General Partner, or an Affiliate of the General Partner, which will provide for
the management of the Property and any other properties acquired by the
Partnership, provided, however, the amount of the property management fees is
competitive with the customary fees being charged in the industry for properties
similar to the Property based on the location and type of property.  The
Partners consent to allow the existing property manager, Insignia Commercial
Group, Inc. ("Insignia"), to continue to manage the Property for a period of at
least one (1) year from the date the Partnership acquires the Property.
Notwithstanding the above, the General Partner shall be entitled to terminate
Insignia at any time for cause, or at any time after one (1) year with or
without cause in its sole discretion.

     8.10 BANK ACCOUNTS

          All funds of the Partnership shall be deposited in accounts in the
name of the Partnership in such banks or savings and loan associations as may be
selected by the General Partner from time to time after providing prior written
notice thereof to Sepulveda Hatteras.

     8.11 LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF GENERAL PARTNER;
          INDEMNIFICATION

          (a)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the
General Partner shall not be liable to Sepulveda Hatteras for the return of
their Capital Contributions, nor shall it be required to pay to the Partnership
or any Limited Partner any capital deficits of any Partner.  The sole source of
the return of such Capital Contributions to the Partners shall be the assets of
this Partnership.  The General Partner shall not have any liability,
responsibility or accountability in damages or otherwise to any other Partner or
the Partnership for losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, proceedings,
judgments, costs, expenses, or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever,
("Damages") arising out of any action or inaction on the part of the Partnership
or the General Partner other than the Damages resulting from the General
Partner's own fraud, gross negligence, criminal act or breach of fiduciary duty
to the Partnership or any Partner.
          (b)  The Partnership, or its receiver or trustee, agrees to indemnify,
pay, defend, protect, and hold harmless the General Partner and its respective
employees, agents, shareholders, directors, officers, 

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
representatives, and attorneys (on demand of and to the satisfaction of the
person indemnified) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, proceedings, judgments, costs,
expenses, and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without
limitation, all costs and expenses of investigation, defense, appeal and
settlement ("Indemnity Damages") of any and all suits, actions or proceedings
instituted against the Partnership or the General Partner which may be incurred
by or asserted against the General Partner or the Partnership in any way
relating to or arising out of, or alleged to relate to or arise out of, any
action or inaction on the part of the Partnership or the General Partner other
than the portion of the Indemnity Damages resulting from the indemnified
person's own fraud, gross negligence, criminal act or breach of fiduciary duty
to the Partnership or any Partner. The obligations under this subparagraph (b)
shall be satisfied only out of Partnership assets, and Sepulveda Hatteras shall
not have any personal liability on account thereof.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                      VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS OF PARTNERS

     9.1  MATTERS REQUIRING CONSENT OF A REQUIRED MAJORITY OF THE PARTNERS

          Subject to such additional or other requirements as may be contained
in this Agreement and the Act, the following actions may be taken only with the
affirmative vote or written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners:

          (a)  The dissolution and winding up of the Partnership.

          (b)  The sale or other disposition of more than eighty percent (80%)
of the Property in one or more transactions.

          (c)  The removal of the General Partner pursuant to Paragraph 12.3,
below.

          (d)  The admission of an Additional Partner, except as provided in
Paragraph 4.5.

     9.2  LIMITATIONS ON RIGHTS AND POWERS OF PARTNERS

          (a)  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no Partner shall
have the right or power to:

               (1)  withdraw or reduce Capital Contributions, except as the
result of the dissolution of the Partnership, or as set forth in this Agreement.

               (2)  bring an action for partition against the Partnership;

               (3)  cause the termination and dissolution of the Partnership; or

               (4)  demand or receive property other than cash in return for
Capital Contributions.

          (b)  No Partner shall have priority over any other Partner either as
to the return of capital, profits or distributions, except to the extent
provided or permitted under Articles V or XIII of this Agreement. Other than on
dissolution of the Partnership or the Sale or Refinance of the Property, as
provided by this Agreement, there has been no time agreed on when the Capital
Contributions of each Partner will be returned.

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X
                      TRANSFERS OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
                                        
     10.1 IN GENERAL

          (a)  No Partner shall transfer or encumber his interest in the
Partnership or any part thereof or any interest therein unless the written
consent of  the General Partner is first obtained, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Absent such consent, a transferee of an
interest in the Partnership shall be entitled to receive only the share of
profits or other compensation by way of income and the return of Capital
Contributions to which the transferor Partner would have been entitled.  Any act
in contravention of any provisions of this Article X shall be null and void as
against the Partnership and the other Partners.

          (b)  The Partners acknowledge that a constructive termination of this
Partnership could have adverse income tax consequences to one or more of the
Partners and may result in costs and expenses to the Partnership and the
Partners which would not otherwise be paid or incurred.  Accordingly:

               (1)  Each Partner shall give written notice to the General
Partner of any proposed voluntary sale or exchange of all or part of an interest
in the Partnership. Such notice shall describe the interest proposed to be sold
or exchanged and the scheduled closing date of the proposed transaction. Such
written notice shall contain a specific request that the General Partner advise
the notifying Partner whether or not the transfer will cause a constructive
termination of this Partnership.

               (2)  Each Partner hereby agrees not to transfer such portion of
his interest in profits and capital that would cause a constructive termination
of this Partnership under IRC Section 708.

               (3)  The transferor Partner whose transfer of an interest in the
Partnership causes a deemed termination of this Partnership pursuant to IRC
Section 708 shall pay the cost of any appraisal obtained by the General Partner
in connection with the revaluation of Partnership properties.

               (4)  Notwithstanding the above, the General Partner may prohibit
the transfer of an interest in the Partnership, in its sole discretion, to avoid
a constructive termination of the Partnership under IRC Section 708.

          (c)  The interests in the Partnership represented by this Agreement
have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or qualified under the securities laws of
any state.  Partnership Interests may not be offered for sale, sold, delivered
after sale, transferred, pledged or hypothecated to any Person unless
subsequently registered and qualified or in the opinion of counsel satisfactory
to the General Partner an exemption from such registration or qualification is
available and the proposed purchaser of a Partnership Interest satisfies the
investment suitability standards applicable to the Partnership.

          (d)  Each Partner agrees that a legend condition may be placed on any
certificate or other document evidencing ownership of an interest in this
Partnership, which legend shall be in a form approved by counsel selected by the
General Partner.

          (e)  The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, prohibit the
transfer or assignment of a Partnership Interest to avoid the risk of having the
Partnership being treated as a corporation for tax purposes.

          (f)  The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, prohibit the
transfer or assignment of a Partnership Interest to a foreign person.

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
          (g)  If a sale, assignment or transfer of an interest in the
Partnership complies with the provisions of this Article X, but the transferee
is not admitted as a Partner pursuant to this Article X, such transferee shall
be entitled to receive distributions and allocations with respect to the
transferred Partnership interest as provided in this Agreement, but shall have
no right to any information or accounting of the affairs of the Partnership, nor
be entitled to inspect the books and records of the Partnership, nor be entitled
to any of the rights of a Partner of this Partnership under this Agreement or
the Act.

     10.2 EXEMPT TRANSFERS

          Subject to the restrictions provided in Paragraph 10.1 above, Partners
may make the following transfers of their interests in the Partnership without
complying with the other provisions of this Article.  The transferee shall be
substituted as a Partner only on compliance with Paragraph 10.5, below, to the
extent of the transferred Partnership interest.

          (a)  A gratuitous transfer to a trust, provided the transferor Partner
and his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial
interests of any such trust.  A Partner's "Immediate Family" shall include only
his spouse, lineal ancestors and lineal descendants.  Any subsequent sale,
assignment, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance ("Dispositions") of the
beneficial interests in any such trust, which by itself or which, when added to
prior dispositions of such beneficial interests made after the transfer of the
interest in the Partnership to the trust, equals or exceed more than fifty
percent (50%) of the total beneficial interest in the trust, shall be deemed to
be a transfer of the Partnership interest owned by the trust for all purposes of
this Article.

          (b)  A gratuitous transfer into joint tenancy ownership between the
transferor and members of his Immediate Family.

          (c)  A transfer to a corporation in which the transferor Partner and
his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock entitled to
vote.  Any subsequent change in the ownership of voting stock of any such
corporation (whether by way of a disposition thereof or issuance of additional
stock) which reduces the percentage of voting stock owned by the transferor
Partner and his Immediate Family to fifty percent (50%) or less shall be deemed
to be a transfer of the interest in the Partnership owned by such corporation
for all purposes of this Article.

          (d)  A transfer to a partnership in which the transferor Partner and
his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total interests in
profits or capital.  Any subsequent change in the ownership of interests in
profits or capital that reduces the percentage of profits and capital owned by
the transferor Partner and his Immediate Family to fifty percent (50%) or less
shall be deemed to be a transfer of the interest in the Partnership owned by
such partnership for all purposes of this Article.

     10.3 ENCUMBRANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

          A Partner may encumber his interest in the Partnership, any part
thereof or an interest therein, only with the written consent of the General
Partner and those Partners comprising a Required Majority of the Partners, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     10.4 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

          (a)  If a Partner (the "Selling Partner") desires to sell or exchange
all or part of the Selling Partner's interest in the Partnership (the "Offered
Interest"), the Selling Partner shall give written notice to the Partnership and
each of the other Partners (the "Notice of Sale").  The Notice of Sale shall set
forth the proposed purchaser's name, the price and terms on which the Offered
Interest is proposed to be sold or exchanged.  If the Offered Interest is to 

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
be exchanged, in whole or in part, for property other than cash or the
purchaser's note or other deferred payment obligation, the Selling Partner shall
place a dollar value on that property supported by an appraisal of the property
acceptable to the General Partner. For fourteen (14) days after the Notice of
Sale is given, the Partnership shall have the option to purchase all of the
Offered Interest at the same price, and on the same terms stated in the Notice
of Sale (the "price" and the "terms"). The Partnership shall exercise its option
only with the written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners by way of
written notice to the Selling Partner within the fourteen (14) day period.

          (b)  If the Partnership elects not to purchase all of the Offered
Interest, the other Partners shall then have the option to purchase the Offered
Interest, or the portion the Partnership elected not to purchase, at the same
price, prorated if the Partnership elected to purchase part, and on the same
terms.  The other Partners shall have twenty-eight (28) days following the
giving of the Notice of Sale to exercise such option.  Each Partner shall have
an option to purchase a percentage of the Offered Interest, or the portion
thereof not elected to be purchased by the Partnership, determined pro rata in
accordance with such Partner's Percentage.

          (c)  The foregoing notwithstanding, the exercise of the options by the
Partnership and/or the other Partners shall be effective only if the entire
Offered Interest is elected to be purchased pursuant to the foregoing provisions
of this Paragraph.

          (d)  If the Partnership and/or the other Partners fail to elect to
purchase all of the Offered Interest, the Selling Partner may, within the sixty
(60) day period immediately following the expiration of the sixty (60) day
period provided for in subparagraph (b), above, sell or exchange the Offered
Interest at a price not materially less than and on terms not less materially
favorable than the price and terms stated in the Notice of Sale.  Such sale or
exchange shall be subject to all of the other provisions of this Article and
Article XII, below, but only to the extent they are applicable thereto.  If the
Selling Partner fails to consummate the sale or exchange of the Offered Interest
within such twenty-eight (28) day period, any subsequent sale or exchange shall
be subject to the provisions of this Paragraph 10.4.

     10.5 SUBSTITUTION OF TRANSFEREE PARTNER

          The transferee of an interest in the Partnership otherwise transferred
in compliance with this Article shall be admitted as a Partner on satisfaction
of the following additional conditions:

          (a)  Filing with the Partnership a duly executed and acknowledged
written instrument of transfer in a form approved by the General Partner,
specifying the Partnership interest being transferred and setting forth the
intention of the transferor Partner that the transferee be admitted as a
Partner.

          (b)  Execution and acknowledgment by the transferor Partner and the
transferee of any other instruments required by the General Partner, including
the acceptance of and adoption by the transferee of this Agreement.

          (c)  Payment of a transfer fee to the Partnership sufficient to cover
the Partnership's reasonable expenses of the transfer in an amount not to exceed
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000).

     10.6 EXCHANGE OPTION

          American Equity Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("AETI") hereby
grants to Sepulveda Hatteras an option ("Option") to exchange all or a portion
of Sepulveda Hatteras' Partnership Interest for cash, exercisable after October
1, 1996, on the following terms and conditions:

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  Sepulveda Hatteras may only exercise the Option after the
Partnership has sufficient Cash Flow From Operations to pay the General
Partner's and Sepulveda Hatteras' preferred returns, under Paragraphs 5.1(a) and
(b), respectively, for a period of three (3) consecutive months.

          (b)  If the Partnership has sufficient Cash Flow From Operations to
pay the General Partner's preferred return under Paragraphs 5.1(a) for a period
of three (3) consecutive months, but an insufficient amount to pay the entire
preferred return under Paragraph 5.1(b), Sepulveda Hatteras shall be entitled to
exercise the Option but only with respect to a portion of Sepulveda Hatteras'
Partnership Interest ("Partial Conversion"). The portion of Sepulveda Hatteras'
Partnership Interest which may be exchanged as a Partial Conversion shall be
based on a fraction: the numerator shall be the annualized percentage of
preferred return paid to Sepulveda Hatteras under Paragraph 5.1(b) for the
preceding three (3) months, and the denominator shall be eight (8) percent. For
example, if Sepulveda Hatteras has received a preferred return of two (2)
percent for three (3) consecutive months, Sepulveda Hatteras would be entitled
to exchange up to twenty-five percent (25%) of its Partnership Interest pursuant
to the Option.

          (c)  Notwithstanding the above, Sepulveda Hatteras may only exercise
the Option after the Partnership has net operating income of at least $1,512,000
(excluding reserves and management fees not to exceed five percent (5%),
annualized for any period less than one year.  The Option may be exercised more
than once, provided, however, (i) Sepulveda Hatteras may not exercise the Option
more frequently than once every six (6) month period from the prior exercise of
the Option, and (ii) the cash flow requirement described above must be satisfied
before each such Option may be exercised.

          (d)  The General Partner shall consummate the purchase of Sepulveda
Hatteras' Partnership Interest to AETI no later than thirty (30) days after
receipt of written notice ("Exercise Notice") from Sepulveda Hatteras exercising
the Option.  The Exercise Notice shall include an unqualified and unconditional
exercise of the Option, the amount of Sepulveda Hatteras' Net Capital
Contribution, and the portion of Sepulveda Hatteras' Partnership Interest to be
converted, if less than the entire Partnership Interest.

          (e)  For purposes hereof, the value attributed to Sepulveda Hatteras'
Partnership Interest shall be equal to Sepulveda Hatteras' Net Capital
Contribution.  Notwithstanding anything else within this agreement, Sepulveda
Hatteras's right to receive its fifty percent (50%) portion stated in paragraphs
5.1(c), 5.2(e) and 5.4(b) shall not be adjusted or eliminated for any reason,
other than the exercise of Sepulveda Hatteras's written election to receive cash
payment for the sale of its last remaining ten percent (10%) partnership
interest.

          (f)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option granted to Sepulveda
Hatteras hereunder  may not be exercised to the extent Sepulveda Hatteras (i)
has direct or constructive ownership of AETI's common stock, which when
aggregated with another such stock held by Sepulveda Hatteras, is equal to or
greater than 9.8% of  AETI's common stock, or (ii) restricts, eliminates or
jeopardizes AETI's ability to qualify as an REIT under federal tax laws, as
determined by counsel for AETI in its sole discretion.

          (g)  In the event that Sepulveda Hatteras exercises the Option to
exchange its entire Partnership Interest, then Sepulveda Hatteras shall no
longer be a member of the Partnership upon the consummation of the purchase.  In
the event that Sepulveda Hatteras exercises its option only as to a portion of
its Partnership Interest, then:

               1.   Sepulveda Hatteras' Net Capital Contribution shall be
decreased and the Sepulveda Hatteras's Net Capital Contribution shall be
increased by an amount equal to the percentage of Sepulveda Hatteras'
Partnership Interest so converted multiplied by $1,600,000. For example, if
Sepulveda Hatteras exercises the Option as to 50% of its Partnership Interest,
then Sepulveda Hatteras' Net Capital Contribution shall be decreased by $800,000
and the General Partner's Net Capital Contribution shall be increased by a
corresponding amount.

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
               2.   The preferred return attributable to the Net Capital
contribution so transferred, which would otherwise be received by Sepulveda
Hatteras under Paragraph 5.1(b) hereof, shall instead be received by the General
Partner pursuant to Paragraph 5.1(b) hereof.

               3.   Except for the foregoing, as long as Sepulveda Hatteras
remains a Partner in this Partnership, its share of the Cash Flow under
Paragraphs 5.1(c)(2) and 5.2(e) and its share of the Profits and Losses
allocated under Paragraphs 5.3 and 5.4 shall remain unchanged.

          (h)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sepulveda Hatteras may not
exercise its Option as to a portion (rather than all) of its Partnership
Interest if such exercise would cause the Partnership Interest to go below 10%
of its initial Partnership Interest (i.e., Sepulveda Hatteras' Partnership
Interest may not be reduced below that attributable to $160,000 of its Net
Capital Contribution). Once Sepulveda Hatteras has exercised its Option so as to
reduce its Partnership Interest to 10% of its initial amount (i.e., that
                                                              ----
attributable to a Net Capital Contribution of $160,000), thereafter a further
partial exercise of the Option will not be permitted, but rather the Option must
thereafter be exercised in its entirety.

     10.7 BUY-SELL AGREEMENT

          (a)  During the first five (5) years of the term of this Partnership,
the General Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras may agree upon a purchase price for
the General Partner to purchase Sepulveda Hatteras' Partnership Interest.

          (b)  During the period commencing on the first day of the sixth year
of the Partnership term and ending on the last day of the eighth year of the
Partnership term, either party (the "Offeror") may give written notice (the
"Notice of Sale") to the offeree ("Offeree") of the Offeror's intent to purchase
the Partnership Interest of the Offeree, which shall be consummated as follows:

               (i)    The Notice of Sale shall state that the Offeror desires
to purchase the Partnership Interest of the Offeree and shall set forth a cash
purchase price for the entire Property. The amount to be paid for the
Partnership Interest of the Offeree or the Offeror shall be determined by
computing the cash proceeds which would be distributed to the Offeree or the
Offeror on account of each Partner's Partnership Interest as if the Property
were sold in a hypothetical sale to a third party for the cash purchase price
set forth in the Notice of Sale and the Partnership was thereupon liquidated. In
making such determination, the cash purchase price stated in the Notice of Sale
shall be reduced by the following: (a) a fixed amount equal to one and one half
(1 1/2) percent of the cash purchase price stated in the Notice of Sale as
closing costs from the hypothetical sale; and, (b) the amount which would be
necessary to pay all debts and liabilities of the Partnership, secured or
unsecured, including, but not limited to, loans from the Partners, prorations
and accrued liabilities. The sum determined under the preceding Paragraph shall
then be deemed distributed to the Partners under Paragraph 5.2. The amount of
cash which would be distributable to Sepulveda Hatteras or the General Partner
from the hypothetical sale shall be the agreed upon cash purchase price of the
Partnership Interest of the General Partner or Sepulveda Hatteras ("Agreed
Price"), respectively, for all purposes of this Paragraph.

                (ii)  If the Offeror is the General Partner, the Notice of Sale
shall include the amount to be paid for the Partnership Interest of Sepulveda
Hatteras on the hypothetical sale basis described in (i) above. In such event,
Sepulveda Hatteras shall have one hundred eighty (180) days after receipt of the
Notice of Sale to decide whether to sell its Partnership Interest to the General
Partner at the Agreed Price or purchase the Partnership Interest of the General
Partner for the Agreed Price set forth in the Notice of Sale. If the Offeror is
Sepulveda Hatteras, the General Partner shall compute the Agreed Prices for each
Partnership Interest within thirty (30) after receipt of the Notice of Sale and
deliver such information to Sepulveda Hatteras. The General Partner shall have

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
one hundred eighty (180) days after delivering the Agreed Prices to Sepulveda
Hatteras to decide whether to sell its Partnership Interest to Sepulveda
Hatteras at the Agreed Price or purchase the Partnership Interest of Sepulveda
Hatteras for the Agreed Price.

               (iii)  If the Offeree fails to timely elect to purchase all of
the Partnership Interest of the Offeror, then the Offeror shall purchase the
Partnership Interest of the Offeree for the Agreed Price and on the same terms
and conditions set forth in the Notice of Sale within sixty (60) days after the
expiration of the date for the Offeree to respond to the Notice of Sale (the
"Closing Date"). If the Offeree timely elects to purchase the Partnership
Interest from the Offeror, then the Offeree shall purchase the Partnership
Interest of the Offeror at the Closing Date. The purchase price shall be paid in
cash on the Closing Date.

          (c)  In the event the General Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras are still
Partners of the Partnership, and the Partnership owns the Property, on the first
day of the ninth year of the Partnership term, the Partners agree that the
Partnership shall list to sell and use its best efforts to sell the Property
consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

     10.8 CERTAIN TRANSFERS TO BE REPORTED TO IRS

          (a)  IRC Section 6050K requires the Partnership to make a return to
the IRS with respect to transfers of interests in partnerships that own
appreciated inventory or unrealized receivables, as defined in IRC Section 751.
For those purposes, recapture of depreciation potential is treated as an
unrealized receivable. In order to enable the Partnership to comply with the
requirements of IRC Section 6050K and any Treasury Regulation issued thereunder,
each transferor and each transferee of an interest in the Partnership shall
provide the General Partner with such data and information as may be required in
order for the Partnership to fully comply with those requirements, which data
and information shall be provided no later than twenty (20) days prior to the
date the Partnership is otherwise required to file the return with the IRS with
respect to the transfer, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the
date the transfer occurs.

          (b)  If the Partnership files a return with the IRS with respect to a
transfer pursuant to IRC Section 6050K, the Partnership shall provide the
transferor with a copy of the return on or before January 31 of the year
following the year for which the return referred to in this Paragraph is filed.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            WITHDRAWAL OF A PARTNER
                                        
     11.1 RESTRICTION ON WITHDRAWAL OF A PARTNER

          A Partner shall not voluntarily retire or withdraw from the
Partnership, except in connection with a sale, assignment or transfer of his
entire interest in the Partnership permitted under Article X, above, and then,
only if the transferee is admitted in his place pursuant to that Paragraph.

                                 ARTICLE XII
                   DEATH, WITHDRAWAL, INSOLVENCY, INCAPACITY,
                      DISSOLUTION OR REMOVAL OF A PARTNER
                                        
     12.1 DEFINITIONS

          (a)  INSOLVENCY OF A PARTNER

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
               A Partner shall be deemed insolvent if (i) the Partner makes an
assignment for the benefit of his creditors, (ii) a charging order is issued
against the Partner's interest in the Partnership or such Partnership interest
is levied on or seized pursuant to process of law (e.g., levy or seizure by the
Internal Revenue Service) without the removal or discharge of such order, levy
or seizure within ninety (90) days thereafter, (iii) a petition is filed by or
against the Partner under the federal bankruptcy law or other insolvency statute
without the removal or discharge thereof within ninety (90) days, (iv) a
trustee, receiver or liquidator of all or any substantial part of the Partner's
properties is appointed without the Partner's consent or acquiescence and such
appointment is not vacated or stayed within ninety (90) days thereafter or the
appointment is not vacated within sixty (60) days after the expiration of any
such stay.

          (b)  INCAPACITY

               A Partner who is a natural person shall be deemed incapacitated
if the Partner is judicially declared incompetent or insane or has a legal
guardian or conservator appointed.

          (c)  DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATE PARTNER

               A corporate Partner shall be deemed to have dissolved if it is
dissolved under any state or federal law permitting the dissolution of a
corporation or if a corporate Partner is merged into another corporation and the
corporate Partner is not the surviving corporation resulting from such merger.

     12.2 LIMITED PARTNERS

          If Sepulveda Hatteras ceases to be a Partner of the Partnership by
reason of insolvency, incapacity, dissolution of a corporate Partner or the
death of a natural person, this shall not thereby cause a dissolution of this
Partnership and the business of the Partnership shall be continued by the
remaining Partners.

     12.3 REMOVAL OF GENERAL PARTNER FOR CAUSE

          A General Partner shall be removed on the determination by the vote or
written consent of the Partners holding more than seventy-five percent (75%) of
the Partner Percentages that the General Partner is guilty of fraud, gross
negligence, willful misconduct or material breach of fiduciary obligations in
the carrying out of his duties as a general partner. If the General Partner
desires to dispute such determination, it may do so under the arbitration
provisions contained in this Agreement.

     12.4 GENERAL PARTNER

          If a General Partner ceases to be a General Partner of the Partnership
by reason of its insolvency, incapacity, dissolution, death or removal and such
General Partner is not the sole remaining General Partner, then the General
Partner ceasing to be a General Partner shall not cause a dissolution of the
Partnership and the business of the Partnership shall be continued by the
remaining General Partner, along with any successor General Partner as may be
elected in accordance with terms of this Agreement.  If the General Partner who
ceases to be a General Partner for such reasons is the sole remaining general
Partner and the other Partners fail to elect a successor General Partner and
fail to elect to continue the business of the Partnership within ninety (90)
days after the sole General Partner so ceases to be a General Partner, then the
Partnership shall be dissolved and wound up pursuant to Article XIII, below.

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
     12.5 CONVERSION OF INTEREST TO LIMITED PARTNER STATUS

          If a General Partner ceases to be a General Partner for any reason,
its interest in the Partnership as a General Partner shall be converted to that
of a Limited Partner on all of the terms and conditions contained in this
Agreement pertaining to Limited Partners, except that: (i) the General Partner
shall not be required to make a Capital Contribution to the Partnership other
than so required prior to its cessation as General Partner, (ii) its Capital
Account as a General Partner shall become its Capital Account as a Limited
Partner; and (iii) its shares of Operating Profits and Losses, Gain or Loss From
Sale, Cash Flow, and other distributions under this Agreement shall be identical
to the shares of those items attributable to its interest as a General Partner
under this Agreement prior to its conversion to a Limited Partner.  In addition,
after a General Partner ceases to be a General Partner, it shall not be
personally liable for the debts, liabilities or obligations of the Partnership
incurred after the General Partner ceases to be a General Partner.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                                  DISSOLUTION

     13.1 EVENTS CAUSING DISSOLUTION

          The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up
on the first to occur of any of the following events ("Events of Dissolution"),
which dissolution shall also dissolve the agency relationship between the
Partners:

          (a)  Expiration of the term of this Partnership.

          (b)  The written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

          (c)  The ceasing of all General Partners to be a General Partner in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the failure of the Limited
Partners to elect a substitute General Partner and to elect to continue the
business of the Partnership, as provided in Paragraph 12.4 above.

     13.2 WINDING UP AND LIQUIDATION OF PARTNERSHIP

          On the occurrence of an Event of Dissolution, (i) the General Partner,
if it has not wrongfully dissolved the Partnership, or (ii) the Limited
Partners, if the General Partner has wrongfully dissolved the Partnership, shall
liquidate the Partnership assets as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the
fair value thereof and, to the extent they are sufficient, apply and distribute
the proceeds of the liquidation in the following order:

          (a)  To the payment or satisfaction of all indebtedness secured by
Partnership assets and all other Partnership debts, including but not limited to
loans from Partners and expenses of liquidation.

          (b)  To deposit a reasonable reserve for the payment of contingent
liabilities and expenses of the Partnership in a trust account.  After the
passage of a reasonable period of time and the payment of any contingencies
arising in that period, the balance remaining in the trust account shall be
distributed to the Partners in accordance with the ensuing provisions of this
Paragraph.

          (c)  After allocation of Gain From Sale and/or Loss From Sale arising
from the liquidation of Partnership assets, the remaining liquidation proceeds
shall be distributed to the Partners to the extent of and in proportion to their
positive Capital Account balances.

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
     13.3 PARTNERSHIP ASSETS SOLE SOURCE OF RETURN OF CAPITAL

          Each Partner shall look solely to the assets of the Partnership for
all distributions with respect to his or its interest in the Partnership and
Priority Return and shall have no recourse therefor, on dissolution or
otherwise, against any other Partner.

     13.4 DEFICIT CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCE

          If, following the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership,
Sepulveda Hatteras has a negative balance in his Capital Account, Sepulveda
Hatteras shall not be obligated to contribute all or any part of the negative
balance to the capital of the Partnership.

     13.5 REQUIREMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCORDING
          TO CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCES

          Following the dissolution of the Partnership, liquidating
distributions shall be made to those Partners who have a positive balance in
their Capital Account.  All such liquidating distributions shall be made by the
close of the taxable year in which the liquidation occurs or, within ninety (90)
days following the date of such liquidation, whichever is later.  Liquidating
distributions may be made to a trust established for the benefit of the Partners
for the purposes of liquidating Partnership assets, collecting amounts owed to
the Partnership and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or
obligations of the Partnership or its Partners in connection with the
Partnership.  The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the Partners
at such time or times as the General Partner may select in the same proportions
as the amount distributed to such trust by the Partnership would otherwise have
been distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
                      AMENDMENTS TO PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
                                        
     14.1 AMENDMENTS NOT REQUIRING CONSENT OF OTHER PARTNERS

          (a)  This Agreement may be amended by the General Partner, without the
consent of Sepulveda Hatteras, to effect changes of a ministerial nature which
do not materially and adversely affect the rights of the Partners.

          (b)  In addition to any amendments otherwise authorized by
subparagraph (a), above, amendments may be made to this Agreement under this
Paragraph 14.1 from time to time by the General Partner, without the consent of
any of Sepulveda Hatteras:

               (1)  to add to the representations, duties or obligations of the
General Partner or surrender any right or power granted to the General Partner
under this Agreement for the benefit of the other Partners;

               (2)  to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision
of this Agreement which may be inconsistent with any other provision of this
Agreement or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions
arising under this Agreement which will not be inconsistent with the provisions
of this Agreement;

               (3)  with respect to the Partnership's tax status as a
partnership and not as an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes, to ensure the continuation of partnership status, 

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
provided, however, that, in the opinion of counsel to the Partnership, such
amendment does not adversely affect the rights or interests of any of the other
Partners; and

               (4)  to modify the provisions of this Agreement to conform to the
requirements of the IRC or any Treasury Regulations promulgated under the IRC,
or any corresponding provision of any successor law, provided, however, that no
such amendment shall be adopted pursuant to this Paragraph unless the adoption
thereof (i) is for the benefit of or not adverse to the interests of Sepulveda
Hatteras, (ii) is not inconsistent with the purposes of the Partnership stated
in Paragraph 2.6 above, (iii) does not have a material adverse effect on the
distributions or allocations of Cash Flow, Operating Profits or Losses or Gain
or Loss From Sale among or between the Partners and (iv) does not adversely
affect the status of the Partnership as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes.

          (c)  The foregoing provisions shall not limit or restrict amendments
to this Agreement under Paragraphs 14.2 or 14.3, below.

     14.2 AMENDMENTS TO ADMIT ADDITIONAL OR SUBSTITUTED PARTNERS

          If this Agreement is amended to reflect the admission or substitution
of a Partner pursuant to this Agreement, the amendment to this Agreement shall
be signed by the General Partner and by the person or entity to be substituted
or added and, if a Partner is to be substituted, by the transferor Partner.  If
this Agreement is amended to reflect the admission of an Additional Partner,
such amendment shall be signed by the General Partner and by such Additional
Partner.

     14.3 AMENDMENTS REQUIRING CONSENT OF OTHER PARTNERS

          (a)  With the exceptions of amendments permitted under Paragraphs 14.1
and 14.2, above, any amendment to this Agreement must be approved by the written
consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

          (b)  Any amendment required to be approved as provided in subparagraph
(a), above, may be proposed by any Partner.  Following such proposal, the
General Partner shall submit to the other Partners a verbatim statement of any
proposed amendment and an assessment as to the effect of such amendment on the
liability of the Partners for the debts of the Partnership.  The General Partner
shall include in any such submission the General Partner's recommendations as to
the proposed amendment.

     14.4 COVENANT TO SIGN AMENDMENTS

          Each Partner agrees to promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver to
the Partnership such documents and instruments as may be necessary to effectuate
any amendments to this Agreement authorized pursuant to this Article XIV.

     14.5 FILING OF AMENDMENT

          In making any amendments to this Agreement, there shall be prepared
and filed for recordation by the General Partner such documents and certificates
as shall be required to be prepared and filed under the laws of the applicable
jurisdiction.  In the case of a substitution of a Partner, such filings shall be
made not less frequently than once each fiscal quarter.

     14.6 MASTER COPY OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

          The General Partner shall maintain a master copy of this Agreement at
the Partnership's principal place of business, which shall reflect all
deletions, additions and other changes to the text of this Agreement to the 

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
same extent as though they were part of a single unchanged Agreement (the
"Master Copy"). The Master Copy shall show the revision date and the effective
date of each amendment. At any time and from time to time, the General Partner
may submit a Master Copy of this Agreement to all of the Partners in conjunction
with any then current amendment to this Agreement, which Master Copy shall
reflect all applicable amendments. The General Partner shall have the power and
authority to issue certified copies of the then current Master Copy of the
Partnership Agreement to third parties. As between third parties dealing with
this Partnership, on the one hand, and the Partnership and/or its Partners, on
the other, the Partnership and its Partners shall be bound by the certified copy
of the Master Copy so issued by the General Partner.
 
                                   ARTICLE XV
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                                        
     15.1 SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

          By signing this Agreement, each Limited Partner hereby grants to the
officers of the General Partner a special power of attorney with full power of
substitution irrevocably making, constituting and appointing the officers of the
General Partner as the attorney-in-fact of the Limited Partner, with power and
authority to act in his name and on his behalf to execute, acknowledge and swear
to in the execution, acknowledgement and filing of documents, which shall
include, without limitation, the following:

          (a)  The Partnership Agreement and any properly authorized and
approved amendment to this Agreement, which, under the laws of the applicable
state, are required to be filed or which the General Partner elects to file;

          (b)  Any other instrument or document, properly authorized and
approved, required to be filed by the Partnership under the laws of any state or
by any governmental agency, or which the General Partner elects to file;

          (c)  Any instrument or document that may be required to effect the
continuation of the Partnership, the admission of an additional or substituted
Partner, or the dissolution and winding up of the Partnership, provided that the
mutual consent of the Partners is first obtained and the continuation, admission
or dissolution and winding up are otherwise in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement;

          (d)  Any amendment to this Agreement requested or permitted and
authorized under Paragraphs 14.1 or 14.2, above; or

          (e)  Any Master Copy of the Partnership Agreement maintained by the
General Partner pursuant to Paragraph 14.6 above.

          This power of attorney: (i) is a special power of attorney coupled
with an interest, (ii) is irrevocable, (iii) shall survive the death or
incapacity of the granting Partner and (iv) is limited to the matters set forth
in this Paragraph.  If a Partner transfers his entire interest in the
Partnership and the transferee is entitled to be substituted in the transferor's
place, the power of attorney granted by the transferor Partner shall survive
delivery of the transfer of the Partnership interest for the sole purpose of
enabling a Partner to execute, acknowledge and/or file any instrument necessary
to effect such substitution.

     15.2 NOTICES

          All notices and other writings required or permitted under the
provisions of this Agreement ("Notices") shall be given in writing and shall be
deemed given and served when served personally on a Partner or 

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
seventy-two (72) hours after the deposit of the same with the United States
Postal Service anywhere in the County of Los Angeles, California, with first
class postage prepaid thereon and, if intended for the Partnership, addressed to
the Partnership at its principal place of business, or, if intended for a
Partner, to the Partner at his address set forth on Exhibit "3" attached hereto,
as may be amended from time to time, or to such other place as the Partner may
from time to time specify by way of written notice given to the General Partner.

     15.3 ARBITRATION

          In the event of any claim or dispute between the Partnership and any
one or more of the Partners or between any one or more of the Partners arising
out of or in any way related to this Agreement, such claim or dispute shall,
except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, be settled and determined by
arbitration at Los Angeles County, California, in accordance with the rules of
the American Arbitration Association.  The arbitrator shall have the power to
order and settle an accounting of the Partnership.  Judgment on the arbitration
award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  The provisions of
Section 1283.05 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, which pertains to
depositions and discovery in arbitration proceedings, is hereby incorporated
into and made a part of this Agreement.

     15.4 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO DECREE

          The Partners agree that irreparable damage will be done to the
goodwill and reputation of the Partnership if any Partner should bring an action
in court to dissolve the Partnership.  Care has been taken in this Agreement to
provide what the parties believe is a fair and just payment in liquidation of
the interest of the Partners.  Accordingly, each Partner hereby waives and
renounces his right to such a court decree of dissolution or to seek the
appointment by the court of a liquidator for the Partnership.

     15.5 ATTORNEYS FEES

          Should it become necessary for either party to this Agreement, or
someone acting on their behalf, to incur costs and expenses to retain the
services of an attorney to enforce this Agreement, or any portion thereof, the
prevailing party in any litigation or arbitration shall be entitled to recover
from the other reasonable costs and attorney's fees thereby expended, for which
liability is incurred.

     15.6 NUMBER, GENDER AND TENSE

          As used in this Agreement, the singular and plural numbers, the
masculine, feminine and neuter genders and the past, present and future tenses
shall each be deemed to include the others, wherever the context so indicates.

     15.7 GOVERNING LAW

          This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Partners
shall be governed by and construed and enforced according to the laws of the
State of California.

     15.8 FINAL AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT; INTEGRATION

          This Agreement is the final, entire and exclusive agreement between
the parties with respect to the partnership arrangement between the parties and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
commitments, discussions, summaries, brochures and projections, whether oral or
written, except those set forth in that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement
between the parties, pertaining to the Property.  No amendments or modifications
to this Agreement may be made without a writing signed by the party to be bound.

                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
     15.9   UNENFORCEABILITY

            If any clause, provision or term of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining clauses, provisions and
terms shall remain in full force and effect.

     15.10  FURTHER ASSURANCES.

            Whenever requested to do so by the other party, each party shall
execute, acknowledge, and deliver any further conveyances, agreements,
confirmations, satisfactions, releases, powers of attorney, instruments of
further assurance, approvals, consents, and any further instruments and
documents as may be reasonably necessary, expedient, or proper to complete any
conveyances, transfers, sales, amendments agreements contemplated by this
Agreement. Each party also agrees to do any other acts and to execute,
acknowledge, and deliver any documents requested to carry out the intent and
purpose of this Agreement.


     15.11  COUNTERPART COPIES

            This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts and the
signed counterparts, taken together, shall constitute an original of this
Agreement for all purposes.  For the purpose of assembling a fully executed copy
of this Agreement, the General Partner may detach all of the signature pages
from each counterpart and attach the same to a counterpart copy of this
Agreement, which assembled counterpart shall then constitute the original of
this Agreement.

                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
     15.12  BINDING ON SUCCESSORS

            This Agreement shall be binding on and, subject to the restrictions
on transfer of interests in the Partnership set forth herein, shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, devisee, legatees, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

            This Limited Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 5805 is being
executed as of the date set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

GENERAL PARTNER:

American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
A Delaware limited partnership

By:  American Equity Trust, Inc.
     A Maryland corporation


By:  /s/ Arthur P. Herring
     --------------------------------------------
     Arthur P. Herring, Chief Executive Officer


LIMITED PARTNER:

Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.
a California limited partnership


By:  /s/ Gary ??
     --------------------------------------------

AGREED FOR PURPOSES OF PARAGRAPH 10.6:

American Equity Trust, Inc.
A Maryland corporation

By:  /s/ Arthur P. Herring
     --------------------------------------------
     Arthur P. Herring, Chief Executive Officer

                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
                       LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF

                                AMREIT NO. 5805
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS


     "ACT" means the California Revised Limited Partnership Act, as set forth in
Title 2, Chapter 3 of the California Corporations Code, as amended.

     "ADDITIONAL PARTNER" means any Person admitted to the Partnership as a
Partner after the formation of the Partnership, as permitted by the Partnership
Agreement.

     "ADJUSTED TAX BASIS" means the basis of an item of Partnership property for
federal income tax purposes, net of any depreciation, amortization or other cost
recovery allowed or allowable to the Partnership with respect to the property as
of the point in time such basis is determined for purposes of this Agreement.

     "AFFILIATE" means, when referring to a specific Person, (i) any Person
that, directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled by or is under common
control with, the specified Person, (ii) any Person that is an officer of,
partner in, trustee of or serves in a similar capacity with respect to the
specified Person or of which the specified Person is an officer, partner or
trustee or with respect to which the specified Person serves in a similar
capacity, (iii) any Person that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of equity securities of, or otherwise
has a substantial beneficial interest in, the specified Person or of which the
specified Person is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent
(10%) or more of any class of equity securities or in which the specified Person
has a substantial beneficial interest and (iv) any relative or spouse of the
specified Person.  An Affiliate of the Partnership or the General Partner does
not include a Person who is a partner in a partnership or joint venture with the
Partnership or any other Affiliate if such Person is not otherwise an Affiliate
of the Partnership or the General Partner.

     "AGREED EQUITY" means the sum of $5,280,000.00, representing the agreed
upon equity in the Property contributed to the Partnership by the General
Partner and Sepulveda Hatteras.  This amount is based on an agreed fair market
value of $16,000,000.00 for the Property, reduced by the existing debt of
$10,720,00.00 in favor of Imperial Bank, before the paydown of $2,720,000.00 by
the Partnership.

     "AGREEMENT" means the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, as
originally executed and as amended from time to time, as the context requires.

     "BOOK DEPRECIATION" means the amount of depreciation, amortization or other
cost recovery method allowed or allowable to the Partnership with respect to an
item of Partnership property, except that if the Book Value of such property
differs from its Adjusted Tax Basis, Book Depreciation shall be determined
utilizing the Book Value of the property rather than its Adjusted Tax Basis.

     "BOOK INCOME" OR "BOOK LOSS" means the income or loss, as the case may be,
recognized by the Partnership for Book Purposes from disposition of an item of
Partnership property determined by using the Book Value of the property, rather
than its Adjusted Tax Basis.

     "BOOK PURPOSES", with regard to an item of income, gain, loss or deduction,
means determining such item utilizing Book Value rather than Adjusted Tax Basis.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 1 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "BOOK VALUE" means the value at which an item of Partnership property is
reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Partnership, which may equal or may
differ from its Adjusted Tax Basis and which may be adjusted to its fair market
value from time to time under the provisions of Article VI of the Agreement.

     "CAPITAL ACCOUNT" means the Capital Account of a Partner maintained by the
Partnership in accordance with the provisions of Article VI of the Partnership
Agreement and sound federal income tax reporting principles consistent with the
Partnership's method of accounting for federal income tax reporting purposes.

     "CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION" means the sum of the amount of cash and/or the
Agreed Equity contributed to the Partnership, as adjusted for contributions made
after the effective date of the Agreement.

     "CASH FLOW" means Cash Flow From Operations and Cash Flow From Sale or
Refinancing.

     "CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS" means, for each fiscal year, the cash proceeds
received by the Partnership from the operation of the Partnership business or
investments for such year (excluding Capital Contributions, Partnership
borrowings and the proceeds of a Sale or Refinancing, but including the proceeds
of an Interim Sale Transaction) as reduced by:  (i) expenses incurred in the
operation of the Partnership's business or investments paid or payable by the
Partnership during such year; and (ii) reasonable Reserves for the replacement
or preservation, during the current or any future fiscal year, of any property
of the Partnership or for working capital needs of the Partnership as determined
by the General Partner.

     "CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING" means the cash proceeds received by
the Partnership from a Sale of the Property or a Refinancing (provided the
Partnership realizes cash proceeds from the refinancing) as reduced by:  (i) all
costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction; (ii) amounts
paid or payable to creditors of the Partnership out of the proceeds; (iii) costs
and expenses incurred by the Partnership for capital improvements, replacements
or repairs paid or payable out of such proceeds; and (iv) such reasonable
Reserves set aside out of the proceeds to meet other estimated obligations of
the Partnership or to pay other costs and expenses of the Partnership, as
determined by the General Partner.

     "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     "EXPENDITURES" or "IRC SECTION 705 EXPENDITURES" means (i) expenditures of
the Partnership not deductible in computing Partnership income for federal
income tax purposes and not properly chargeable to Capital Accounts under IRC
Section 705(a)(2)(B), (ii) organization and offering expenses treated as IRC
Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-
1(b)(2)(iv)(i)(2) and (iii) certain losses incurred in transactions between
related parties treated as IRC Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i)(3).

     "GAIN FROM SALE" means the income or gain resulting from the Sale of a
Partnership capital asset, determined for Book Purposes and allocated in
accordance with the rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership
Agreement.

     "GENERAL PARTNER" means American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership.

     "INITIAL CAPITAL"  means the Capital Contributions initially made by the
Partners to the Partnership on or about the effective date of the Agreement,
consisting of a $6,400,000.00 Capital Contribution by the General Partner and a
$1,600,000.00 Capital Contribution by Sepulveda Hatteras, as more fully set
forth in Paragraphs 4.1(a) and (b).

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 2 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "INTERIM SALE TRANSACTION" means any sale of property by the Partnership
which does not involve the sale, exchange, transfer, assignment or other
disposition of all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Partnership, or
all or a substantial portion of the Property.

     "IRC" means the Code.

     "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

     "ITEMS OF INCOME AND GAIN" means gross income from Partnership operations
and gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of Partnership property
before any expenses of such sales or dispositions or any loss from other sales
or taxable dispositions of Partnership property are taken into account.

     "LIMITED PARTNER" means Sepulveda Hatteras, as well as any Additional
Partners admitted to the Partnership as limited partners pursuant to the
Partnership Agreement, as amended.

     "LOSS FROM SALE" means any net loss resulting from the Sale of a
Partnership capital asset, determined for Book Purposes and allocated in
accordance with the rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership
Agreement.

     "MINIMUM GAIN" means the aggregate of the excess of, calculated with
respect to each Nonrecourse Liability of the Partnership, the outstanding and
unpaid balance of the Partnership's Nonrecourse Liabilities over the Book Value
of the items of Partnership property subject to such Nonrecourse Liabilities.
If an item of Partnership property is subject to two or more liabilities
(Nonrecourse Liabilities or otherwise), the Book Value of such property, for
purposes of calculating Minimum Gain, shall be allocated as provided in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(iv)(c), as amended, supplemented or replaced.

     "NET CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION" of any Partner on any day shall be equal to the
excess, if any, of (a) the aggregate Capital Contributions of such Partner on or
before such day, over (b) the aggregate distributions to such Partner pursuant
to Paragraph 5.2(c), (d) and (e) of this Agreement (excluding any preferred
returns) on or before such day.

     "NET FINANCING PROCEEDS" means the cash available from any borrowings
secured by a mortgage or deed of trust encumbering the Property, or unsecured,
after payment of all loan-related expenses.

     "NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS" means, for any given taxable year of the
Partnership, an amount equal to the net increase, if any, in the amount of
Minimum Gain during such year and shall consist of: (i) first, depreciation or
cost recovery deductions with respect to Partnership property subject to one or
more Nonrecourse Liabilities, to the extent of the net increase in Minimum Gain
attributable to Nonrecourse Liabilities to which such property is subject, and
then (ii) a pro rata portion of the Partnership's other items of deduction, loss
and IRC Section 705 Expenditures for the year.  If the depreciation and cost
recovery deductions referred to in the preceding sentence exceed the net
increase in Minimum Gain for any taxable year, a proportional share of each such
deduction shall be the Partnership's Nonrecourse Deductions for such year.  If
the net increase in Minimum Gain during a taxable year of the Partnership
exceeds the total amount of Partnership loss, deduction and IRC Section 705
Expenditures for such year, the amount of such excess shall constitute
Nonrecourse Deductions in the next succeeding year or years, as if there had
been a net increase in Minimum Gain during such year or years.

     "NONRECOURSE LIABILITIES" means those liabilities with respect to which no
Partner (General or Limited) personally bears any economic risk of loss, other
than through their interests as Partners in the Partnership property subject to
such liabilities, as more fully defined in Regulation Section 1.704-2.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 3 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "OPERATING LOSSES" means the net loss from the operation of the business of
the Partnership for each fiscal year, determined without regard to Gain From
Sale or Loss From Sale for Book Purposes, and allocated in accordance with the
rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership Agreement.

     "OPERATING PROFITS" means the net profit from the operation of the business
of the Partnership for each fiscal year, determined without regard to Gain From
Sale or Loss From Sales for Book Purposes, and allocated in accordance with the
rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership Agreement.

     "PARTNERS" means the General Partner and the Limited Partner(s).  Reference
to a Partner shall be to any one of the Partners.

     "PARTNER PERCENTAGES"  means the interest of a Partner in the Partnership
determined by dividing such Partner's aggregate Capital Contributions by the
total Capital Contributions of all Partners, as adjusted for Capital
Contributions made subsequent to contributions to Initial Capital or as
otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement.

     "PARTNERSHIP" means AMREIT No. 5805, a California limited partnership.

     "PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT" means the Agreement.

     "PARTNERSHIP INTEREST" means an interest in the Partnership owned by any
Partner.

     "PERSON" means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust or other
entity.

     "PROPERTY" means that certain parcel of real property, improved with a
Class A office building of approximately 88,500 gross leasable square feet,
located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California, and legally described
as set forth in Exhibit "2" attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof.

     "REFINANCING" means (i) any refinancing of Partnership indebtedness
initially obtained to finance property purchased on a leveraged basis; (ii) the
initial financing or borrowing incurred with respect to properties purchased on
an unleveraged basis; or (iii) any other financing or borrowing incurred by the
Partnership.
 
     "REQUIRED MAJORITY OF THE PARTNERS" means those Partners holding more than
fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests of the Partners, determined in
accordance with each Partner's Partner Percentage, unless a higher percentage is
otherwise required.  Whenever a particular Partner is excluded, his Partner
Percentage shall be excluded from the calculation of votes or consents required
for the action to be taken.

     "RESERVES" means, funds set aside or amounts allocated during such period
in such amounts deemed necessary and/or appropriate by the General Partner in
its sole discretion for working capital and to pay taxes, insurance, debt
service, repairs, replacements or renewals or other costs or expenses or
contingent liabilities incident to the ownership or operation of Partnership
properties.

     "SALE" means any of the following: (i) the sale, exchange, transfer,
assignment or other disposition of all or a substantial portion of the Property;
(ii) the condemnation or deed in lieu of condemnation of all or a substantial
portion of the Property; or (iii) any collection in respect of property, hazard
or casualty insurance (but not rental interruption insurance) or any damage
awards received in connection with the destruction of all or a substantial
portion of the Property.

     "SEPULVEDA HATTERAS" means Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd., a California limited
partnership.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 4 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "SUBSTITUTED LIMITED PARTNER" means any person admitted to the Partnership
as a Limited Partner pursuant to Article X of the Partnership Agreement.

     "TAXABLE DISPOSITION" means, with regard to a particular item of property,
a sale, exchange or other disposition of the property which results in the
recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 5 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
                                AMREIT NO. 5805
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                               LEGAL DESCRIPTION

                                [TO BE INSERTED]



























































                                  EXHIBIT "2"
<PAGE>
 
                                 AMREIT NO. 5805
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



        NAMES, ADDRESSES, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTNER PERCENTAGES
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Partner                           
Name and Address                                      Capital Contributions        Percentages
- ----------------                                      ---------------------        ----------- 
<S>                                                   <C>                          <C> 
GENERAL PARTNER:

American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.        $6,400,000/1/                 80.00
2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
El Segundo, California


LIMITED PARTNER:

Sepulveda Hatteras, Ltd.                                  1,600,000/2/                 20.00
5805 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 601
Van Nuys, California

                                                         ----------                   ------
     Total:                                              $8,000,000                   100.00%
</TABLE> 


- -----------------------------

/1/  Cash of $2,720,000.00 plus Agreed Equity of $3,680,000.00 in the Property
     as described in Paragraph 4.1

/2/  Agreed Equity in the Property as described in Paragraph 4.2
































                                  EXHIBIT "3"

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10.4.1

           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
           ---------------------------------------------------------

     THIS AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE ("Agreement"), is made and entered into
as of the 29th day of March 1996 by and between American Equity Trust Operating
Partnership L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Buyer"), and General Western
Property Company, a Delaware corporation ("Seller").


                                   RECITALS
                                   --------
 
     This Agreement is entered into upon the basis of the following facts,
understanding and intentions of the parties:

     A.   Seller is the owner of certain real property (the "Property"), located
at 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California consisting of a three story
building containing both retail and self storage space with approximately 96,500
gross rental square feet (the "Building") located on approximately 31,500 square
feet of land, as described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.

     B.   Buyer desires to purchase a portion of the Property from Seller and
Seller is willing to sell a portion of the Property to Buyer, on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and the mutual
covenants and obligations of the parties herein contained, the parties agree as
follows:

     1.   PURCHASE
          --------

          Seller agrees to sell to Buyer and Buyer agrees to purchase from
Seller the portion of the Property as set forth below, all on the terms,
covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement.  The Property includes all
of the following:

          1.1. Land.  The land ("Land") located at 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los
               ----                                                         
Angeles, California, and legally described as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached
to this Agreement and made a part hereof;

          1.2. Improvements.  The Building and all other structures and
               ------------                                            
improvements (collectively "Improvements") now situated on the Land, including,
but not limited to, fixtures and equipment, mechanical systems, electrical
systems, heating and air conditioning systems and plumbing systems;
<PAGE>
 
          1.3. Personal Property.  All of Seller's interest in fixtures,
               -----------------                                        
furnishings, equipment, appliances, machinery, tools and other personal property
of every kind and character (collectively "Personal Property") owned by Seller
and currently  attached to, located on or used in connection with the operation
and maintenance of the Improvements on the Land (as well as the Land) including,
without limitation, the items listed on Exhibit "B" attached to this Agreement
and made a part hereof.

          1.4. Intangible Property.  Any and all right, title and interest of
               -------------------                                           
Seller in all leases (including, but not limited to a land lease between Everest
& Jennings), contract rights, equipment leases, licenses, warranties,
guarantees, assignable permits, entitlements, tenant lists, advertising
material, telephone exchange numbers and other intangible property (collectively
"Intangible Property") pertaining to the Land, the Improvements or the Personal
Property or use thereof which in anyway relates to the ownership, management or
operation of the Property.

     2.   ACQUISITION VALUE AND PAYMENT.
          ----------------------------- 

          The acquisition value for the Property shall be the amount of Twelve
Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,900,000) which shall be paid as
follows:

          2.1. Buyer shall purchase from Seller a 58.2878% interest in the
Property for the sum of $3,200,000 subject to the first deed of trust loan with
an unpaid balance of $7,409,990.

          2.2  Concurrently with the closing of escrow for the purchase and sale
of Seller's 58.2878% interest in the Property to Buyer, Buyer shall contribute
its undivided 58.2878% interest in the Property to a new California limited
partnership to be formed ("Amreit No. 1901").  In addition to and not in lieu of
any other payments or contributions due by Buyer under Section 2.1 hereof, Buyer
shall deposit into escrow prior to close of escrow, the sum of $1,448,129 which
shall be used for the purpose of reducing the present encumbrance on the
Property to an unpaid balance of $5,961,861.  Buyer shall receive credit for his
deposit of $1,448,129 as a contribution to the capital of Amreit No. 1901.
Buyer shall receive a 67% partnership interest in Amreit No. 1901.  Buyer, or
its designee, shall be the general partner of Amreit No. 1901.  For purposes of
calculating initial capital contribution to the partnership, Buyer shall be
credited in its capital account with $4,648,139.

          2.3. Concurrently with the closing of escrow for the purchase and sale
of Seller's 58.2878% interest in the Property to Buyer, Seller shall contribute
its undivided 41.7122% interest in the Property to Amreit No. 1901 and shall
receive a thirty

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
three percent (33%) partnership interest in the Partnership. For purposes of
calculating initial capital contribution to the partnership, Seller shall be
credited in its capital account with $2,290,000.  Seller shall be a limited
partner of Amreit No. 1901.


          2.4. The cash to be deposited by Buyer pursuant to Sections 2.1 and
2.2 shall be paid to Hermosa Escrow Company ("Escrow Holder") in cash by wire
transfer of immediately available Federal funds on the Closing Date, or if by
cashiers check or certified check, such checks shall be deposited with Escrow
Holder at least two business days before the scheduled closing, and shall be
drawn on a federally insured bank or savings bank from an office located in
California, with such funds to be immediately available. The "Closing Date" is
the date the deed records conveying the Property to the Buyer or its designee.
The Closing Date shall be on or before July 31, 1996.

     3.   EXCEPTIONS TO TITLE.
          ------------------- 

          Good and clear record and marketable title to the Property shall be
conveyed to Amreit No. 1901 by a grant deed ("Deed"), subject only to the
following exceptions to title ("Permitted Exceptions").

          3.1. A lien to secure payment of real estate taxes and assessments not
yet due and payable; and

          3.2. Such other exceptions to title as may be approved by Buyer
pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 4.1. below. On the Closing Date and as
a condition to the close of the purchase and sale provided in this Agreement, a
title company of Buyer's choice ("Title Company") licensed to do business in
California, shall issue to Amreit No. 1901 its California form of A.L.T.A.
extended coverage owner's policy of title insurance ("Owner's Policy") in the
amount of the Purchase Price (the "Policy Amount") showing title to the Property
vested of record in Buyer subject only to the Permitted Exceptions.

     4.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION.
          ------------------------------------------ 

          The obligation of Buyer to buy the Property shall be subject to full
satisfaction of the following conditions precedent in Buyer's reasonable
discretion:

          4.1. Upon execution of this Agreement, Seller shall order and promptly
deliver to Buyer when available a current "as-built" survey ("Survey") which
conforms to the A.L.T.A. Standards and Specifications for a Survey covering the
Land and the Improvements and otherwise in form sufficient to permit

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
deletion of the survey exception from the Owner's Policy and a preliminary title
report in the name of Buyer in the amount of the Policy Amount, together with
legible copies of all title exception documents shown thereon covering the
Property.  Approval by Buyer of exceptions to title and the Survey shall be a
condition precedent to Buyer's obligation to purchase the  Property.  In the
event Buyer gives written notice that it disapproves the exceptions to title
shown on such preliminary title report, stating the exceptions so disapproved,
or the Survey, stating the items shown thereon so disapproved, on or before the
later of (1) fifteen (15) days following delivery of the Survey, preliminary
title report and title exception documents to Buyer or (2) the expiration of the
Review Period, Seller shall have thirty (30) days after the applicable time
period set forth in (1) and (2) above to take all steps necessary to remove or
correct any such objected-to items.  If Seller shall be unable to remove or
correct all such objected-to items on or before the expiration of such thirty
(30) day period, the obligation of Buyer to buy the Property as herein provided
shall terminate unless Buyer waives in writing its disapproval.  Buyer's failure
to give timely notice of disapproval of the exceptions to title as set forth
above shall be deemed to be Buyer's approval of all such exceptions.  Buyer
shall be responsible for causing any of the items Seller has agreed to remove or
correct, to be removed or corrected with Buyer to receive a credit through
escrow at the close of escrow for the cost and expense incurred.

          4.2. Promptly following full execution of this Agreement, Seller shall
deliver to Buyer, to the extent that Seller has in its possession or under its
control, and except as provided prior to the date hereof, the following
(collectively, the "Required Information").

               4.2.1.  As-built plans and specifications for the Improvements,
all surveys, plans and specifications, including architectural plans, site plan,
floor plans, elevations, grading/drainage plan, sewer plan, water plan,
landscape plans, irrigation plan, street improvements plan, utility plan and
recorded parcel/tract map for the Property.

               4.2.2.  Specification book with catalogue cuts listing the
manufacturer's address, model number and warranty information for any and all
appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, refrigeration, heating and air
conditioning components and other such fixtures and equipment.

               4.2.3.  Soils report with copy of engineer's certification of
compliance.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
               4.2.4.  Copies of all certificates of occupancy for the
Improvements.

               4.2.5.  Copies of all third party vendor contracts, including
copies of all certificates of insurance and insurance policies in effect.

               4.2.6.  Copy of Seller's current business license for the
Property.

               4.2.7.  Copies of all bills for real and personal property taxes
and assessments for the current and preceding three years.

               4.2.8.  All tenant leases.

               4.2.9.  Copies of environmental site assessments, including a
Phase I and Phase II environmental reports, covering the Property. If Seller
does not have the such reports, then Buyer will cause to have the same performed
and charge Seller for the costs of such reports through escrow. Buyer's approval
of such reports is a condition of Buyer's obligation to close escrow. Buyer
shall have until June 15, 1996, to obtain and approve such reports.

          4.3.  Until and including June 15, 1996 (the "Review Period"), Buyer
shall have the opportunity to review the Required Information and perform such
investigations, inquiries and feasibility studies as it deems appropriate to
decide whether the Property is acceptable to Buyer.  All costs and expenses in
connection with any such study or investigation shall be borne solely by Buyer.
Buyer's obligation to purchase the Property as herein provided shall be subject
to Buyer's inspection of the Property and approval of the foregoing items in its
sole discretion.  Seller shall provide access to the Property to Buyer and
Buyer's agents and consultants during normal business hours for the purpose of
conducting any such investigations, inquiries or feasibility studies.  Buyer
shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against all liability, claims,
demands, damages or costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from or
connected with Buyer's inspection of the Property.  If before the end of the
Review Period, Buyer does not deliver a written notice to Seller that the
Property is not acceptable to Buyer, this contingency of the Buyer is waived.

          4.4.  The truth and accuracy of each representation and warranty of
Seller contained herein as if made on and as of the Closing Date.

          4.5. No material adverse change in the condition of the Property from
its condition as of the date of this Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          4.6.  Issuance of the Owner's Policy in the form provided in Section 3
above.  Seller shall deliver to the Title Company such affidavits and
indemnities as are customarily requested by and furnished to the Title Company
to enable the Title Company to issue the Owner's Policy to Amreit No. 1901 free
of all exceptions to title other than the Permitted Exceptions.

          4.7.  Buyer obtaining approval for the transfer of the Property from
all current secured lenders who have a "due on sale" clause contained in the
deed of trust securing their loans.


          4.8.  Delivery by Seller to Buyer of signed and completed estoppel
certificates executed by Sportsmart, Inc. certifying with respect to its lease
(i) that such lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified or
amended,except as described in the estoppel certificate, (ii) the amount of rent
payable under the lease, (iii) the amount of any security deposit, (iv) the
lease termination date, (v) the date through which the rent has been paid, (vi)
that no default on the part of Seller exists under the lease to the best
knowledge of the Seller and (vii) that such tenant claims no right of offset
against the landlord under the lease.

          4.9.  A limited partnership agreement for Amreit No. 1901 signed by
both Buyer and Seller.

          4.10. The obtaining by American Equity Trust Inc. of approval to sell
shares by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the receipt
of sufficient money  from the sale of shares to concurrently purchase the
Property, as described herein, as well as that certain property located at  5805
Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, California.

     In the event the conditions set forth in Sections 4 above shall not have
been satisfied within the time periods set forth herein, Buyer shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement and Buyer and Seller shall have no further
rights or obligations hereunder. Buyer shall have the option to waive any of the
conditions contained above, and in the event of any such waiver, such condition
shall be deemed satisfied for all purposes.

     5.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE.
          ---------------------------------------------------- 

          Seller's obligation to consummate the transaction contemplated
hereunder is subject to full satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

          5.1.  The delivery by Buyer to Escrow Holder the sums set forth in
Section 2.2 and any other funds required of Buyer.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          5.2. The delivery to Seller of a limited partnership agreement for
Amreit No. 1901 signed by Buyer.

          5.3  Termination of the lease between Seller and Westwood Self
Storage.

          In the event the conditions set forth in Section 5 above shall not
have been satisfied within the time periods set forth herein, Seller shall have
the right to terminate this Agreement and Buyer and Seller shall have no further
rights or obligations hereunder.  Seller shall have the option to waive any of
the conditions contained above, and in the event of any such waiver, such
condition shall be deemed satisfied for all purposes.

     6.   CLOSING.
          ------- 

          6.1. The sale and purchase herein provided shall be consummated
through the Escrow Holder.  Escrow shall close on or before July 31, 1996 or
such later date if Seller and Buyer agree in writing.

          6.2. At closing, Escrow Holder shall deliver to Amreit No. 1901:

               6.2.1.  A Bill of Sale executed by Seller conveying to Buyer the
Personal Property and Intangible Property free and clear of any liens or
encumbrances and in form substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "C"
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

               6.2.2.  An assignment and assumption agreement executed by Seller
covering those contracts and leases Buyer has elected to assume in a form
substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "D" attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.

               6.2.3.  All books and records of the use, operations and
management of the Property;

               6.2.4.  All keys (properly tagged) to the Property;

               6.2.5.  The "FIRPTA Affidavit" (defined in Section 13), duly
executed by Seller in a form substantially the same as set forth in Exhibit "E"
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

               6.2.6.  A certification dated as of the Closing Date confirming
the truth and accuracy of each representation and warranty of Seller contained
herein as if made on and as of the Closing Date;

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
               6.2.7.  Internal Revenue Forms W-8 or W-9, as applicable, and any
form for compliance with any withholding laws of California; and

               6.2.8.  Evidence of the authorization of Seller to execute and
deliver this Agreement and the documents and instruments to be executed by
Seller hereunder.

          6.3. At closing, Escrow Holder shall deliver to Seller:

               6.3.1.  The sum of 3,200,000 reduced by any net prorations in
favor of Buyer and increased by any net prorations in favor of Seller;

               6.3.2.  An assignment and assumption agreement executed by Buyer
covering those contracts Buyer has elected to assume;

               6.3.3.  A certified resolution of the Board of Directors of Buyer
authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the documents and
instruments to be executed by Buyer hereunder.

          6.4. Escrow shall pay down the existing loan secured by the first
deed of trust to $5,961,861.  Seller shall pay the costs, if any, of paying down
or paying off the existing loan, except to the extent of any assumption fees, if
the loan is assumed by Amreit No. 1901.

          6.5. Title shall deliver to Buyer the Owner's Policy.

          6.6. The Deed shall be delivered to Buyer by the Title Company
depositing the same for recordation in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable law, with instructions to record the same as required and thereafter
forward the same to Buyer at its address hereinafter specified in this
Agreement.

     7.   CLOSING COSTS AND PRORATIONS.
          ---------------------------- 

          Seller shall each pay one-half of the escrow fees and any other
recording fees.  Seller shall pay the premium for the Owner's Policy,
documentary and other transfer taxes and any other costs of Seller hereunder.
Buyer shall pay premiums for any special title endorsements requested by Buyer,
and any other costs of Buyer hereunder.  Seller and Buyer each shall pay their
own attorneys' fees.  Security deposits held by Seller shall be given to Buyer
by a credit at the Closing through escrow.  Prepaid insurance shall be prorated
at the Closing Date only if Buyer requests that existing insurance policies be
transferred to Buyer.  Operating expenses and utility charges shall be prorated
at the Closing Date.  Real property taxes shall be prorated as of

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
the Closing Date based upon the latest tax bill available.  If taxes are
prorated on a basis other than a tax bill for the tax year in which the Closing
Date occurs, they shall be again prorated as soon as the tax bill for said tax
year becomes available.  Buyer and Seller agree to prorate as of the Closing
Date any taxes assessed against the Property by a supplemental bill levied by
reason of an event occurring prior to the Closing Date.  All prorations at the
Closing Date shall be made as of 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date.


     8.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY SELLER.
          ---------------------------------------- 

          Effective as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date,
Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, to the best of Seller's
knowledge, without investigation of the general partner of Seller, or their
officers, directors or shareholders, and acknowledges that Buyer and Amreit No.
1901 are relying upon such representations and warranties in purchasing the
Property, as follows:

          8.1. Seller has and on the Closing Date will have good and marketable
fee simple title to the Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances
except for the Permitted Exceptions and those encumbrances which will be removed
on the Closing Date by Seller; on the Closing Date there will be no parties with
any rights of possession in the Property other than Seller; Seller and the
persons signing this Agreement for Seller have the full right, authority and
power to sign this Agreement, to sell the Property, to perform all of Seller's
obligations under this Agreement and to sign and deliver all of the documents
required to be signed and delivered by Seller. Seller has obtained, or will
obtain prior to the Closing Date, all consents and/or approvals required.

          8.2. The Property is not in material violation of any applicable
federal, state, county or municipal land use, zoning, environmental or other
law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, administrative or judicial order
except as disclosed in writing on Exhibit "F", attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference.

          8.3. Seller has not received any notice of any proceedings in
condemnation, nor any written offer to purchase all or any part of the Property
in lieu of condemnation, nor of any contemplated zoning change or other action
by any governmental body, authority or agency that will in any way materially
affect the Property including, but not limited to, the size of, use of,
construction on or access to the Property.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          8.4.  Neither this Agreement nor the performance by Seller of its
obligations hereunder contravene any provision of any present judgment, order,
decree, writ or injunction or other proceeding.

          8.5.  Seller shall maintain and operate the Property until the Closing
Date in its present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, which shall
include maintaining existing policies of fire and casualty insurance on the
Property. The Improvements on the Property are in good operating condition,
reasonable wear and tear excepted.

          8.6.  There is no material defect in the physical condition of the
Property or any improvements constructed thereon and the improvements
constructed thereon, comply with all existing governmental laws, rules,
regulations and construction standards except as disclosed in writing on Exhibit
"G", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

          8.7.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "H", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there is no litigation, dispute, action or
claim against or by any person, whether pending or threatened, which may have a
material adverse effect on the Property.

          8.8.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "I", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, Seller is not in material breach of any
obligation secured by the Property.

          8.9.  Except as set forth on Exhibit "J", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there is no material default under any
agreement, contract, lease or other commitment, or any claim, demand,
litigation, proceedings or governmental investigation pending or threatened
against Seller, the Property, or related to the business or assets of the
Property, which would materially and adversely affect Seller or the Property.

          8.10. Except as set forth on Exhibit "K", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, Seller has never used, manufactured, stored,
buried or disposed of hazardous waste, toxic substances or related materials
("Hazardous Materials") on the Property in violation of any applicable law.  For
purposes of this representation and warranty, Hazardous Materials shall include,
but shall not be limited to, the following:

               8.10.1. Those substances included within the definitions of
hazardous substance, hazardous waste, hazardous material, toxic substance, solid
waste, or pollutant or contaminant in the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 CERCLA)[42 USCS (S) 9601 et

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
seq.]; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) [42 USCS (S)(S)
6901 et seq.]; the Clean Water Act, also known as the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (FWPCA) [33 USCS (S)(S) 1251 et seq.]; the Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA) [15 USCS (S)(S) 2601 et seq.]; the Hazardous Materials Transportation
Act (HMTA) [49 USCS (S)(S) 1801 et seq.] or under any other Environmental Law;

               8.10.2.  Those substances listed in the United States Department
of Transportation (DOT) Table [49 CFR (S) 172.101], or by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), or any successor agency, as hazardous substances [40
CFR Part 302];

               8.10.3.  Other substances, materials, and wastes which are
regulated or classified as hazardous or toxic under federal, state, or local
laws or regulations; and

               8.10.4   Any material, waste, or substance which is (i) a
petroleum or refined petroleum product, (ii) asbestos, (iii) polychlorinated
biphenyl, (iv) designated as a hazardous substance pursuant to 33 USCS (S) 1321
or listed pursuant to 33 USCS (S) 1317, (v) a flammable explosive, or (vi) a
radioactive material.

          8.11. The Property is free from underground storage tanks, asbestos
and polychlorinated biphenyls.

          8.12. Seller and the Property are in material full compliance with all
federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of the
environment ("Environmental Laws") and there is no civil, criminal or
administrative action, suit, demand, claim, hearing, notice of violation,
investigation, proceeding, notice or demand letter pending or threatened against
Seller in respect of the Property or the activities conducted thereon relating
in any way to Environmental Laws.

          8.13. The Property is not in a flood plain or a geologic special
studies zone.

          8.14. Seller shall not do, commit, allow to be done or fail to do
anything that would have a material adverse effect on Seller's title to or
condition of the Property.

          8.15. Except as set forth on Exhibit "L", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there are no restrictions on entrance to or
exit from the Property from the adjacent public streets that may have a material
adverse effect on the Property.

          8.16. All of the information and documents delivered or to be
delivered to Buyer pursuant to Subsection 4.2. are and will

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
be true, complete and correct and do not and will not omit to state a material
fact.

          8.17. Except as set forth on Exhibit "M", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, there are no material contracts affecting the
Property and there are no material contracts that shall be binding on Buyer
after the Closing Date which are not cancelable on not more than 60 days'
notice; and no services, material or work have been supplied by Seller's
contractors, subcontractors or materialmen with respect to the Property, of a
cost or value of over $5,000, for which payment has not been made, or will not
be made in full by the Closing Date.  If, subsequent to the Closing Date, any
mechanic's or other lien, charge, claim or order for the payment of money shall
be filed against the Property or against Buyer or Buyer's assigns, based upon
any act or omission, or alleged act or omission before or after the Closing
Date, of Seller, its agents, servants or employees, or any contractor,
subcontractor or materialman connected with construction or repairs made to the
Property by or on behalf of Seller (whether or not such lien, charge or order
shall be valid or enforceable as such), within 30 days after notice to Seller of
the filing thereof, Seller shall take such action, by bonding, deposit, payment
or otherwise, as will remove or satisfy such lien of record against the
Property. It is the understanding of Buyer and Seller that the obligations
incurred for materials or services provided before the Closing Date shall be
paid by the Seller; and obligations incurred for materials or services requested
by the Buyer and provided after the close of escrow shall be paid for by Buyer.

          8.18. Seller is not a "foreign person" and is not subject to
withholding within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code.

          8.19. The representations and warranties of Seller contained herein
shall be accurate and true in all material respects on the Closing Date as if
made on the Closing Date.

     9.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY BUYER.
          --------------------------------------- 

          Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

          9.1.  Buyer has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and all of Buyer's closing documents, to engage in the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to perform and observe all of
Buyer's obligations under this Agreement.

          9.2.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and
is a legal, valid and binding instrument,

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally, and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

          9.3.  This Property will be purchased concurrently with the
acquisition of that certain property located at 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van
Nuys, California and will be purchased prior to the acquisition of any other
property pursuant to the public offering referred to in Section 4.10 above.

          9.4.  All representations and warranties made by the parties in this
Agreement or in any certificate, schedule, exhibit, statement, document or
instrument furnished hereunder or in connection with negotiation, execution and
performance of this Agreement shall survive the Closing Dated for a period of
three years.


     10.  DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.
          ----------------------- 

          If the Property is materially damaged or destroyed between the date of
this Agreement and the Closing Date, Buyer shall have the right, exercisable in
Buyer's sole discretion, within ten (10) days from the occurrence of the event
causing the damage or destruction, to:

          10.1. Terminate this Agreement and neither party shall have any
further obligation or liability to the other;

          10.2. Accept the Property in its then condition, in which event there
shall be credited against the Purchase Price any deductible which is payable
under all applicable insurance policies which provide insurance coverage for the
Property or Improvements and all proceeds of insurance payable to Seller by
reason of such damage shall be assigned and paid by Seller to Buyer and Buyer
shall have the sole right to negotiate and adjust any claim under such
insurance; or

                Following notification of the existence of any damage or
destruction, Buyer's failure to affirmatively elect within the allotted time
period, shall be considered an election to terminate this Agreement under
Subsection 10.1. above.

     11.  CONDEMNATION.
          -------------

          If, prior to the Closing Date, all or any portion of the Property or
the means of ingress or egress thereon is taken by eminent domain (or is the
subject of a pending or contemplated

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
taking which has not been consummated), including, but not limited to, any land
donation or public space requirements or encumbrances on the Property requiring
owner contributions, Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of such fact and Buyer
shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon notice to Seller given
not later than 20 days after receipt of Seller's notice and neither party shall
have any further rights or obligations hereunder.  If Buyer does not so elect to
terminate this Agreement, Seller shall assign and turn over, and Buyer shall be
entitled to receive and keep, all awards for the taking by eminent domain and
Buyer's and Seller's rights and obligations hereunder shall remain in full force
and effect except as to Seller's obligation to deliver to Buyer the portion of
the Property so condemned.

     12.  POSSESSION.
          ---------- 

          Possession of the Property, subject to the rights of Seller and the
tenants under the Leases, shall be delivered to Buyer on the Closing Date.

     13.  FIRPTA REQUIREMENTS.
          ------------------- 

          Seller shall take all actions as may be reasonable and necessary to
comply with Sections 897 and 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and any rules, regulations and orders which may be
promulgated thereunder, and in connection therewith, an authorized individual of
Seller shall execute and deliver to Escrow Holder prior to the Closing Date, an
affidavit in the form of Exhibit "E" attached hereto and made a part of this
Agreement (the "FIRPTA Affidavit").  In the event that Seller fails to provide
to Buyer, at or prior to the Closing Date, either (i) the FIRPTA Affidavit or
(ii) evidence satisfactory to Buyer's counsel that the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement is exempt from any taxes which may apply by reason of Section
897 of the Code, Buyer shall have the right to withhold ten percent of the
Purchase Price hereunder (the "Section 1445 Withholding"), and Buyer, or Escrow
Holder, shall hold and dispose of the Section 1445 Withholding in accordance
with the requirements of that Section.  The amount of the Section 1445
Withholding shall be credited against the cash balance of the Purchase Price
otherwise due and payable hereunder by Buyer to Seller at the Closing Date and
Seller shall have no recourse against Buyer therefore.  Seller shall, in
addition, comply with the appropriate California statutes concerning withholding
if Seller is non-California resident.

     14.  SELLER COMPLIANCE WITH REAL ESTATE REPORTING REQUIREMENT OF 1986 TAX
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
          REFORM ACT.
          ---------- 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
          Seller shall comply with the real estate reporting requirement of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to file with the Internal Revenue
Service a Form 1099 or such other form acceptable to the Internal Revenue
Service.  Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer from and
against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from
failure to comply with such real estate reporting requirement.

     15.  HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INDEMNITY.
          ----------------------------- 

          15.1. Seller shall indemnify, defend with counsel selected by Buyer,
protect and hold harmless Buyer, its directors, officers, employees, agents and
successors in ownership of the Property (collectively, "Indemnified Parties" or
singularly, "Indemnified Party") from and against all claims, actual damages,
injuries, costs, response costs, losses, demands, debts, liens, liabilities,
causes of action, suits, legal and administrative proceedings, interest, fines,
charges, penalties and expenses including without limit attorney's, engineers,
consultants' and expert witness fees and costs incurred in defending against any
of the foregoing or in enforcing this indemnity or paid, incurred or suffered by
any Indemnified Party, or asserted against the Property, directly or indirectly
arising from or attributable to (i) any breach by Seller of any of its
agreements, representations or warranties set forth herein in Section 8.10 or
(ii) any repair, cleanup, remediation, detoxification, closure or preparation
and implementation of any plan therefor undertaken by any Indemnified Party
concerning Hazardous Materials on, under or about the Property as a result of
breach of Section 8.10. hereof.  The foregoing indemnity shall apply whether
acts of any Indemnified Party are undertaken because of proceedings initiated by
any federal, state or other government authority or by any private legal
person(s).  Anything in the foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the
foregoing indemnity shall not apply to Hazardous Waste placed on, under or about
the Property before of after the date Buyer becomes entitled hereby to
possession of the Property except to the extent placed or permitted to be placed
thereon with the knowledge of the Seller.  The foregoing indemnity is intended
by the parties to be an agreement pursuant to Section 107(e) of CERCLA, 42
U.S.C. Section 9607(e), and the similar applicable California statutes.

          15.2. The indemnification set forth in this Section 15 shall be the
sole and exclusive remedy of Buyer with respect to the inaccuracy, untruth,
incompleteness or breach of or failure to perform any representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement set forth herein or in any certificate, schedule,
statement, document or instrument furnished hereunder or in connection with
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and with

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
respect to any act, conduct, omission, contract or commitment of Buyer at any
time or times on or before or after the Closing Date.  Seller shall have no
liability to indemnify Buyer hereunder for any circumstances whatsoever unless
Seller receives written notice specifically setting forth Buyer's claim for
indemnification together with all facts and circumstances supporting such claim
no later than 36 months after the date of this Agreement.

     16.  NOTICES.
          ------- 

          All notices, demands or requests made pursuant to, under or by virtue
of this Agreement must be in writing and delivered personally or mailed postage
prepaid by registered or certified mail or sent by Federal Express, return
receipt requested, addressed as follows:

          To Seller:     General Western Property Company
                         5805 Sepulveda Boulevard
                         Suite  601
                         Van Nuys, California 91411
                         Attention: Mr. Ari Steinbeck

          With a copy to:

                         Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp
                         11377 West Olympic Boulevard
                         Los Angeles, California 90064
                         Attention:  David Newman, Esq.
 

          To Buyer:      American Equity Trust Operating Partnership
                         2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
                         El Segundo, California  90245
                         Attention: Dois Brock

          With a copy to:

                         Fainsbert, Mase,& Snyder
                         11835 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1100
                         Los Angeles, California 90064
                         Attention:  Stephen B. Fainsbert

Any party may designate a different address by notice similarly given.  Any
notice, demand or document so given, delivered or made by United States mail
shall be deemed to have been given or delivered or made on the third business
day following the day on which the same is deposited in the United States mail
as registered or certified mail, addressed as above provided, with postage
thereon fully prepaid.  Any such notice, demand or

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
document not given, delivered or made by registered or certified mail as
aforesaid, shall be deemed to be given, delivered or made on receipt of the same
by the party to whom the same is to be given, delivered or made.


     17.  INDEMNIFICATION.
          --------------- 

          17.1. Buyer shall hold harmless, indemnify and defend Seller from and
against:  (1) any and all claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any
way related to the Property and arising or accruing on or after the Closing
Date, or in any way related to or arising from any act, conduct, omission,
contract or commitment of Buyer at any time or times on or before or after the
Closing Date; (2) all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, related to
any actions, suits or judgments incident to any of the foregoing and any and all
claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any way related to Buyer's and
its affiliates sales of securities to the public, any prospectus or disclosure
documents distributed to the public and/or filed with the SEC of any securities
exchange (including NASDAQ), and any and all other matters arising out of or
relating to securities matters involving Buyer's and its affiliates securities.
Seller shall notify Buyer of any such claim against Seller within 30 days after
it has notice of such claim, but failure to notify Buyer shall in no case
prejudice the rights of Seller under this Agreement unless Buyer shall be
prejudiced by such failure and then only to the extent of such prejudice.

          17.2. Seller shall hold harmless, indemnify and defend Buyer from and
against:  (1) any and all claims, suits, demands, actions or proceedings in any
way related to the Property (including but not limited to its operations and
management) and arising or accruing before the Closing Date, or in any way
related to or arising from any act, conduct, omission, contract or commitment of
Seller at any time or times on or before the Closing Date; and (2) all costs and
expenses, including attorneys' fees, related to any actions, suits or judgments
incident to any of the foregoing.  Buyer shall notify Seller of any such claim
against Buyer within 30 days after it has notice of such claim, but failure to
notify Seller shall in no case prejudice the rights of Buyer under this
Agreement unless Seller shall be prejudiced by such failure and then only to the
extent of such prejudice. The indemnification set forth in this Section 17 shall
be the sole and exclusive remedy of Buyer with respect to the inaccuracy,
untruth, incompleteness or breach of or failure to perform any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement set forth herein or in any certificate,
schedule, statement, document or instrument furnished hereunder or in connection
with negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and with respect
to any act, conduct, omission,

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
contract or commitment of Buyer at any time or times on or before or after the
Closing Date.  Seller shall have no liability to indemnify Buyer hereunder for
any circumstances whatsoever unless Seller receives written notice specifically
setting forth Buyer's claim for indemnification together with all facts and
circumstances supporting such claim no later than 36 months after the date of
this Agreement.

          17.3. The covenants and provisions of this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 15 and this Section 17,
shall survive the closing of the transaction herein contemplated and the
delivery of the deed by Seller to Buyer for a period of three years.

          17.4. The General Instructions of Hermosa Escrow Co. shall be attached
hereto as Exhibit "N".


     18.  LIMITATION OF SELLER'S LIABILITY
          --------------------------------

     Seller shall have no liability with respect to the matters described herein
until the total of all claims and losses thereunder exceeds $50,000 and then
only for the amount by which such claims and losses exceeds $50,000. In no event
shall the aggregate liability of Seller be in excess of $1,000,000. To the
extent that any loss is covered by insurance and insurance proceeds are actually
received, then any claim against Seller shall be offset by the insurance
proceeds actually received by Buyer, except if the insurance company has any
rights of subrogation and such rights are exercised, or to the extent of any
recovery from other sources, after costs and/or attorneys fees incurred in such
recovery are deducted.

     19.  MISCELLANEOUS.
          ------------- 

          19.1. Best knowledge.  The phrase "Best Knowledge of the Seller" or a
                --------------                                                 
phrase of similar import, when used herein, shall mean the best knowledge , with
out investigation, of the general partner of Seller or its officers, directors
or shareholders.

          19.2. Successors and Assigns.  The terms, covenants, conditions,
                ----------------------                                    
representations and warranties, contained herein shall be binding on and inure
to the benefit of the heirs, successors and assigns of the respective parties
hereto.  It is specifically understood and agreed that benefits of terms,
covenants, conditions, representations and warranties contained in this
agreement shall be assigned and inure to the benefit of Amreit No. 1901.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
          19.3.  Attorneys' Fees.  Should it become necessary for any party to
                 ---------------                                              
this Agreement, or someone acting on their behalf, to incur costs and expenses
to retain the services of an attorney to enforce this Agreement, or any portion
thereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the others
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees thereby expended, for which liability is
incurred.

          19.4. Real Estate Commission.  Buyer represents and warrants to Seller
                ----------------------                                          
and Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that no broker has been engaged by
it in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement other than
Richardson Properties who shall receive a real estate commission in the amount
of $193,500 on condition that this acquisition is completed in accordance with
its terms and conditions.  Seller covenants and agrees to pay any commission due
to such brokers.  Each party shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless
the other party, including reasonable attorney's fees, in respect of any breach
of such representation and warranty.

          19.5. Severability.  The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability
                ------------                                                  
of any provision of this Agreement shall in no way affect the validity of any
other provision of this Agreement.  In the event that any provision of this
Agreement is contrary to any present or future statute, law, ordinance, or
regulation, the latter shall prevail, but in any such event the provisions of
this Agreement affected shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent
necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law.

          19.6. California.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
                ----------                                                    
in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

          19.7. Waiver.  The waiver or failure to enforce any provision of this
                ------                                                         
Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any future breach of such provision
or any other provision hereof.

          19.8. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                ------------                                                  
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, and
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.

          19.9.  Review; Interpretation.  Each party to this Agreement has
                 ----------------------                                   
carefully reviewed this Agreement, is familiar with the terms and conditions
herein, and was advised by legal counsel of his or its own choice with respect
thereto.  This Agreement is the product of negotiation among the parties hereto
and is not to be interpreted or construed against any party hereto.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
          19.10. Headings; Constructions.  The headings which have been used
                 -----------------------                                    
throughout this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only
and do not constitute matter to be construed in interpreting this Agreement.
Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and construed to
include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to
include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.  The
words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder" and other similar compounds of the word
"here" when used in this Agreement shall refer to the entire Agreement and not
to any particular provision or section.  If the last day of any time period
stated herein shall fall on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, then the
duration of such time period shall be extended so that it shall end on the next
succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

          19.11. Time of the Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Agreement
                 -------------------                                           
and of the obligations of the parties to purchase and sell the Property, it
being acknowledged and agreed by and between the parties that any delay in
effecting a closing pursuant to this Agreement may result in loss or damage to
the party in full compliance with its obligations hereunder.

          19.12. Further Acts.  In addition to the acts recited in this
                 ------------                                          
Agreement to be performed by Seller and Buyer, Seller and Buyer agree to perform
or cause to be performed on or before the Closing Date any and all such further
acts consistent with the terms of this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary
to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby.

          19.13.  Entire Agreement; Amendments.  This Agreement contains all of
                  ----------------------------                                 
the terms agreed upon between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.  This Agreement may not be changed, modified or terminated, except by an
instrument executed by the parties hereto.

          19.14.    Confidentiality.  Neither party to this Agreement shall
                    ---------------                                        
disclose any of the terms of this transaction or any information gathered with
respect to this transaction except to such party's attorneys, accountants or
other consultants as may be required to enable such consultants to perform the
activities contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, or except as compelled
by process of law.

          19.15.    Best Efforts.  Seller shall use its best efforts to procure
                    ------------                                               
any and all necessary consents, approvals, and/or authorizations in connection
with the sale of the Property including, but not limited to, such consents and
approvals from the Bankruptcy court.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


BUYER:                            SELLER:

American Equity Trust             General Western Property
Operating Partnership, a          Company, a Delaware
Delaware limited partnership      corporation


By  /s/ Arthur P. Herring         By  /s/ Jay Steinbeck
    ---------------------             -----------------


Date: 6/7/96, 1996                Date: 6/7/  , 1996
      ------                            ------               

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"

                               LEGAL DESCRIPTION

                             [To be inserted later]
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"

                           LIST OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"

                                  BILL OF SALE
 
Recitals
Section       1.   Transfer
Section       2.   Seller's Covenants
Section       3.   Attorney Fees
Section       4.   Governing Law
Exhibit       A.   Legal Description
Exhibit       B.   Personal Property
 

                            ***********************



  This Bill of Sale ("Bill of Sale") is executed as of _________________, 1996
by General Western Property Company,  a Delaware corporation ("Seller") in
favor of American Equity Trust Operating Partnership L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("PURCHASER").


                                    RECITALS

  A.  Seller and Purchaser have entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale
dated ("Purchase Agreement"), in which Purchaser has agreed to purchase
improved real property 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
consisting of a three story building containing both retail and self storage
space with approximately 96,500 gross rental square feet (the "Building"), more
particularly described in attached Exhibit A, incorporated in this Bill of Sale.

  B.  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Seller has agreed to transfer to
Purchaser all Seller's, rights in fixtures, furnishings, equipment, appliances,
machinery, tools and other personal property of every kind and character
(collectively "Personal Property") owned by Seller and currently attached to,
located on or used in connection with the operation and maintenance of the
Improvements on the Land which personal property is described in Exhibit B,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

  For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are
hereby acknowledged, Seller agrees as follows:


                             SECTION 1.  TRANSFER.

  Seller transfers to Purchaser all of Seller's right, title, and interest in
the Personal Property.


                        SECTION 2.  SELLER'S COVENANTS.

<PAGE>
 
    Seller covenants to Purchaser that Seller has good and marketable title to
the Personal Property, free of all liens, and has the right to transfer the
Personal Property.  Seller further agrees that Seller will defend Purchaser's
title to the Personal Property against the demands of anyone claiming through
Seller.


                           SECTION 3.  ATTORNEY FEES.

  If any suit or action is instituted to enforce the rights of either party
under this Bill of Sale, the successful party, as adjudicated by a court, shall
be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and court costs.


                           SECTION 4.  GOVERNING LAW.

  This Assignment shall be governed and construed in accordance with California
law.


  Seller has executed this Bill of Sale as of the date first above written.
 
 
BUYER:                                       SELLER:
 
American Equity Trust                        General Western Property 
Operating Partnership, a                     Company, a Delaware 
Delaware limited partnership                 corporation 


By  /s/ Arthur P. Herring                    By   /s/ Ari Steinbeck
   --------------------------                   --------------------------
        Arthur P. Herring                             Ari Steinbeck
                                                 Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "D"

              ASSIGNMENT OF LESSOR'S INTEREST IN LEASES SECURITY,

             AND OTHER DEPOSITS, SERVICE CONTRACTS AND WARRANTIES.


  THIS ASSIGNMENT, made and effective as of ____________, 1996, by and between
General Western Property Company, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred
to as "Assignor"), and American Equity Trust Operating Partnership L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter referred to as "Assignee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H
                              - - - - - - - - - -

  WHEREAS, Assignor has this day conveyed the real property (the "Property")
located at 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California consisting of a
three story building containing both retail and self storage space with
approximately 96,500 gross rental square feet (the "Building") and legally
described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

  WHEREAS, Assignor, as lessor, has heretofore entered in the lease and/or
tenancy agreements ("Leases") with third party tenants covering portions of
space on the Property, and Assignor is the present owner of all right, title and
interest in the lessor under the terms of such Leases; and

  WHEREAS, Assignor has also entered into certain service agreements with third
parties affecting all or a portion of the Premises, certain lease agreements,
and Assignor is the present owner of all right, title and interest of the owner
of the Property under the terms of such service agreements as well as the
leases; and

  WHEREAS, Assignor desires to convey all of its right, title and interest in
and to such Leases (and all security and other deposits for such leases) and
service agreements to Assignee;

  WHEREAS, Assignor desires to convey all of its right, title and interest in
and to such leases (all security and other deposits for such leases) and service
agreements to Assignee;

  NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00)
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, Assignor does hereby GRANT, BARGAIN, SELL, CONVEY,
ASSIGN, TRANSFER, SET OVER and DELIVER unto Assignee its successors and assigns,
all of Assignor's right, title and interest in and to any service contracts,
leases and security deposits or other deposits, including, without limitation,
all of the rights, powers, estates and privileges of lessor in, to and under the
leases and rent to accrue thereunder, and all rights of reversion and all of the
rights and benefits of every description whatsoever belonging to or

<PAGE>
 
accruing to the benefit of the lessor in said leases and to the owner of the
Property under the service agreements, as well as any warranties it received
from any of the work of improvement on said Property, as well as any warranties
for any of the furniture, fixtures and equipment on said real property.

  It is understood and agreed that, by its execution hereof, Assignee hereby
assumes and agrees to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions of the
leases herein assigned on the part of the lessor therein required to be
performed arising from and after the date hereof, including, but not limited to,
the obligation to repay, in accordance with the terms of such leases, to such
lessees, all security and pet deposits actually received by Assignee and
required to be repaid by the terms thereof or by law.

  Assignor covenants and agrees to discharge any and all obligations of the
lessor under any leases, any of Assignor's obligations under any service
contracts herein assigned where the obligation arose prior to  ____________,
1996.

  It is understood and agreed that, by its execution hereof, Assignee hereby
assumes and agrees to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions of the
service contracts which it agrees to assume arising from and after the effective
date hereof and in connection therewith, to discharge any and all such
obligations of Assignor under said contract promptly, and to indemnify, save and
hold harmless Assignor from any and all liability, claims or causes of action
existing in favor of or asserted by other parties to said contracts, arising out
of or relating to Assignee's failure to perform any of the obligations of
Assignor under the service contracts arising after the effective date hereof.

  All of the covenants, terms and conditions set forth herein shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective successors
and assigns.

BUYER:                            SELLER:


American Equity Trust             General Western Property
Operating Partnership, a          Company, a Delaware
Delaware limited partnership      corporation

By /s/ Arthur P. Herring          By  /s/ Ari Steinbeck
  -----------------------         -------------------------
       Arthur P. Herring                  Ari Steinbeck

Date:  June 7, 1996               Date:  June 7, 1996
     --------------------              --------------------

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT "E"


                       AFFIDAVIT OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS BY
                               ENTITY TRANSFEROR
                                 (SECTION 1445)



Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that a transferee of a U.S.
real property interest must withhold tax if the transferor is a foreign person.
To inform the transferee that withholding tax is not required upon the
disposition of a U.S. real property interest by General Western Property
Company, a Delaware corporation ("General Western"), the undersigned hereby
certifies the following on behalf of General Western:

  1. The common address of the real property that reflects or includes the
U.S. real property interest which is the subject of this affidavit is:

     1901 Sepulveda Boulevard 
     Van Nuys, California

  2. General Western is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership,
foreign trust, or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Internal
Revenue Code and the Income Tax Regulations).

  3. The U.S. employer identification number of General Western is
95-4017102.
- -----------

  4. The office address of General Western is 5805 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite
601, Van Nuys, California 91411.

     General Western understands that this affidavit may be disclosed to the
Internal Revenue Service by the transferee and that any false statement
contained herein could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

     Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this affidavit
and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct, and complete,
and I further declare that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of
General Western.

Dated:
                              GENERAL WESTERN PROPERTY COMPANY


                              By: /s/ Ari Steinbeck
                                 -----------------------------
                                      Ari Steinbeck
                                 Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "F"

                      MATERIAL VIOLATIONS OF VARIOUS LAWS


Property may not be in conformance with ADA requirements.

Property may not be in conformance with local and State disabled access
requirements. 

Property may not have acceptable Handicapped Parking


<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "G"

                            LIST OF MATERIAL DEFECTS


The hydraulic elevators may need to be repaired more often than in the past, due
to age.


<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "H"

                         LITIGATION, DISPUTES OR CLAIMS


We are currently disputing with Everest & Jennings on their right to give
certain portions of our easement to the City of Los Angeles

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "I"

                   BREACH OF ANY OBLIGATION ON THE PROPERTY

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "J"

                           DEFAULTS UNDER AGREEMENTS

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "K"

              EXCEPTIONS TO HAZARDOUS WASTE REPRESENTATIONS AND 
                                  WARRANTIES 

degreasers - various makes and ingredients

30 cans of spray paint

oil based paint

water based paint

very large quantities (hundreds of gallons) of hydraulic elevator 
fluids

gasoline

motor oil

paint thinner

coleman fuel

paint thinner

UNKNOWN QUANTITIES OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS AND TOXICS STORED BY SELF STORAGE 
TENANTS

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "L"

                RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRANCE OR EXIT FROM PROPERTY

The property's access may be significantly restricted by the easement that 
fronts Sepulveda Boulevard, which is leased from Everest & Jennings.  There is 
no exit from the property, other than over the Everest & Jennings easement.

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "M"

                       CONTRACTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

Elevator repair contract with Blackwell Elevator for 2 years 
Valet parking agreement for 1 year

<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF HERMOSA ESCROW CO., INC.]

                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

                                     BUYER

   I agree to pay on demand all pro-rated adjustments chargeable to me, charges
for recording deed, for notary fees on documents executed by me, for completing
documents, cost of recording documents necessary on my part to complete this
escrow, title company charges, if any, for showing title vested in me and
Buyer's escrow fee as charged.

                                    SELLER

   You will, as my agent, assign any insurance of mine if prorated in this
escrow. Instruct the Title Company to begin search of title at once. I agree to
pay on demand charges and expenses incurred by you for me, charges for assurance
of title, for sending in offset and/or Beneficiaries' Statement and/or demands,
acknowledging documents executed by me, my conveyance and recording charges, and
transfer of insurance, if prorated, and seller's escrow fee as charged.

                 ADDITIONAL ESCROW CONDITIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

   1. It is mutually understood and agreed by all the parties to this escrow, 
jointly and severally, all funds received in this escrow shall be deposited with
a State or Federal bank with other escrow funds and all disbursements shall be 
made by your check. You are hereby authorized to deposit any funds or documents
handed you under these escrow instructions, or cause the same to be deposited, 
with any duly authorized sub-escrow agent, subject to your order at or prior to 
close of escrow, in the event such deposit shall be necessary or convenient for 
the consummation of this escrow.

   2. It is agreed by the parties hereto that so far as your rights and
liabilities are involved, this transaction is an escrow and not any other legal
relation and you are an escrow holder only on the foregoing expressed terms, and
you shall have no responsibility of notifying me or any of the parties of this
escrow of any sale, resale, loan, exchange, or other transaction involving any
property herein described or any profit by any person, firm or corporation
(broker, agent and parties to this and/or any other escrow included) in
connection therewith, regardless of the fact that such transaction(s) may be
handled by you in this escrow or in another escrow. You shall not be responsible
or liable in any manner whatsoever for the sufficiency or correctness as to
form, manner of execution or validity of any documents deposited in escrow, nor
as to the identity, authority or rights of any person executing the same, either
as to document of record or those handled in this escrow. Your duties hereunder
shall be limited to the safekeeping of such money and documents received by you
as escrow holder, and for the disposition of the same in accordance with the
written instructions accepted by you in this escrow. You shall not be required
to take any action in connection with the collection, maturity or apparent
outlaw of any obligations, deposited in this escrow, unless otherwise
instructed. You shall not be liable for any of your acts or omissions done in
good faith, nor for any claims, demands, losses or damages made, claimed or
suffered by any party to this escrow, excepting such as may arise through or be
caused by your willful neglect or gross misconduct.

   3. Seller guarantees and you shall be fully protected in assuming that, as to
any insurance policies handed you, each policy is in force, has not been
hypothecated, and that all necessary premiums therefore have been paid. In the
event existing fire insurance policy is not acceptable to any new lending
institution, or should buyer elect to provide new insurance, you are instructed
to case existing fire policy to be returned to seller.

  4. Deliver assurances of title, if requested, and insurance policies, if any,
to holder of senior encumbrance or his order, or if there be no encumbrances,
then to the buyer or his order. Mail, unregistered, all documents and funds to
the respective parties. Our signatures on any documents and instructions
pertaining to this escrow indicate our unconditional approval of same.

  5. In the event that conditions of this escrow have not been complied with at 
the expiration of the time provided for herein, you are instructed, 
nevertheless, to complete the same at any time thereafter as soon as the 
conditions (except as to time) have been complied with, unless any of us shall 
have made written demand upon you for the return of money or documents deposited
by him.  We, jointly and severally, agree that in the event of cancellation we 
shall pay you a sum sufficient to pay you for any expense which you have 
incurred pursuant to the foregoing instructions, and a reasonable cancellation 
fee for services rendered by you, said expenses and fees to be put in escrow 
before cancellation is effective.

  6. All notices, demands and instructions must be in writing. In the event
conflicting demands are made or served upon you or any controversy arises
between the parties hereto or with any third person growing out of or relating
to this escrow, you shall have the absolute right to withhold and stop all
further proceedings in, and performance of, this escrow, until you receive
written notification satisfactory to you of the settlement of the controversy by
agreement of the parties thereto, or by the final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction. All of the parties to this escrow hereby jointly and
severally promise and agree to pay promptly on demand, as well as to indemnify
you and to hold you harmless from and against all litigation and interpleader
costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations and
liabilities of every kind which, in good faith, you may incur or suffer in
connection with or arising out of this escrow, whether said litigation,?????????
expenses arise during the performance of this escrow or subsequent thereto,
directly or indirectly. In ??? may at their option deposit any and all funds in
question ????MISSING COPY????????????????

<PAGE>
 
                         LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
 
                                       OF
                                        
                                AMREIT N0. 1901
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



          This Limited Partnership Agreement of AMREIT N0. 1901, a California
limited partnership ("Agreement"), is made and entered into effective as of June
                                                                            ----
7, 1996 by and between American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P., a
- -
Delaware limited partnership, as the General Partner, and General Western
Property Company, a Delaware Corporation ("General Western"), as the Limited
Partner.  The General Partner and General Western may be referred to in this
Agreement collectively as the "Partners" and individually as a "Partner."


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

     1.1  GLOSSARY OF TERMS

          Certain terms and words used in this Agreement shall have the meaning
set forth in the Glossary of Terms attached to this Agreement as Exhibit "1" and
made a part hereof.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                  ORGANIZATION

     2.1  AGREEMENT

          The Partners hereby join together to establish a limited partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the California Revised Limited Partnership Act
(the "Act") and they now enter into this Agreement to establish the rights,
duties and obligations of the Partners and the limited liability of General
Western.

     2.2  PARTNERSHIP NAME

          The name of the Partnership shall be AMREIT NO. 1901, a California
limited partnership (the "Partnership").

     2.3  PLACE OF BUSINESS

          The mailing and business office address of the Partnership shall be
2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110, El Segundo, California 90245.  The Partnership
address may be changed from time to time by the General Partner in its sole
discretion after providing written notice thereof to General Western.

     2.4  TERM

          The term of this Partnership shall commence on the date of this
Agreement and shall continue thereafter until December 31, 2006, unless sooner
terminated pursuant to this Agreement.

     2.5  REQUIRED OR PERMITTED FILINGS

          Promptly following the execution of this Agreement by the Partners,
the General Partner shall cause to be prepared and filed a Certificate of
Limited Partnership (Form LP-1) with the California Secretary of State and 
<PAGE>
 
such other documents that may be required or permitted for the Partnership to be
formed and conduct business consistent with the purposes of this Partnership.
The name and address of the initial agent for service of process of the
Partnership shall be designated and may be changed from time to time by the
General Partner, in its sole discretion after providing written notice thereof
to General Western.

     2.6  PURPOSES

          The principal purposes of the Partnership are:

          (a)  To operate for the production of rental income that certain
parcel of real property, improved with a three story building containing both
retail and self storage space with approximately 96,500 gross rental square feet
located on approximately 31,500 square feet of land, located at 1901 Sepulveda
Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, and legally described as set forth in
Exhibit "2" attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof (the "Property")
and related purposes.

          (b)  To hold the Property for investment and long term appreciation.

          (c)  To ultimately realize appreciation of the Property through the
sale, exchange or other disposition of the Property.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                   MEMBERSHIP
                                        
     3.1  GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner of this Partnership is American Equity Trust
Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.  The address,
Capital Contribution and Partner Percentage of the General Partner is set forth
on Exhibit "3" attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof, the original
of which and any amendments or supplements thereto shall be kept at the
principal place of business of the Partnership.

     3.2  LIMITED PARTNERS

          The initial Limited Partner of this Partnership is General Western
Property Company, a Delaware corporation.  The address, Capital Contribution and
Partner Percentage of General Western is set forth on Exhibit "3" attached to
this Agreement and made a part hereof, the original of which and any amendments
or supplements thereto shall be kept at the principal place of business of the
Partnership.

     3.3  ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL PARTNERS

          Except as set forth in this Agreement, additional General Partners or
Limited Partners may be admitted to the Partnership only with the written
consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

                                 ARTICLE IV
                             CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
                                        
     4.1  CONTRIBUTION TO INITIAL CAPITAL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner shall contribute the sum of $1,448,129.00 plus its
undivided 58.287% interest in the Property to the Initial Capital of the
Partnership as its Capital Contribution for an initial Partner Percentage of
sixty seven percent (67%), on the following terms and conditions:

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  The General Partner shall cause its interest in the Property to
be contributed to the Partnership by a recordable form of grant deed in favor of
the Partnership conveying title to the Property free and clear of all trust
deeds, mortgages, land contracts, leases, tenancies, delinquent property taxes,
assessments, covenants, conditions, reservations, restrictions, rights, rights
of way and easements, except those title exceptions acceptable to the General
Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (b)  The Partnership shall not be obligated to accept the Property,
unless, concurrently therewith, the Partnership is furnished with a policy of
title insurance in such form, with such liability and with such exceptions
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (c)  The General Partner shall receive a Capital Contribution of
$4,648,129.00 consisting of $1,448,129.00 of cash and $3,200,000.00 representing
the General Partner's share of the Agreed Equity in the Property.  The Agreed
Equity is based on an agreed fair market value of $12,900,000.00 for the entire
Property, reduced by the debt balance of approximately $7,409,990.00 multiplied
by the General Partner's undivided 58.287% interest in the Property.

          (d)  The formation of this Partnership is subject to and contingent
upon the Partners owning the undivided interest in the Property set forth above
sufficient to contribute to the Initial Capital of the Partnership.
 
     4.2  CONTRIBUTION TO INITIAL CAPITAL BY GENERAL WESTERN

          General Western shall contribute its undivided 41.7122% interest in
the Property to the Initial Capital of the Partnership as its Capital
Contribution for an initial Partner Percentage of 33%, on the following terms
and conditions:

          (a)  General Western shall contribute its interest in the Property to
the Partnership by executing and delivering a recordable form of grant deed in
favor of the Partnership conveying title to the Property free and clear of all
trust deeds, mortgages, land contracts, leases, tenancies, delinquent property
taxes, assessments, covenants, conditions, reservations, restrictions, rights,
rights of way and easements, except those title exceptions acceptable to the
General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (b)  The Partnership shall not be obligated to accept the Property,
unless, concurrently therewith, the Partnership is furnished with a policy of
title insurance in such form, with such liability and with such exceptions
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

          (c)  General Western shall receive a Capital Contribution of
$2,290,000.00 representing General Western's share of the Agreed Equity in the
Property.  The Agreed Equity is based on an agreed fair market value of
$12,900,000.00 for the entire Property, reduced by the existing debt balance of
$7,409,990.00 multiplied by General Western's undivided 41.7122% interest in the
Property.

     4.3  ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CALL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner shall contribute any additional funds needed to
meet the reasonable needs of the Partnership.  General Western shall not be
required to make any additional Capital Contributions.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     4.4  WITHDRAWAL OF CAPITAL

          No Partner shall have the right to withdraw or receive a return of any
Capital Contributions and no Capital Contribution may be returned in the form of
property other than cash, except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement.

     4.5  LIMITED LIABILITY.

          General Western shall not have any personal liability for liabilities
or obligations of the Partnership in excess of its contributions to the capital
of the Partnership.


     4.6  INTEREST ON CAPITAL

          No Partner shall be entitled to receive any interest on his Capital
Contributions or on any positive Capital Account balance, except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE V
                         DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

     5.1  DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

          Cash Flow From Operations, if any, shall be distributed as follows:

          (a) First, a preferred return to the General Partner in an amount
equal to a cumulative, non-compounded, ten and one-half percent (10.5%) per
annum return on its Net Capital Contributions, pro rated daily.

          (b) Next, a preferred return to General Western (and to the General
Partner on a pro rata basis to the extent that the General Partner has received
any portion of General Western's interest pursuant to Paragraph 10.6) in an
amount equal to a cumulative, non-compounded, eight percent (8%) per annum
return on its Net Capital Contributions, prorated daily.

          (c) Thereafter, the balance of Cash Flow From Operations shall be
distributed to the Partners as follows:

               (1)  Fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner;

               (2)  Fifty percent (50%) to General Western.


     5.2  DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING

          Cash Flow From Sale or Refinancing, if any, shall be distributed to
the Partners as follows:

          (a) First, to the General Partner in an amount equal to any unpaid
preferred return under Paragraphs 5.1(a) and 5.1(b).

          (b) Next, to General Western in an amount equal to any unpaid
preferred return under Paragraph 5.1(b).

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          (c) Next, to the General Partner in an amount equal to the sum of
$1,448,129.00 plus any Net Capital Contributions made by the General Partner
subsequent to its Capital Contributions to Initial Capital.

          (d) Next, to the Partners on a pro rata basis to the extent of their
Net Capital Contribution balances.

          (e) Thereafter, any remaining Cash Flow From Sale or Refinancing shall
be distributed fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner and fifty percent
(50%) to General Western.

     5.3  ALLOCATION OF LOSSES

          Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 below,
Operating Losses and Losses From Sale shall be allocated to the Partners pro
rata in accordance with their Partner Percentages.

     5.4  ALLOCATION OF PROFITS

     Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 below, Operating
Profits and Gain from Sale shall be allocated as follows:

          (a)  First, to the Partners pro rata in accordance with their Partner
Percentages to the extent of any losses previously allocated to the Partners
under Paragraph 5.3 above and not previously recouped under this Paragraph
5.4(a).

          (b)  Thereafter, fifty percent (50%) to the General Partner and fifty
percent (50%) to General Western.

     PARAGRAPHS 5.5 AND 5.6 ARE DELETED AND INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

     5.7  ALLOCATION OF NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS; MINIMUM GAIN CHARGEBACK

          (a)  Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable year of the Partnership
shall be allocated in the same manner as Operating Losses are allocated under
subparagraph 5.3(b), above.

          (b)  To the extent of the Nonrecourse Deductions allocated for any
taxable year of the Partnership pursuant to subparagraph 5.7(a), above, any
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year or other period shall be
specially allocated to the General Partner or Limited Partner who bears the
economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Liability to which
such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with
Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1).

          (c)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article 5, if there
is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain (as defined in the Treasury
Regulations) during any Partnership fiscal year, each General Partner and
General Western shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and
gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to
the greater of (i) the portion of such Partner's share of the net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Regulations Section
1.704-2, that is allocable to the disposition of Partnership Property subject to
Nonrecourse Liabilities, or (ii) if such Partner would otherwise have a deficit
in his Capital Account at the end of such year that exceeds his share of Minimum
Gain, an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess deficit. Allocations
pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective
amounts required to be allocated to each respective Partner pursuant thereto.
The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Section
1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. This Paragraph 5.7(c) is intended to comply
with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in such Section of the Regulations
and shall

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
be interpreted consistently therewith.  To the extent permitted by such Section
of the Regulations and for the purposes of this Paragraph 5.7(c) only, each
Partner's Capital Account Deficit shall be determined prior to any other
allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.7 with respect to such fiscal year and
without regard to any net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain during such fiscal
year.

          (d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 5 except
Paragraph 5.7(c), if there is a net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain
attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Liability during any Partnership fiscal
year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Minimum Gain attributable to
such Partner Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-
2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for
such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to the
greater of (i) the portion of such Partner's share of the net decrease in
Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Liability,
determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), that is
allocable to the disposition of Partnership Property subject to such Partner
Nonrecourse Liability, or (ii) if such Partner would otherwise have a Capital
Account Deficit at the end of such year that exceeds his share of Minimum Gain,
an amount sufficient to eliminate such excess Capital Account Deficit.
Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the
respective amounts required to be allocated to each General Partner and to
General Western pursuant thereto.  The items to be so allocated shall be
determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2) of the
Regulations.  This Paragraph 5.7(d) is intended to comply with the minimum gain
chargeback requirement in such Section of the Regulations and shall be
interpreted consistently therewith.  Solely for purposes of this Paragraph
5.7(d), each Partner's Adjusted Capital Account Deficit shall be determined
prior to any other allocations pursuant to this Article 5 with respect to such
fiscal year, other than allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(c) hereof.

     5.8  QUALIFIED INCOME OFFSET

          (a)  In the event any Limited Partner who is not a General Partner
unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described
in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), or (6), items of
Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to each such Limited
Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required
by the Regulations, the Capital Account Deficit of such Limited Partners as
quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Paragraph
5.8(a) shall be made if and only to the extent that such Limited Partner would
have a Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this
Article 5 have been tentatively made as if this Paragraph 5.8(a) were not in the
Agreement.

          (b)  In the event any Limited Partner who is not a General Partner has
a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Partnership fiscal year that is in
excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Limited Partner is obligated to
restore, and (ii) the amount of such Limited Partner is deemed to be obligated
to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Regulations Section 1.704-
2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Limited Partner shall be specially
allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as
quickly as possible provided that an allocation pursuant to this Paragraph
5.8(b) shall be made if an only to the extent that such Limited Partner would
have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations
provided for in this Article 5 have been tentatively made as if Paragraph 5.8(a)
hereof and this Paragraph 5.8(b) were not in the Agreement.

     5.9  TAX ALLOCATIONS

          (a)  All items of income, gain, loss and deduction for federal and
state income tax purposes shall be allocated in accordance with the
corresponding "book" items in accordance with the principles of IRC Section
704(c) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4).  If the General Partner
determines that it is necessary or appropriate to modify the manner in which
such tax allocations are allocated under this Paragraph 5.9 in order to comply
with the principles reflected in IRC Section 704(c) or such Regulation, the
General Partner may make such modifications.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Depreciation, amortization or other method of cost recovery for
federal income tax purposes ("Tax Depreciation") with respect to an item of
Partnership property shall be determined using the Adjusted Tax Basis of such
property, rather than its Book Value.

     5.10 ALLOCATIONS TO NEWLY ADMITTED PARTNERS AND BETWEEN
          TRANSFERORS AND TRANSFEREES OF INTERESTS IN THE PARTNERSHIP

          On the transfer of an interest in or the admission of an Additional
Partner to the Partnership, Operating Profits, Operating Losses, Gain From Sale,
Loss From Sale and Cash Flow shall be allocated and distributed according to the
following provisions:

          (a)  EFFECTIVE DATE OF ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL
               PARTNER OR TRANSFEREE

          Any person who is admitted as a Partner on or before the 15th day of a
calendar month shall be recognized as the owner and holder of the interest so
acquired as of the first day of such calendar month.  Any person who is admitted
as a Partner on or after the 16th day of a calendar month shall be recognized as
the owner and holder of the acquired interest in the Partnership as of the first
day of the next calendar month.  The Partnership shall recognize the transferee
of an interest in the Partnership as the owner and holder of the transferred
interest no later than the end of the calendar month during which the
Partnership is given written notice of the transfer.  Such written notice shall
not be effective and no allocations or distributions shall be made by the
Partnership in reliance thereon unless the notice states the date the interest
in the Partnership was transferred and such other information as the General
Partner may reasonably request.  In the absence of such notice and information,
neither the Partnership nor the General Partner shall incur any liability for
making allocations or distributions in accordance with this Article V.

          (b)  ALLOCATION OF OPERATING PROFITS AND LOSSES
               AND DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

          Operating Profits or Losses for each taxable year allocable to any
interest in the Partnership which has been transferred during such year shall be
allocated between the transferor and transferee based on the number of months
each was recognized as the owner and holder of the transferred Partnership
Interest under subparagraph (a), above.  Cash Flow from Operations for any
period allocable to any interest in the Partnership which has been transferred
during the period shall be distributed to the transferor and the transferee
based on the number of months during the period that each was recognized as the
holder of the transferred Partnership Interest under subparagraph (a), above,
without regard to the results of Partnership operations during such period.

          (c)  ALLOCATION OF GAIN OR LOSS FROM SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF
               CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING

          Any Gain From Sale or Loss From Sale shall be allocated to the
Partners recognized as the holders of the Partnership Interests as of the date
on which the Partnership recognizes such Gain From Sale or Loss From Sale.  Cash
Flow From Sale or Refinancing shall be distributed to the Partners recognized as
the holders of Partnership Interests as of the last day of the calendar month
during which the Partnership received such Cash Flow.

          (d)  ALLOCATIONS WHEN PARTNER'S INTEREST CHANGES

          Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 5.10,
allocations of Operating Profits or Losses under this Article V shall be made
utilizing (i) the varying interest rules of IRC Section 706, using any

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
convention permitted by law and selected by the General Partner and (ii) such
daily, monthly or other period determinations permitted under IRC Section 706
and the Treasury Regulations thereunder selected by the General Partner.

     5.11 SECTION 754 ADJUSTMENT

          To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any
Partnership asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is
required, pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into
account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the
Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment
increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such
basis) and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a
manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required
to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Regulations.

     5.12 CURATIVE ALLOCATIONS

          (a)  The "Regulatory Allocations" consist of the "Basic Regulatory
Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12 hereof, the "Nonrecourse Regulatory
Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12(c) hereof, and the "Partner
Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations", as defined in Paragraph 5.12(d) hereof.

          (b)  The Basic Regulatory Allocations consist of allocations pursuant
to Paragraph 5.8(a), (b) and 5.11, hereof.  Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations, the Basic Regulatory
Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating items of income, gain,
loss and deduction among the General Partner and General Western so that, to the
extent possible, the net amount of such allocations of other items and the Basic
Regulatory Allocations to each General Partner and Limited Partner shall be
equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such General
Partner and Limited Partner if the Basic Regulatory Allocations had not
occurred.  For purposes of applying the foregoing sentence, allocations pursuant
to this Paragraph 5.12(b) shall only be made with respect to allocations
pursuant to Paragraph 5.11 hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determine that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the economic
agreement among the parties to this Agreement.

          (c)  The "Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations" consist of all
allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.7(a) and 5.7(c) hereof.  Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations,
the Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating
items of income, gain, loss, and deduction among the General Partner and General
Western so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocations of
other items and the Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations to each General Partner
and Limited Partner shall be equal to the net amount that would have been
allocated to each such General Partner and Limited Partner if the Nonrecourse
Regulatory Allocations had not occurred.  For purposes of applying the foregoing
sentence (i) no allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.12(c) shall be made
prior to the Partnership fiscal year during which there is a net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain, and then only to the extent necessary to avoid any
potential economic distortions caused by such net decrease in Partnership
Minimum Gain, and (ii) allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.12(c) shall be
deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(a) hereof to the
extent the General Partner reasonably determine that such allocations are likely
to be offset by subsequent allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(c) hereof.

          (d)  The "Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations" consist of all
allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.7(b) and 5.7(d) hereof.  Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, other than the Regulatory Allocations,
the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in
allocating items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the General Partner
and General Western so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such
allocations of other items and the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory Allocations to
each General Partner and Limited Partner shall be equal to the net amount that
would have been allocated to each such 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
General Partner and Limited Partner if the Partner Nonrecourse Regulatory
Allocations had not occurred. For purposes of applying the foregoing sentence
(i) no allocations pursuant to this Paragraph 5.12(d) shall be made with respect
to allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(b) relating to a particular Partner
Nonrecourse Debt prior to the Partnership fiscal year during which there is a
net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse
Debt, and then only to the extent necessary to avoid any potential economic
distortions caused by such net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain, and (ii)
allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.12(d) shall be deferred with respect to
allocations pursuant to Paragraph 5.7(b) hereof relating to a particular Partner
Nonrecourse Debt to the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that
such allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent allocations pursuant to
Paragraph 5.7(d) hereof.

          (e)  The General Partner shall have reasonable discretion, with
respect to each Partnership fiscal year, to (i) apply the provisions of
Paragraphs 5.12(b), (c) and (d)  hereof in whatever order is likely to minimize
the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the Regulatory
Allocations, and (ii) divide all allocations pursuant to Paragraphs 5.12 (b),
(c) and (d) hereof among the General Partner and General Western in a manner
that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.

     5.13 INTENT OF ALLOCATIONS

          It is the intent of the Partnership that this Agreement comply with
the safe harbor test set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-
1(b)(2)(ii)(D) including the Qualified Income Offset and Minimum Gain
Chargeback, which are hereby incorporated by reference.  If, for whatever
reasons, the Partnership is advised by counsel or its accountants that the
allocation provisions of this Agreement are unlikely to be respected for federal
income tax purposes, the General Partner is granted the authority to amend the
allocation provisions of this Agreement, to the minimum extent deemed necessary
by counsel or its accountants to effect the plan of allocations and
Distributions provided in this Agreement.  The General Partner shall have the
discretion to adopt and revise rules, conventions and procedures as it believes
appropriate with respect to the admission of the Limited Partners to reflect
Partners' interests in the Partnership at the close of the years.

     5.14 AGREEMENT TO CONTROL DISTRIBUTIONS

          Notwithstanding any adjustment of the allocation of Operating Profits
or Losses, Gain or Loss From Sale or other items for income tax purposes
provided in this Agreement by any judicial body or governmental agency, the
provisions of this Agreement shall control for all purposes of determining the
Partner's entitlement to distributions of Cash Flow.

     5.15 METHOD OF ACCOUNTING

          Operating Profits, Operating Losses, Gain From Sale and Loss From Sale
shall be computed by use of the cash or accrual method of accounting, as
determined by the General Partner and the accountant for the Partnership, in
accordance with sound tax accounting principles consistently applied, adjusted
to the extent necessary to conform with the applicable provisions of this
Article V and Article VI, below.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                        MAINTENANCE OF CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

     6.1  CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

          (a)  CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

          Throughout the term of this Partnership, the Partnership shall
establish and maintain a Capital Account for each Partner, which shall reflect
items of Partnership property recorded on the books of the Partnership at Book
Value and thereafter adjusted to reflect allocations of income, gain, loss,
deduction and credits with respect to such item of property and any other
adjustments necessary to properly reflect Capital Accounts in a manner
consistent with the rules and principles of this Article VI and generally
accepted tax accounting principles consistent with the Partnership's method of
accounting.

          (b)  ADJUSTMENTS BY GENERAL PARTNER

          The General Partner and the accountants retained by the General
Partner shall maintain the Capital Accounts of the Partners in compliance with
the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b), as amended, which
provisions, as amended, are incorporated in this Agreement and made a part
hereof.  In the event that the General Partner determines that it is prudent to
modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts are adjusted and/or maintained
in order to comply with the requirements of such Regulation, the General Partner
may make such modification, provided that it is not likely to have a material
effect on the amounts distributable to any Partner under Article XIII, below, on
dissolution of the Partnership.

          (c)  TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

               In the event of a transfer of an interest in this Partnership, in
compliance with the terms of this Agreement, the Capital Account of the
transferor attributable to the transferred Partnership Interest shall carry over
and become the Capital Account of the transferee Partner and shall continue to
be subject to all of the provisions of this Article concerning adjustments to
Capital Accounts.

          (d)  ADJUSTMENTS WHERE GUIDANCE IS LACKING

               If the provisions of this Article or Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b) fail to provide guidance on how the Capital Accounts of the Partners
should be maintained to reflect particular adjustments to Partnership capital on
the books of the Partnership, such capital adjustments shall be made in a manner
that:

               (1)  maintains equality between the aggregate governing Capital
Accounts of the Partners and the amount of Partnership capital reflected on the
Partnership's balance sheet;

               (2)  is consistent with the underlying economic arrangements of
the Partners; and

               (3)  is based, wherever practicable, on federal income tax
accounting principles.

     6.2  BASIC RULES FOR CAPITAL ACCOUNT ENTRIES

          (a)  The "Capital Account" of a Partner means the capital account of
that Partner determined strictly in accordance with the rules set forth in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).  For purposes hereof, the General
Partners' initial Capital Account balance shall be $4,648,129.00 after its
Capital Contribution made to 

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
Initial Capital as set forth in Section 4.1. General Western's initial Capital
Account balance shall be $2,290,000.00 after its Capital Contribution made to
Initial Capital as set forth in Section 4.2.

          (b)  Subject to subparagraph (a), above, a Partner's Capital Account
SHALL BE INCREASED BY:

               (1)  the amount of money contributed by the Partner to the
capital of the Partnership,

               (2)  the fair market value of property contributed by the Partner
to the capital of the Partnership (net of liabilities secured by the contributed
property that the Partnership is considered to assume or take subject to under
IRC Section 752), and

               (3)  the net amount of income allocated to the Partner,

          (C)  SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRAPH (A) ABOVE, A PARTNER'S CAPITAL ACCOUNT
SHALL BE DECREASED BY:

               (1)  the amount of money distributed to the Partner by the
Partnership,

               (2)  the fair market value of property distributed to the Partner
by the Partnership (net of liabilities secured by such distributed property that
the Partner is considered to assume or take subject to under IRC Section 752),

               (3)  the Partner's share of the Partnership's IRC Section
705(a)(2)(B) Expenditures, including losses which are nondeductible under IRC
Sections 267(a)(1) or 707(b),

               (4)  the Partner's share of amounts paid or incurred by the
Partnership to organize the Partnership, except to the extent properly
amortizable for federal income tax purposes, and

               (5)  the net amount of loss allocated to the Partner.

          (d)  For purposes of this Article VI, "income" refers to all items of
income (including gain from the sale of Partnership property and income exempt
from tax) as properly determined for Book Purposes, and "loss" refers to all
items of loss (including loss from the sale of Partnership property), as
properly determined for Book Purposes.  Book Income and Loss shall be determined
based on the Book Value of the Partnership's assets in accordance with the
principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).  Otherwise, income
and loss shall be determined strictly in accordance with federal income tax
principles (including rules governing depreciation and amortization), utilizing
the Book Value of Partnership assets.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                     ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS
                                        
     7.1  BOOKS AND RECORDS

          The General Partner shall keep the following Partnership documents at
the principal office of the Partnership:

          (a)  A current list of the full name and last known address of each
Partner, together with the Capital Contribution and Partner Percentage of each
Partner.

          (b)  An executed original of this Agreement and all amendments to this
Agreement.

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  A copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, a copy of all
Certificates of Amendment thereto and an executed original of any power of
attorney pursuant to which such Certificates have been executed.

          (d)  Copies of the federal, state and local income tax or information
returns and reports of the Partnership, if any, for the six most recent taxable
years.

          (e)  Financial statements of the Partnership for the six most recent
fiscal years.

          (f)  The books and records of the Partnership for at least the current
and past six fiscal years.

     7.2  DELIVERY TO PARTNERS AND INSPECTION

          (a)  Each Partner has the right, on reasonable request, to inspect and
copy, during normal business hours, any of the Partnership records required to
be maintained under Paragraph 7.1, above.

          (b)  Within ninety (90) days of the end of each taxable year of the
Partnership, the General Partner shall provide each Partner with a copy of the
federal and state income tax returns of the Partnership and the information
necessary for the Partner to complete his federal and state income tax or
information returns.

     7.3  TAX AND FISCAL YEAR

          The Partnership's tax and fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

     7.4  TAX MATTERS PARTNER

          The General Partner shall be the Tax Matters Partner for purposes of
Section 6231(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                         MANAGEMENT AND RELATED MATTERS
                                        
     8.1  CONTROL BY GENERAL PARTNER

          Subject to the consent, voting and other approval rights expressly
granted to the Limited Partners under this Agreement and the Act, the General
Partner shall have sole and exclusive control over the business and affairs of
the Partnership and shall have all of the rights and powers which may be
possessed by a Partner under the Act.

     8.2  SPECIFIC AUTHORITY, POWERS AND DUTIES

          The General Partner shall have the specific rights, powers and duties
required for or appropriate to management of the Partnership's business,
including, but not limited to, the right and power to:

          (a)  Sell or otherwise dispose of assets of the Partnership in the
ordinary course of the Partnership's business, which does not involve the sale
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Partnership assets. For
those purposes, "substantially all" shall be defined to mean assets of the
Partnership representing more than eighty percent (80%) of the net book value of
all Partnership assets as of the end of the most recently completed calendar
quarter.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Execute any and all loan documents, notes, mortgages, financing
statements and/or any other financing or security documents requested of the
Partnership without requiring any of the other Partners to execute any such
documents as long as the amount of the loan shall not exceed the unpaid
principal balance of all indebtedness of the Partnership, plus all costs related
to such financing and the reasonable costs of procuring the loan. Any loan in
excess of the foregoing shall require the written approval of General Western.

          (c)  Borrow money on behalf of the Partnership, and encumber the
Partnership assets or place title in the name of a nominee for the purposes of
obtaining such financing as long as the amount of the loan shall not exceed the
unpaid principal balance of all indebtedness of the Partnership, plus all costs
related to such financing and the reasonable costs of procuring the loan. Any
loan in excess of the foregoing shall require the written approval of General
Western.

          (d)  Manage and operate the Partnership's assets.

          (e)  Employ from time to time, at the expense of the Partnership,
insurance brokers, property managers, real estate brokers, loan brokers,
consultants, accountants and attorneys, including Partners and their Affiliates,
subject to the limitations of Paragraphs 8.4 and 8.9, below.

          (f)  Pay, at the expense of the Partnership, all organization expenses
incurred in the creation of the Partnership, not to exceed $5,000.00, and all
reasonable expenses incurred in the operation of the Partnership, including the
payment or reimbursement of costs incurred by the General Partner and its
Affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.

          (g)  Make any and all elections for federal, state or local tax
purposes, including, without limitation, elections to: (i) adjust the basis of
Partnership property under IRC Sections 734(b) and 743(b), if the General
Partner decides, in its sole discretion, to file such an election; (ii) extend
the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against Partners
with respect to adjustments to the Partnership's federal, state or local tax
returns; and (iii) represent and bind the Partnership and the Partners before
taxing authorities and courts of competent jurisdiction in tax matters affecting
the Partnership and the Partners, in their capacities as such, including the
execution of any agreement affecting such matters.

          (h)  Certify to third parties: (i) copies of this Agreement and any
amendments thereto; (ii) the existence or nonexistence of any fact or facts
which constitute a condition precedent to acts by a General Partner or which are
in any manner germane to the business or affairs of the Partnership, including,
without limitation, those pertaining to votes or consents of the Partners; (iii)
the identity of any Partner; (iv) the persons who are authorized to execute and
deliver any instrument or document of the Partnership; or (v) any act or failure
to act by the Partnership or any other matter whatsoever involving the
Partnership or any Partner.  Third parties are intended and expected to rely on
said certificates and the Partnership and the Partners shall be conclusively
bound thereby as between such third parties and the Partnership and/or the
Partners.

          (i)  Receive a notice of default or any other notices required or
permitted to be given by any financial institution or creditor of the
Partnership, on behalf of the Partnership, without requiring any such financial
institution or creditor to give notice to any other Partner of this Partnership
other than the General Partner.

          (j)  Assume the overall duties and exercise any power or authority
conferred on the General Partner under the provisions of this Agreement or the
Act.

          (k)  In the event there is more than one (1) General Partner, the
General Partners shall equally manage the Partnership.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
     8.3  FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS

          The General Partner shall be under a fiduciary duty to conduct affairs
of the Partnership in the best interests of the Partnership and the other
Partners.  The General Partner shall have a fiduciary responsibility for the
safekeeping and use of all Partnership funds and assets, whether or not in its
possession or control or under its management, for the exclusive benefit of the
Partnership.  No Partner or any Affiliate of a Partner shall enter into any
transaction with the Partnership which may significantly benefit any Partner or
any Affiliate of a Partner in his or its independent capacity, unless the
transaction is expressly permitted under this Agreement.

     8.4  LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY

          Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Partner (including
the General Partner) shall have any authority to do any act prohibited by law or
any authority to:

          (a)  Permit any creditor who makes a nonrecourse loan to the
Partnership to acquire, at any time as a result of making such loan, any direct
or indirect interest in the profits, capital or property of the Partnership
other than as a secured creditor.

          (b)  Enter into agreements between the Partnership and themselves or
any of their Affiliates for services, except as may be necessary for the prudent
operation of the Partnership; in such event the Partnership shall pay such
Persons amounts competitive with the customary fees being charged in the
industry for similar services.

          (c)  In the case of the General Partner, retire as a General Partner,
except with the prior written consent of Limited Partner(s) holding more than
fifty percent (50%) of the Partner Percentages of all the Limited Partners.

     8.5  AUTHORITY OF PARTNERS TO APPOINT
          ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT

          Each Partner shall have the power and authority to constitute and
appoint any other natural person, including another Partner in his individual,
non-partner capacity, as the attorney-in-fact of the appointing Partner under a
written revocable power of attorney to execute and, where required or
appropriate, acknowledge, in the name, place and stead of the appointing
Partner, such documents and instruments for and on behalf of this Partnership as
the Partner is required or permitted to execute, or execute and acknowledge,
under this Agreement, applicable law or any contract, agreement or other
commitment of the Partnership.  Such documents and instruments shall include,
but shall not be limited to, contracts, conveyances, mortgages, trust deeds,
notes, leases and amendments to this Agreement.

     8.6  BUSINESS OR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

          Any Partner, and any shareholder, officer, director, employee,
Affiliate or other person holding a legal or beneficial interest in any entity
which is a Partner, may engage in or possess an interest in other business
ventures of every nature and description, independently or with others, whether
such ventures are competitive with the Partnership or otherwise, including but
not limited to, the acquisition, ownership, financing, leasing, operation,
management, syndication, brokerage, sale, construction and development of real
property, which may be located in the market area or vicinity of any Partnership
real property. Neither the Partnership nor the Partners shall have any right by
virtue of this Agreement in or to such independent ventures or to the income or
profits derived therefrom. No Partner or any Affiliate is obligated to present
to the Partnership any particular investment opportunity which comes to its
attention, even if such opportunity is of the character which might be suitable
for investment by the

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
Partnership.  Nothing in this Paragraph shall be deemed to diminish the
overriding fiduciary obligations of the Partners to the Partnership or act a
waiver of any right or remedy the Partnership or the other Partners may have in
the event of a breach by a Partner of such obligation.

     8.7  DEVOTION OF TIME

          None of the Partners shall be obligated to devote full time to the
business and affairs of the Partnership.  The Partners are involved in other
businesses and occupations and other Partnerships.  The General Partner shall
devote such reasonable amounts of time as it determines, in its sole discretion,
is necessary to manage the Partnership business and affairs and perform the
duties of the General Partner under this Agreement.

     8.8  REIMBURSEMENTS TO PARTNERS

          The Partners, including the General Partner, shall be reimbursed by
the Partnership for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with operating Partnership assets and administering the Partnership.

     8.9  AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH PARTNERSHIP

          Without limitation upon the other powers set forth herein, the General
Partner is expressly authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership,
to enter into one or more written property management agreements with the
General Partner, or an Affiliate of the General Partner, which will provide for
the management of the Property and any other properties acquired by the
Partnership, provided, however, the amount of the property management fees is
competitive with the customary fees being charged in the industry for properties
similar to the Property based on the location and type of property.  The
Partners consent to allow the existing property manager, Insignia Commercial
Group, Inc. ("Insignia"), to continue to manage the Property for a period of at
least one (1) year from the date the Partnership acquires the Property.
Notwithstanding the above, the General Partner shall be entitled to terminate
Insignia at any time for cause, or at any time after one (1) year with or
without cause in its sole discretion.

     8.10 BANK ACCOUNTS

          All funds of the Partnership shall be deposited in accounts in the
name of the Partnership in such banks or savings and loan associations as may be
selected by the General Partner from time to time after providing prior written
notice thereof to General Western.

     8.11 LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF GENERAL PARTNER;
          INDEMNIFICATION

          (a)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the
General Partner shall not be liable to General Western for the return of their
Capital Contributions, nor shall it be required to pay to the Partnership or any
Limited Partner any capital deficits of any Partner.  The sole source of the
return of such Capital Contributions to the Partners shall be the assets of this
Partnership.  The General Partner shall not have any liability, responsibility
or accountability in damages or otherwise to any other Partner or the
Partnership for losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, proceedings,
judgments, costs, expenses, or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever,
("Damages") arising out of any action or inaction on the part of the Partnership
or the General Partner other than the Damages resulting from the General
Partner's own fraud, gross negligence, criminal act or breach of fiduciary duty
to the Partnership or any Partner.
          (b) The Partnership, or its receiver or trustee, agrees to indemnify,
pay, defend, protect, and hold harmless the General Partner and its respective
employees, agents, shareholders, directors, officers, 

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
representatives, and attorneys (on demand of and to the satisfaction of the
person indemnified) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, proceedings, judgments, costs,
expenses, and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without
limitation, all costs and expenses of investigation, defense, appeal and
settlement ("Indemnity Damages") of any and all suits, actions or proceedings
instituted against the Partnership or the General Partner which may be incurred
by or asserted against the General Partner or the Partnership in any way
relating to or arising out of, or alleged to relate to or arise out of, any
action or inaction on the part of the Partnership or the General Partner other
than the portion of the Indemnity Damages resulting from the indemnified
person's own fraud, gross negligence, criminal act or breach of fiduciary duty
to the Partnership or any Partner. The obligations under this subparagraph (b)
shall be satisfied only out of Partnership assets, and General Western shall not
have any personal liability on account thereof.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                      VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS OF PARTNERS

     9.1  MATTERS REQUIRING CONSENT OF A REQUIRED MAJORITY OF THE PARTNERS

          Subject to such additional or other requirements as may be contained
in this Agreement and the Act, the following actions may be taken only with the
affirmative vote or written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners:

          (a)  The dissolution and winding up of the Partnership.

          (b)  The sale or other disposition of more than eighty percent (80%)
of the Property in one or more transactions.

          (c)  The removal of the General Partner pursuant to Paragraph 12.3,
below.

          (d)  The admission of an Additional Partner, except as provided in
Paragraph 4.5.

     9.2  LIMITATIONS ON RIGHTS AND POWERS OF PARTNERS

          (a)  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no Partner shall
have the right or power to:

               (1)  withdraw or reduce Capital Contributions, except as the
result of the dissolution of the Partnership, or as set forth in this Agreement.

               (2)  bring an action for partition against the Partnership;

               (3)  cause the termination and dissolution of the Partnership; or

               (4)  demand or receive property other than cash in return for
Capital Contributions.

          (b)  No Partner shall have priority over any other Partner either as
to the return of capital, profits or distributions, except to the extent
provided or permitted under Articles V or XIII of this Agreement. Other than on
dissolution of the Partnership or the Sale or Refinance of the Property, as
provided by this Agreement, there has been no time agreed on when the Capital
Contributions of each Partner will be returned.

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X
                       TRANSFERS OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
                                        
     10.1 IN GENERAL

          (a)  No Partner shall transfer or encumber his interest in the
Partnership or any part thereof or any interest therein unless the written
consent of  the General Partner is first obtained, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Absent such consent, a transferee of an
interest in the Partnership shall be entitled to receive only the share of
profits or other compensation by way of income and the return of Capital
Contributions to which the transferor Partner would have been entitled.  Any act
in contravention of any provisions of this Article X shall be null and void as
against the Partnership and the other Partners.

          (b)  The Partners acknowledge that a constructive termination of this
Partnership could have adverse income tax consequences to one or more of the
Partners and may result in costs and expenses to the Partnership and the
Partners which would not otherwise be paid or incurred.  Accordingly:

               (1)  Each Partner shall give written notice to the General
Partner of any proposed voluntary sale or exchange of all or part of an interest
in the Partnership. Such notice shall describe the interest proposed to be sold
or exchanged and the scheduled closing date of the proposed transaction. Such
written notice shall contain a specific request that the General Partner advise
the notifying Partner whether or not the transfer will cause a constructive
termination of this Partnership.

               (2)  Each Partner hereby agrees not to transfer such portion of
his interest in profits and capital that would cause a constructive termination
of this Partnership under IRC Section 708.

               (3)  The transferor Partner whose transfer of an interest in the
Partnership causes a deemed termination of this Partnership pursuant to IRC
Section 708 shall pay the cost of any appraisal obtained by the General Partner
in connection with the revaluation of Partnership properties.

               (4)  Notwithstanding the above, the General Partner may prohibit
the transfer of an interest in the Partnership, in its sole discretion, to avoid
a constructive termination of the Partnership under IRC Section 708.

          (c)  The interests in the Partnership represented by this Agreement
have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or qualified under the securities laws of
any state.  Partnership Interests may not be offered for sale, sold, delivered
after sale, transferred, pledged or hypothecated to any Person unless
subsequently registered and qualified or in the opinion of counsel satisfactory
to the General Partner an exemption from such registration or qualification is
available and the proposed purchaser of a Partnership Interest satisfies the
investment suitability standards applicable to the Partnership.

          (d)  Each Partner agrees that a legend condition may be placed on any
certificate or other document evidencing ownership of an interest in this
Partnership, which legend shall be in a form approved by counsel selected by the
General Partner.

          (e)  The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, prohibit the
transfer or assignment of a Partnership Interest to avoid the risk of having the
Partnership being treated as a corporation for tax purposes.

          (f)  The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, prohibit the
transfer or assignment of a Partnership Interest to a foreign person.

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
          (g) If a sale, assignment or transfer of an interest in the
Partnership complies with the provisions of this Article X, but the transferee
is not admitted as a Partner pursuant to this Article X, such transferee shall
be entitled to receive distributions and allocations with respect to the
transferred Partnership interest as provided in this Agreement, but shall have
no right to any information or accounting of the affairs of the Partnership, nor
be entitled to inspect the books and records of the Partnership, nor be entitled
to any of the rights of a Partner of this Partnership under this Agreement or
the Act.

     10.2 EXEMPT TRANSFERS

          Subject to the restrictions provided in Paragraph 10.1 above, Partners
may make the following transfers of their interests in the Partnership without
complying with the other provisions of this Article.  The transferee shall be
substituted as a Partner only on compliance with Paragraph 10.5, below, to the
extent of the transferred Partnership interest.

          (a)  A gratuitous transfer to a trust, provided the transferor Partner
and his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial
interests of any such trust.  A Partner's "Immediate Family" shall include only
his spouse, lineal ancestors and lineal descendants.  Any subsequent sale,
assignment, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance ("Dispositions") of the
beneficial interests in any such trust, which by itself or which, when added to
prior dispositions of such beneficial interests made after the transfer of the
interest in the Partnership to the trust, equals or exceed more than fifty
percent (50%) of the total beneficial interest in the trust, shall be deemed to
be a transfer of the Partnership interest owned by the trust for all purposes of
this Article.

          (b)  A gratuitous transfer into joint tenancy ownership between the
transferor and members of his Immediate Family.

          (c)  A transfer to a corporation in which the transferor Partner and
his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock entitled to
vote.  Any subsequent change in the ownership of voting stock of any such
corporation (whether by way of a disposition thereof or issuance of additional
stock) which reduces the percentage of voting stock owned by the transferor
Partner and his Immediate Family to fifty percent (50%) or less shall be deemed
to be a transfer of the interest in the Partnership owned by such corporation
for all purposes of this Article.

          (d)  A transfer to a partnership in which the transferor Partner and
his Immediate Family own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total interests in
profits or capital.  Any subsequent change in the ownership of interests in
profits or capital that reduces the percentage of profits and capital owned by
the transferor Partner and his Immediate Family to fifty percent (50%) or less
shall be deemed to be a transfer of the interest in the Partnership owned by
such partnership for all purposes of this Article.

     10.3 ENCUMBRANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

          A Partner may encumber his interest in the Partnership, any part
thereof or an interest therein, only with the written consent of the General
Partner and those Partners comprising a Required Majority of the Partners, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     10.4 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

          (a)  If a Partner (the "Selling Partner") desires to sell or exchange
all or part of the Selling Partner's interest in the Partnership (the "Offered
Interest"), the Selling Partner shall give written notice to the Partnership and
each of the other Partners (the "Notice of Sale").  The Notice of Sale shall set
forth the proposed purchaser's name, the price and terms on which the Offered
Interest is proposed to be sold or exchanged.  If the Offered Interest is to 

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
be exchanged, in whole or in part, for property other than cash or the
purchaser's note or other deferred payment obligation, the Selling Partner shall
place a dollar value on that property supported by an appraisal of the property
acceptable to the General Partner. For fourteen (14) days after the Notice of
Sale is given, the Partnership shall have the option to purchase all of the
Offered Interest at the same price, and on the same terms stated in the Notice
of Sale (the "price" and the "terms"). The Partnership shall exercise its option
only with the written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners by way of
written notice to the Selling Partner within the fourteen (14) day period.

          (b)  If the Partnership elects not to purchase all of the Offered
Interest, the other Partners shall then have the option to purchase the Offered
Interest, or the portion the Partnership elected not to purchase, at the same
price, prorated if the Partnership elected to purchase part, and on the same
terms.  The other Partners shall have twenty-eight (28) days following the
giving of the Notice of Sale to exercise such option.  Each Partner shall have
an option to purchase a percentage of the Offered Interest, or the portion
thereof not elected to be purchased by the Partnership, determined pro rata in
accordance with such Partner's Percentage.

          (c)  The foregoing notwithstanding, the exercise of the options by the
Partnership and/or the other Partners shall be effective only if the entire
Offered Interest is elected to be purchased pursuant to the foregoing provisions
of this Paragraph.

          (d)  If the Partnership and/or the other Partners fail to elect to
purchase all of the Offered Interest, the Selling Partner may, within the sixty
(60) day period immediately following the expiration of the sixty (60) day
period provided for in subparagraph (b), above, sell or exchange the Offered
Interest at a price not materially less than and on terms not less materially
favorable than the price and terms stated in the Notice of Sale.  Such sale or
exchange shall be subject to all of the other provisions of this Article and
Article XII, below, but only to the extent they are applicable thereto.  If the
Selling Partner fails to consummate the sale or exchange of the Offered Interest
within such twenty-eight (28) day period, any subsequent sale or exchange shall
be subject to the provisions of this Paragraph 10.4.

     10.5 SUBSTITUTION OF TRANSFEREE PARTNER

          The transferee of an interest in the Partnership otherwise transferred
in compliance with this Article shall be admitted as a Partner on satisfaction
of the following additional conditions:

          (a)  Filing with the Partnership a duly executed and acknowledged
written instrument of transfer in a form approved by the General Partner,
specifying the Partnership interest being transferred and setting forth the
intention of the transferor Partner that the transferee be admitted as a
Partner.

          (b)  Execution and acknowledgment by the transferor Partner and the
transferee of any other instruments required by the General Partner, including
the acceptance of and adoption by the transferee of this Agreement.

          (c)  Payment of a transfer fee to the Partnership sufficient to cover
the Partnership's reasonable expenses of the transfer in an amount not to exceed
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000).

     10.6 EXCHANGE OPTION

          American Equity Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("AETI") hereby
grants to General Western an option ("Option") to exchange all or a portion of
General Western's Partnership Interest for cash, exercisable after October 1,
1996, on the following terms and conditions:

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  General Western may only exercise the Option after the
Partnership has sufficient Cash Flow From Operations to pay the General
Partner's and General Western's preferred returns, under Paragraphs 5.1(a) and
(b), respectively, for a period of three (3) consecutive months.

          (b)  If the Partnership has sufficient Cash Flow From Operations to
pay the General Partner's preferred return under Paragraphs 5.1(a) for a period
of three (3) consecutive months, but an insufficient amount to pay the entire
preferred return under Paragraph 5.1(b), General Western shall be entitled to
exercise the Option but only with respect to a portion of General Western's
Partnership Interest ("Partial Conversion"). The portion of General Western's
Partnership Interest which may be exchanged as a Partial Conversion shall be
based on a fraction: the numerator shall be the annualized percentage of
preferred return paid to General Western under Paragraph 5.1(b) for the
preceding three (3) months, and the denominator shall be eight (8) percent. For
example, if General Western has received a preferred return of two (2) percent
for three (3) consecutive months, General Western would be entitled to exchange
up to twenty-five percent (25%) of its Partnership Interest pursuant to the
Option.

          (c)  Notwithstanding the above, General Western may only exercise the
Option after the Partnership has net operating income of at least $1,050,000
(excluding reserves and management fees, not to exceed four percent (4%)),
annualized for any period less than one year.  The Option may be exercised more
than once, provided, however, (i) General Western may not exercise the Option
more frequently than once every six (6) month period from the prior exercise of
the Option, and (ii) the cash flow requirement described above must be satisfied
before each such Option may be exercised.

          (d)  The General Partner shall consummate the purchase of General
Western's Partnership Interest to AETI no later than thirty (30) days after
receipt of written notice ("Exercise Notice") from General Western exercising
the Option.  The Exercise Notice shall include an unqualified and unconditional
exercise of the Option, the amount of General Western's Net Capital
Contribution, and the portion of General Western's Partnership Interest to be
converted, if less than the entire Partnership Interest.

          (e)  For purposes hereof, the value attributed to General Western's
Partnership Interest shall be equal to General Western's Net Capital
Contribution.  Notwithstanding anything else within this agreement, General
Western's right to receive its fifty percent (50%) portion stated in paragraphs
5.1(c), 5.2(e) and 5.4(b) shall not be adjusted or eliminated for any reason,
other than the exercise of General Western's written election to receive cash
payment for the sale of its last remaining ten percent (10%) partnership
interest.

          (f)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option granted to General
Western hereunder  may not be exercised to the extent General Western (i) has
direct or constructive ownership of AETI's common stock, which when aggregated
with another such stock held by General Western, is equal to or greater than
9.8% of  AETI's common stock, or (ii) restricts, eliminates or jeopardizes
AETI's ability to qualify as an REIT under federal tax laws, as determined by
counsel for AETI in its sole discretion.

          (g)  In the event that General Western exercises the Option to
exchange its entire Partnership Interest, then General Western shall no longer
be a member of the Partnership upon the consummation of the purchase. In the
event that General Western exercises its option only as to a portion of its
Partnership Interest, then:

               1.   General Western's Net Capital Contribution shall be
decreased and the General Partner's Net Capital Contribution shall be increased
by an amount equal to the percentage of General Western's Partnership Interest
so converted multiplied by $2,290,000.00. For example, if General Western
exercises the Option as to 50% of its Partnership Interest, then General
Western's Net Capital Contribution shall be decreased by $724,064.50 and the
General Partner's Net Capital Contribution shall be increased by a corresponding
amount.

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
               2.   The preferred return attributable to the Net Capital
contribution so transferred, which would otherwise be received by General
Western under Paragraph 5.1(b) hereof, shall instead be received by the General
Partner pursuant to Paragraph 5.1(b) hereof.

               3.   Except for the foregoing, as long as General Western remains
a Partner in this Partnership, its share of the Cash Flow under Paragraphs
5.1(c)(2) and 5.2(e) and its share of the Profits and Losses allocated under
Paragraphs 5.3 and 5.4 shall remain unchanged.

          (h)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, General Western may not exercise
its Option as to a portion (rather than all) of its Partnership Interest if such
exercise would cause the Partnership Interest to go below 10% of its initial
Partnership Interest (i.e., General Western's Partnership Interest may not be
reduced below that attributable to $2,290,000 of its Net Capital Contribution).
Once General Western has exercised its Option so as to reduce its Partnership
Interest to 10% of its initial amount (i.e., that attributable to a Net Capital
                                       ----                   
Contribution of $2,290,000), thereafter a further partial exercise of the Option
will not be permitted, but rather the Option must thereafter be exercised in its
entirety.

     10.7 BUY-SELL AGREEMENT

          (a)  During the first five (5) years of the term of this Partnership,
the General Partner and General Western may agree upon a purchase price for the
General Partner to purchase General Western's Partnership Interest.

          (b)  During the period commencing on the first day of the sixth year
of the Partnership term and ending on the last day of the eighth year of the
Partnership term, either party (the "Offeror") may give written notice (the
"Notice of Sale") to the offeree ("Offeree") of the Offeror's intent to purchase
the Partnership Interest of the Offeree, which shall be consummated as follows:

               (i)    The Notice of Sale shall state that the Offeror desires to
purchase the Partnership Interest of the Offeree and shall set forth a cash
purchase price for the entire Property.  The amount to be paid for the
Partnership Interest of the Offeree or the Offeror shall be determined by
computing the cash proceeds which would be distributed to the Offeree or the
Offeror on account of each Partner's Partnership Interest as if the Property
were sold in a hypothetical sale to a third party for the cash purchase price
set forth in the Notice of Sale and the Partnership was thereupon liquidated.
In making such determination, the cash purchase price stated in the Notice of
Sale shall be reduced by the following: (a) a fixed amount equal to one and one
half (1 1/2 %) percent of the cash purchase price stated in the Notice of Sale
as closing costs from the hypothetical sale; and, (b) the amount which would be
necessary to pay all debts and liabilities of the Partnership, secured or
unsecured, including, but not limited to, loans from the Partners, prorations
and accrued liabilities.  The sum determined under the preceding Paragraph shall
then be deemed distributed to the Partners under Paragraph 5.2.  The amount of
cash which would be distributable to General Western or the General Partner from
the hypothetical sale shall be the agreed upon cash purchase price of the
Partnership Interest of the General Partner or General Western ("Agreed Price"),
respectively, for all purposes of this Paragraph.

               (ii)   If the Offeror is the General Partner, the Notice of Sale
shall include the amount to be paid for the Partnership Interest of General
Western on the hypothetical sale basis described in (i) above. In such event,
General Western shall have one hundred eighty (180) days after receipt of the
Notice of Sale to decide whether to sell its Partnership Interest to the General
Partner at the Agreed Price or purchase the Partnership Interest of the General
Partner for the Agreed Price set forth in the Notice of Sale. If the Offeror is
General Western, the General Partner shall compute the Agreed Prices for each
Partnership Interest within thirty (30) after receipt of the Notice of Sale and
deliver such information to General Western. The General Partner shall have one
hundred eighty (180) days after delivering the Agreed Prices to General Western
to decide whether to sell its Partnership Interest
                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
to General Western at the Agreed Price or purchase the Partnership Interest of
General Western for the Agreed Price.

               (iii)  If the Offeree fails to timely elect to purchase all of
the Partnership Interest of the Offeror, then the Offeror shall purchase the
Partnership Interest of the Offeree for the Agreed Price and on the same terms
and conditions set forth in the Notice of Sale within sixty (60) days after the
expiration of the date for the Offeree to respond to the Notice of Sale (the
"Closing Date"). If the Offeree timely elects to purchase the Partnership
Interest from the Offeror, then the Offeree shall purchase the Partnership
Interest of the Offeror at the Closing Date. The purchase price shall be paid in
cash on the Closing Date.

          (c)  In the event the General Partner and General Western are still
Partners of the Partnership, and the Partnership owns the Property, on the first
day of the ninth year of the Partnership term, the Partners agree that the
Partnership shall list to sell and use its best efforts to sell the Property
consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

     10.8 CERTAIN TRANSFERS TO BE REPORTED TO IRS

          (a)  IRC Section 6050K requires the Partnership to make a return to
the IRS with respect to transfers of interests in partnerships that own
appreciated inventory or unrealized receivables, as defined in IRC Section 751.
For those purposes, recapture of depreciation potential is treated as an
unrealized receivable. In order to enable the Partnership to comply with the
requirements of IRC Section 6050K and any Treasury Regulation issued thereunder,
each transferor and each transferee of an interest in the Partnership shall
provide the General Partner with such data and information as may be required in
order for the Partnership to fully comply with those requirements, which data
and information shall be provided no later than twenty (20) days prior to the
date the Partnership is otherwise required to file the return with the IRS with
respect to the transfer, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the
date the transfer occurs.

          (b)  If the Partnership files a return with the IRS with respect to a
transfer pursuant to IRC Section 6050K, the Partnership shall provide the
transferor with a copy of the return on or before January 31 of the year
following the year for which the return referred to in this Paragraph is filed.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            WITHDRAWAL OF A PARTNER
                                        
     11.1 RESTRICTION ON WITHDRAWAL OF A PARTNER

          A Partner shall not voluntarily retire or withdraw from the
Partnership, except in connection with a sale, assignment or transfer of his
entire interest in the Partnership permitted under Article X, above, and then,
only if the transferee is admitted in his place pursuant to that Paragraph.

                                 ARTICLE XII
                   DEATH, WITHDRAWAL, INSOLVENCY, INCAPACITY,
                      DISSOLUTION OR REMOVAL OF A PARTNER
                                        
     12.1 DEFINITIONS

          (a)  INSOLVENCY OF A PARTNER

               A Partner shall be deemed insolvent if (i) the Partner makes an
assignment for the benefit of his creditors, (ii) a charging order is issued
against the Partner's interest in the Partnership or such Partnership 

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
interest is levied on or seized pursuant to process of law (e.g., levy or
seizure by the Internal Revenue Service) without the removal or discharge of
such order, levy or seizure within ninety (90) days thereafter, (iii) a petition
is filed by or against the Partner under the federal bankruptcy law or other
insolvency statute without the removal or discharge thereof within ninety (90)
days, (iv) a trustee, receiver or liquidator of all or any substantial part of
the Partner's properties is appointed without the Partner's consent or
acquiescence and such appointment is not vacated or stayed within ninety (90)
days thereafter or the appointment is not vacated within sixty (60) days after
the expiration of any such stay.

          (b)  INCAPACITY

               A Partner who is a natural person shall be deemed incapacitated
if the Partner is judicially declared incompetent or insane or has a legal
guardian or conservator appointed.

          (c)  DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATE PARTNER

               A corporate Partner shall be deemed to have dissolved if it is
dissolved under any state or federal law permitting the dissolution of a
corporation or if a corporate Partner is merged into another corporation and the
corporate Partner is not the surviving corporation resulting from such merger.

     12.2 LIMITED PARTNERS

          If General Western ceases to be a Partner of the Partnership by reason
of insolvency, incapacity, dissolution of a corporate Partner or the death of a
natural person, this shall not thereby cause a dissolution of this Partnership
and the business of the Partnership shall be continued by the remaining
Partners.

     12.3 REMOVAL OF GENERAL PARTNER FOR CAUSE

          A General Partner shall be removed on the determination by the vote or
written consent of the Partners holding more than seventy-five percent (75%) of
the Partner Percentages that the General Partner is guilty of fraud, gross
negligence, willful misconduct or material breach of fiduciary obligations in
the carrying out of his duties as a general partner. If the General Partner
desires to dispute such determination, it may do so under the arbitration
provisions contained in this Agreement.

     12.4 GENERAL PARTNER

          If a General Partner ceases to be a General Partner of the Partnership
by reason of its insolvency, incapacity, dissolution, death or removal and such
General Partner is not the sole remaining General Partner, then the General
Partner ceasing to be a General Partner shall not cause a dissolution of the
Partnership and the business of the Partnership shall be continued by the
remaining General Partner, along with any successor General Partner as may be
elected in accordance with terms of this Agreement.  If the General Partner who
ceases to be a General Partner for such reasons is the sole remaining general
Partner and the other Partners fail to elect a successor General Partner and
fail to elect to continue the business of the Partnership within ninety (90)
days after the sole General Partner so ceases to be a General Partner, then the
Partnership shall be dissolved and wound up pursuant to Article XIII, below.

     12.5 CONVERSION OF INTEREST TO LIMITED PARTNER STATUS

          If a General Partner ceases to be a General Partner for any reason,
its interest in the Partnership as a General Partner shall be converted to that
of a Limited Partner on all of the terms and conditions contained in this
Agreement pertaining to Limited Partners, except that: (i) the General Partner
shall not be required to make a 

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
Capital Contribution to the Partnership other than so required prior to its
cessation as General Partner, (ii) its Capital Account as a General Partner
shall become its Capital Account as a Limited Partner; and (iii) its shares of
Operating Profits and Losses, Gain or Loss From Sale, Cash Flow, and other
distributions under this Agreement shall be identical to the shares of those
items attributable to its interest as a General Partner under this Agreement
prior to its conversion to a Limited Partner. In addition, after a General
Partner ceases to be a General Partner, it shall not be personally liable for
the debts, liabilities or obligations of the Partnership incurred after the
General Partner ceases to be a General Partner.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                                  DISSOLUTION

     13.1 EVENTS CAUSING DISSOLUTION

          The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up
on the first to occur of any of the following events ("Events of Dissolution"),
which dissolution shall also dissolve the agency relationship between the
Partners:

          (a)  Expiration of the term of this Partnership.

          (b)  The written consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

          (c)  The ceasing of all General Partners to be a General Partner in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the failure of the Limited
Partners to elect a substitute General Partner and to elect to continue the
business of the Partnership, as provided in Paragraph 12.4 above.

     13.2 WINDING UP AND LIQUIDATION OF PARTNERSHIP

          On the occurrence of an Event of Dissolution, (i) the General Partner,
if it has not wrongfully dissolved the Partnership, or (ii) the Limited
Partners, if the General Partner has wrongfully dissolved the Partnership, shall
liquidate the Partnership assets as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the
fair value thereof and, to the extent they are sufficient, apply and distribute
the proceeds of the liquidation in the following order:

          (a)  To the payment or satisfaction of all indebtedness secured by
Partnership assets and all other Partnership debts, including but not limited to
loans from Partners and expenses of liquidation.

          (b)  To deposit a reasonable reserve for the payment of contingent
liabilities and expenses of the Partnership in a trust account.  After the
passage of a reasonable period of time and the payment of any contingencies
arising in that period, the balance remaining in the trust account shall be
distributed to the Partners in accordance with the ensuing provisions of this
Paragraph.

          (c)  After allocation of Gain From Sale and/or Loss From Sale arising
from the liquidation of Partnership assets, the remaining liquidation proceeds
shall be distributed to the Partners to the extent of and in proportion to their
positive Capital Account balances.

     13.3 PARTNERSHIP ASSETS SOLE SOURCE OF RETURN OF CAPITAL

          Each Partner shall look solely to the assets of the Partnership for
all distributions with respect to his or its interest in the Partnership and
Priority Return and shall have no recourse therefor, on dissolution or
otherwise, against any other Partner.

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
     13.4 DEFICIT CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCE

          If, following the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership,
General Western has a negative balance in his Capital Account, General Western
shall not be obligated to contribute all or any part of the negative balance to
the capital of the Partnership.

     13.5 REQUIREMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCORDING
          TO CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCES

          Following the dissolution of the Partnership, liquidating
distributions shall be made to those Partners who have a positive balance in
their Capital Account.  All such liquidating distributions shall be made by the
close of the taxable year in which the liquidation occurs or, within ninety (90)
days following the date of such liquidation, whichever is later.  Liquidating
distributions may be made to a trust established for the benefit of the Partners
for the purposes of liquidating Partnership assets, collecting amounts owed to
the Partnership and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or
obligations of the Partnership or its Partners in connection with the
Partnership.  The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the Partners
at such time or times as the General Partner may select in the same proportions
as the amount distributed to such trust by the Partnership would otherwise have
been distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
                      AMENDMENTS TO PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
                                        
     14.1 AMENDMENTS NOT REQUIRING CONSENT OF OTHER PARTNERS

          (a)  This Agreement may be amended by the General Partner, without the
consent of General Western, to effect changes of a ministerial nature which do
not materially and adversely affect the rights of the Partners.

          (b)  In addition to any amendments otherwise authorized by
subparagraph (a), above, amendments may be made to this Agreement under this
Paragraph 14.1 from time to time by the General Partner, without the consent of
any of General Western:

               (1)  to add to the representations, duties or obligations of the
General Partner or surrender any right or power granted to the General Partner
under this Agreement for the benefit of the other Partners;

               (2)  to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision
of this Agreement which may be inconsistent with any other provision of this
Agreement or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions
arising under this Agreement which will not be inconsistent with the provisions
of this Agreement;

               (3)  with respect to the Partnership's tax status as a
partnership and not as an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes, to ensure the continuation of partnership status, provided,
however, that, in the opinion of counsel to the Partnership, such amendment does
not adversely affect the rights or interests of any of the other Partners; and

               (4)  to modify the provisions of this Agreement to conform to the
requirements of the IRC or any Treasury Regulations promulgated under the IRC,
or any corresponding provision of any successor law, provided, however, that no
such amendment shall be adopted pursuant to this Paragraph unless the adoption
thereof (i) is for the benefit of or not adverse to the interests of General
Western, (ii) is not inconsistent with the purposes 

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
of the Partnership stated in Paragraph 2.6 above, (iii) does not have a material
adverse effect on the distributions or allocations of Cash Flow, Operating
Profits or Losses or Gain or Loss From Sale among or between the Partners and
(iv) does not adversely affect the status of the Partnership as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes.

          (c)  The foregoing provisions shall not limit or restrict amendments
to this Agreement under Paragraphs 14.2 or 14.3, below.

     14.2 AMENDMENTS TO ADMIT ADDITIONAL OR SUBSTITUTED PARTNERS

          If this Agreement is amended to reflect the admission or substitution
of a Partner pursuant to this Agreement, the amendment to this Agreement shall
be signed by the General Partner and by the person or entity to be substituted
or added and, if a Partner is to be substituted, by the transferor Partner.  If
this Agreement is amended to reflect the admission of an Additional Partner,
such amendment shall be signed by the General Partner and by such Additional
Partner.

     14.3 AMENDMENTS REQUIRING CONSENT OF OTHER PARTNERS

          (a)  With the exceptions of amendments permitted under Paragraphs 14.1
and 14.2, above, any amendment to this Agreement must be approved by the written
consent of a Required Majority of the Partners.

          (b)  Any amendment required to be approved as provided in subparagraph
(a), above, may be proposed by any Partner.  Following such proposal, the
General Partner shall submit to the other Partners a verbatim statement of any
proposed amendment and an assessment as to the effect of such amendment on the
liability of the Partners for the debts of the Partnership.  The General Partner
shall include in any such submission the General Partner's recommendations as to
the proposed amendment.

     14.4 COVENANT TO SIGN AMENDMENTS

          Each Partner agrees to promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver to
the Partnership such documents and instruments as may be necessary to effectuate
any amendments to this Agreement authorized pursuant to this Article XIV.

     14.5 FILING OF AMENDMENT

          In making any amendments to this Agreement, there shall be prepared
and filed for recordation by the General Partner such documents and certificates
as shall be required to be prepared and filed under the laws of the applicable
jurisdiction.  In the case of a substitution of a Partner, such filings shall be
made not less frequently than once each fiscal quarter.

     14.6 MASTER COPY OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

          The General Partner shall maintain a master copy of this Agreement at
the Partnership's principal place of business, which shall reflect all
deletions, additions and other changes to the text of this Agreement to the same
extent as though they were part of a single unchanged Agreement (the "Master
Copy").  The Master Copy shall show the revision date and the effective date of
each amendment.  At any time and from time to time, the General Partner may
submit a Master Copy of this Agreement to all of the Partners in conjunction
with any then current amendment to this Agreement, which Master Copy shall
reflect all applicable amendments. The General Partner shall have the power and
authority to issue certified copies of the then current Master Copy of the
Partnership Agreement to third parties.  As between third parties dealing with
this Partnership, on the one hand, and the Partnership and/or 

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
its Partners, on the other, the Partnership and its Partners shall be bound by
the certified copy of the Master Copy so issued by the General Partner.
 
                                   ARTICLE XV
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                                        
     15.1 SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

          By signing this Agreement, each Limited Partner hereby grants to the
officers of the General Partner a special power of attorney with full power of
substitution irrevocably making, constituting and appointing the officers of the
General Partner as the attorney-in-fact of the Limited Partner, with power and
authority to act in his name and on his behalf to execute, acknowledge and swear
to in the execution, acknowledgement and filing of documents, which shall
include, without limitation, the following:

          (a)  The Partnership Agreement and any properly authorized and
approved amendment to this Agreement, which, under the laws of the applicable
state, are required to be filed or which the General Partner elects to file;

          (b)  Any other instrument or document, properly authorized and
approved, required to be filed by the Partnership under the laws of any state or
by any governmental agency, or which the General Partner elects to file;

          (c)  Any instrument or document that may be required to effect the
continuation of the Partnership, the admission of an additional or substituted
Partner, or the dissolution and winding up of the Partnership, provided that the
mutual consent of the Partners is first obtained and the continuation, admission
or dissolution and winding up are otherwise in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement;

          (d)  Any amendment to this Agreement requested or permitted and
authorized under Paragraphs 14.1 or 14.2, above; or

          (e)  Any Master Copy of the Partnership Agreement maintained by the
General Partner pursuant to Paragraph 14.6 above.

          This power of attorney: (i) is a special power of attorney coupled
with an interest, (ii) is irrevocable, (iii) shall survive the death or
incapacity of the granting Partner and (iv) is limited to the matters set forth
in this Paragraph.  If a Partner transfers his entire interest in the
Partnership and the transferee is entitled to be substituted in the transferor's
place, the power of attorney granted by the transferor Partner shall survive
delivery of the transfer of the Partnership interest for the sole purpose of
enabling a Partner to execute, acknowledge and/or file any instrument necessary
to effect such substitution.

     15.2 NOTICES

          All notices and other writings required or permitted under the
provisions of this Agreement ("Notices") shall be given in writing and shall be
deemed given and served when served personally on a Partner or seventy-two (72)
hours after the deposit of the same with the United States Postal Service
anywhere in the County of Los Angeles, California, with first class postage
prepaid thereon and, if intended for the Partnership, addressed to the
Partnership at its principal place of business, or, if intended for a Partner,
to the Partner at his address set forth on Exhibit "3" attached hereto, as may
be amended from time to time, or to such other place as the Partner may from
time to time specify by way of written notice given to the General Partner.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
     15.3 ARBITRATION

          In the event of any claim or dispute between the Partnership and any
one or more of the Partners or between any one or more of the Partners arising
out of or in any way related to this Agreement, such claim or dispute shall,
except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, be settled and determined by
arbitration at Los Angeles County, California, in accordance with the rules of
the American Arbitration Association.  The arbitrator shall have the power to
order and settle an accounting of the Partnership.  Judgment on the arbitration
award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  The provisions of
Section 1283.05 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, which pertains to
depositions and discovery in arbitration proceedings, is hereby incorporated
into and made a part of this Agreement.

     15.4 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO DECREE

          The Partners agree that irreparable damage will be done to the
goodwill and reputation of the Partnership if any Partner should bring an action
in court to dissolve the Partnership.  Care has been taken in this Agreement to
provide what the parties believe is a fair and just payment in liquidation of
the interest of the Partners.  Accordingly, each Partner hereby waives and
renounces his right to such a court decree of dissolution or to seek the
appointment by the court of a liquidator for the Partnership.

     15.5 ATTORNEYS FEES

          Should it become necessary for either party to this Agreement, or
someone acting on their behalf, to incur costs and expenses to retain the
services of an attorney to enforce this Agreement, or any portion thereof, the
prevailing party in any litigation or arbitration shall be entitled to recover
from the other reasonable costs and attorney's fees thereby expended, for which
liability is incurred.

     15.6 NUMBER, GENDER AND TENSE

          As used in this Agreement, the singular and plural numbers, the
masculine, feminine and neuter genders and the past, present and future tenses
shall each be deemed to include the others, wherever the context so indicates.

     15.7 GOVERNING LAW

          This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Partners
shall be governed by and construed and enforced according to the laws of the
State of California.

     15.8 FINAL AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT; INTEGRATION

          This Agreement is the final, entire and exclusive agreement between
the parties with respect to the partnership arrangement between the parties and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
commitments, discussions, summaries, brochures and projections, whether oral or
written, except those set forth in that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement
between the parties, pertaining to the Property.  No amendments or modifications
to this Agreement may be made without a writing signed by the party to be bound.

                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
     15.9   UNENFORCEABILITY

            If any clause, provision or term of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining clauses, provisions and
terms shall remain in full force and effect.

     15.10  FURTHER ASSURANCES.

     Whenever requested to do so by the other party, each party shall execute,
acknowledge, and deliver any further conveyances, agreements, confirmations,
satisfactions, releases, powers of attorney, instruments of further assurance,
approvals, consents, and any further instruments and documents as may be
reasonably necessary, expedient, or proper to complete any conveyances,
transfers, sales, amendments agreements contemplated by this Agreement.  Each
party also agrees to do any other acts and to execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any documents requested to carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement.


     15.11  COUNTERPART COPIES

            This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts and the
signed counterparts, taken together, shall constitute an original of this
Agreement for all purposes.  For the purpose of assembling a fully executed copy
of this Agreement, the General Partner may detach all of the signature pages
from each counterpart and attach the same to a counterpart copy of this
Agreement, which assembled counterpart shall then constitute the original of
this Agreement.

                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
     15.12  BINDING ON SUCCESSORS

            This Agreement shall be binding on and, subject to the restrictions
on transfer of interests in the Partnership set forth herein, shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, devisee, legatees, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

            This Limited Partnership Agreement of AMREIT No. 1901 is being
executed as of the date set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

GENERAL PARTNER:

American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.
A Delaware limited partnership

By:  American Equity Trust, Inc.
     A Maryland corporation


By:  /s/ Arthur P. Herring
     --------------------------------------------
     Arthur P. Herring, Chief Executive Officer


LIMITED PARTNER:

General Western Property Company,
a Delaware corporation


By:  /s/ Gary ??
    ---------------------------------------------

AGREED FOR PURPOSES OF PARAGRAPH 10.6:

American Equity Trust, Inc.
A Maryland corporation


By:  /s/ Arthur P. Herring
     --------------------------------------------
     Arthur P. Herring, Chief Executive Officer

                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
                        LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF

                                AMREIT NO. 1901
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS


     "ACT" means the California Revised Limited Partnership Act, as set forth in
Title 2, Chapter 3 of the California Corporations Code, as amended.

     "ADDITIONAL PARTNER" means any Person admitted to the Partnership as a
Partner after the formation of the Partnership, as permitted by the Partnership
Agreement.

     "ADJUSTED TAX BASIS" means the basis of an item of Partnership property for
federal income tax purposes, net of any depreciation, amortization or other cost
recovery allowed or allowable to the Partnership with respect to the property as
of the point in time such basis is determined for purposes of this Agreement.

     "AFFILIATE" means, when referring to a specific Person, (i) any Person
that, directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled by or is under common
control with, the specified Person, (ii) any Person that is an officer of,
partner in, trustee of or serves in a similar capacity with respect to the
specified Person or of which the specified Person is an officer, partner or
trustee or with respect to which the specified Person serves in a similar
capacity, (iii) any Person that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of equity securities of, or otherwise
has a substantial beneficial interest in, the specified Person or of which the
specified Person is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent
(10%) or more of any class of equity securities or in which the specified Person
has a substantial beneficial interest and (iv) any relative or spouse of the
specified Person.  An Affiliate of the Partnership or the General Partner does
not include a Person who is a partner in a partnership or joint venture with the
Partnership or any other Affiliate if such Person is not otherwise an Affiliate
of the Partnership or the General Partner.

     "AGREED EQUITY" means the sum of $5,490,000.00, representing the agreed
upon equity in the Property contributed to the Partnership by the General
Partner and General Western.  This amount is based on an agreed fair market
value of $12,900,000.00 for the Property, reduced by the existing debt of
$7,409,990.00.

     "AGREEMENT" means the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, as
originally executed and as amended from time to time, as the context requires.

     "BOOK DEPRECIATION" means the amount of depreciation, amortization or other
cost recovery method allowed or allowable to the Partnership with respect to an
item of Partnership property, except that if the Book Value of such property
differs from its Adjusted Tax Basis, Book Depreciation shall be determined
utilizing the Book Value of the property rather than its Adjusted Tax Basis.

     "BOOK INCOME" OR "BOOK LOSS" means the income or loss, as the case may be,
recognized by the Partnership for Book Purposes from disposition of an item of
Partnership property determined by using the Book Value of the property, rather
than its Adjusted Tax Basis.

     "BOOK PURPOSES", with regard to an item of income, gain, loss or deduction,
means determining such item utilizing Book Value rather than Adjusted Tax Basis.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 1 0F 5
<PAGE>
 
     "BOOK VALUE" means the value at which an item of Partnership property is
reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Partnership, which may equal or may
differ from its Adjusted Tax Basis and which may be adjusted to its fair market
value from time to time under the provisions of Article VI of the Agreement.

     "CAPITAL ACCOUNT" means the Capital Account of a Partner maintained by the
Partnership in accordance with the provisions of Article VI of the Partnership
Agreement and sound federal income tax reporting principles consistent with the
Partnership's method of accounting for federal income tax reporting purposes.

     "CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION" means the sum of the amount of cash and/or the
Agreed Equity contributed to the Partnership, as adjusted for contributions made
after the effective date of the Agreement.

     "CASH FLOW" means Cash Flow From Operations and Cash Flow From Sale or
Refinancing.

     "CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS" means, for each fiscal year, the cash proceeds
received by the Partnership from the operation of the Partnership business or
investments for such year (excluding Capital Contributions, Partnership
borrowings and the proceeds of a Sale or Refinancing, but including the proceeds
of an Interim Sale Transaction) as reduced by:  (i) expenses incurred in the
operation of the Partnership's business or investments paid or payable by the
Partnership during such year; and (ii) reasonable Reserves for the replacement
or preservation, during the current or any future fiscal year, of any property
of the Partnership or for working capital needs of the Partnership as determined
by the General Partner.

     "CASH FLOW FROM SALE OR REFINANCING" means the cash proceeds received by
the Partnership from a Sale of the Property or a Refinancing (provided the
Partnership realizes cash proceeds from the refinancing) as reduced by:  (i) all
costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction; (ii) amounts
paid or payable to creditors of the Partnership out of the proceeds; (iii) costs
and expenses incurred by the Partnership for capital improvements, replacements
or repairs paid or payable out of such proceeds; and (iv) such reasonable
Reserves set aside out of the proceeds to meet other estimated obligations of
the Partnership or to pay other costs and expenses of the Partnership, as
determined by the General Partner.

     "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     "EXPENDITURES" or "IRC SECTION 705 EXPENDITURES" means (i) expenditures of
the Partnership not deductible in computing Partnership income for federal
income tax purposes and not properly chargeable to Capital Accounts under IRC
Section 705(a)(2)(B), (ii) organization and offering expenses treated as IRC
Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-
1(b)(2)(iv)(i)(2) and (iii) certain losses incurred in transactions between
related parties treated as IRC Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i)(3).

     "GAIN FROM SALE" means the income or gain resulting from the Sale of a
Partnership capital asset, determined for Book Purposes and allocated in
accordance with the rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership
Agreement.

     "GENERAL PARTNER" means American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership.

     "INITIAL CAPITAL"  means the Capital Contributions initially made by the
Partners to the Partnership on or about the effective date of the Agreement,
consisting of a $4,648,129.00 Capital Contribution by the General Partner and a
$2,290,000.00 Capital Contribution by General Western, as more fully set forth
in Paragraphs 4.1(a) and (b).

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 2 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "INTERIM SALE TRANSACTION" means any sale of property by the Partnership
which does not involve the sale, exchange, transfer, assignment or other
disposition of all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Partnership, or
all or a substantial portion of the Property.

     "IRC" means the Code.

     "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

     "ITEMS OF INCOME AND GAIN" means gross income from Partnership operations
and gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of Partnership property
before any expenses of such sales or dispositions or any loss from other sales
or taxable dispositions of Partnership property are taken into account.

     "LIMITED PARTNER" means General Western, as well as any Additional Partners
admitted to the Partnership as limited partners pursuant to the Partnership
Agreement, as amended.

     "LOSS FROM SALE" means any net loss resulting from the Sale of a
Partnership capital asset, determined for Book Purposes and allocated in
accordance with the rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership
Agreement.

     "MINIMUM GAIN" means the aggregate of the excess of, calculated with
respect to each Nonrecourse Liability of the Partnership, the outstanding and
unpaid balance of the Partnership's Nonrecourse Liabilities over the Book Value
of the items of Partnership property subject to such Nonrecourse Liabilities.
If an item of Partnership property is subject to two or more liabilities
(Nonrecourse Liabilities or otherwise), the Book Value of such property, for
purposes of calculating Minimum Gain, shall be allocated as provided in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(iv)(c), as amended, supplemented or replaced.

     "NET CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION" of any Partner on any day shall be equal to the
excess, if any, of (a) the aggregate Capital Contributions of such Partner on or
before such day, over (b) the aggregate distributions to such Partner pursuant
to Paragraph 5.2(c), (d) and (e) of this Agreement (excluding any preferred
returns) on or before such day.

     "NET FINANCING PROCEEDS" means the cash available from any borrowings
secured by a mortgage or deed of trust encumbering the Property, or unsecured,
after payment of all loan-related expenses.

     "NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS" means, for any given taxable year of the
Partnership, an amount equal to the net increase, if any, in the amount of
Minimum Gain during such year and shall consist of: (i) first, depreciation or
cost recovery deductions with respect to Partnership property subject to one or
more Nonrecourse Liabilities, to the extent of the net increase in Minimum Gain
attributable to Nonrecourse Liabilities to which such property is subject, and
then (ii) a pro rata portion of the Partnership's other items of deduction, loss
and IRC Section 705 Expenditures for the year.  If the depreciation and cost
recovery deductions referred to in the preceding sentence exceed the net
increase in Minimum Gain for any taxable year, a proportional share of each such
deduction shall be the Partnership's Nonrecourse Deductions for such year.  If
the net increase in Minimum Gain during a taxable year of the Partnership
exceeds the total amount of Partnership loss, deduction and IRC Section 705
Expenditures for such year, the amount of such excess shall constitute
Nonrecourse Deductions in the next succeeding year or years, as if there had
been a net increase in Minimum Gain during such year or years.

     "NONRECOURSE LIABILITIES" means those liabilities with respect to which no
Partner (General or Limited) personally bears any economic risk of loss, other
than through their interests as Partners in the Partnership property subject to
such liabilities, as more fully defined in Regulation Section 1.704-2.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 3 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "OPERATING LOSSES" means the net loss from the operation of the business of
the Partnership for each fiscal year, determined without regard to Gain From
Sale or Loss From Sale for Book Purposes, and allocated in accordance with the
rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership Agreement.

     "OPERATING PROFITS" means the net profit from the operation of the business
of the Partnership for each fiscal year, determined without regard to Gain From
Sale or Loss From Sales for Book Purposes, and allocated in accordance with the
rules and principles of Article V of the Partnership Agreement.

     "PARTNERS" means the General Partner and the Limited Partner(s).  Reference
to a Partner shall be to any one of the Partners.

     "PARTNER PERCENTAGES"  means the interest of a Partner in the Partnership
determined by dividing such Partner's aggregate Capital Contributions by the
total Capital Contributions of all Partners, as adjusted for Capital
Contributions made subsequent to contributions to Initial Capital or as
otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement.

     "PARTNERSHIP" means AMREIT No. 1901, a California limited partnership.

     "PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT" means the Agreement.

     "PARTNERSHIP INTEREST" means an interest in the Partnership owned by any
Partner.

     "PERSON" means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust or other
entity.

     "PROPERTY" means that certain parcel of real property, improved with a
Class A office building of approximately 88,500 gross leasable square feet,
located at 1901 Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, and legally
described as set forth in Exhibit "2" attached to this Agreement and made a part
hereof.

     "REFINANCING" means (i) any refinancing of Partnership indebtedness
initially obtained to finance property purchased on a leveraged basis; (ii) the
initial financing or borrowing incurred with respect to properties purchased on
an unleveraged basis; or (iii) any other financing or borrowing incurred by the
Partnership.
 
     "REQUIRED MAJORITY OF THE PARTNERS" means those Partners holding more than
fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests of the Partners, determined in
accordance with each Partner's Partner Percentage, unless a higher percentage is
otherwise required.  Whenever a particular Partner is excluded, his Partner
Percentage shall be excluded from the calculation of votes or consents required
for the action to be taken.

     "RESERVES" means, funds set aside or amounts allocated during such period
in such amounts deemed necessary and/or appropriate by the General Partner in
its sole discretion for working capital and to pay taxes, insurance, debt
service, repairs, replacements or renewals or other costs or expenses or
contingent liabilities incident to the ownership or operation of Partnership
properties.

     "SALE" means any of the following: (i) the sale, exchange, transfer,
assignment or other disposition of all or a substantial portion of the Property;
(ii) the condemnation or deed in lieu of condemnation of all or a substantial
portion of the Property; or (iii) any collection in respect of property, hazard
or casualty insurance (but not rental interruption insurance) or any damage
awards received in connection with the destruction of all or a substantial
portion of the Property.

     "GENERAL WESTERN" means General Western Property Company, a Delaware
corporation.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 4 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
     "SUBSTITUTED LIMITED PARTNER" means any person admitted to the Partnership
as a Limited Partner pursuant to Article X of the Partnership Agreement.

     "TAXABLE DISPOSITION" means, with regard to a particular item of property,
a sale, exchange or other disposition of the property which results in the
recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

                                  EXHIBIT "1"
                                  PAGE 5 OF 5
<PAGE>
 
                                AMREIT NO. 1901
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                               LEGAL DESCRIPTION

                             [TO BE INSERTED LATER]

                                  EXHIBIT "2"
<PAGE>
 
                                 AMREIT NO. 1901
                        A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



        NAMES, ADDRESSES, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTNER PERCENTAGES
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     Partner
Name and Address                                      Capital Contributions        Percentages
- ----------------                                      ---------------------        ----------- 
<S>                                                   <C>                          <C> 
GENERAL PARTNER:

American Equity Trust Operating Partnership, L.P.        $4,648,129/1/                 67.00
2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 110
El Segundo, California


LIMITED PARTNER:

General Western Company,                                  2,290,000/2/                 33.00
1901 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 601
Los Angeles, California


                                                         ----------                   ------
     Total:                                              $9,228,129                   100.00%
</TABLE> 
- -----------------------------

/1/  Cash of $1,448,129.00 plus Agreed Equity of $3,200,000.00 in the Property
as described in Paragraph 4.1

/2/  Agreed Equity in the Property as described in Paragraph 4.2

                                  EXHIBIT "3"

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.5.1

                               CONTRACT AMENDMENT



The following is an amendment to the RESIDENTIAL INCOME REAL ESTATE PURCHASE
CONTRACT, RECEIPT FOR DEPOSIT, AND ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS executed June 9, 1995, by
and between ARROW VILLAGE LTD., (Seller) and AMERICAN EQUITY TRUST, INC.
(Buyer).


The parties hereby amend the above referenced contact as follows:


1. The Buyer's name is to be corrected to read American Equity Trust Operating
Partnership, L.P., a Delaware partnership whose general partner is American
Equity Trust Inc. a Maryland corporation.


2. The escrow closing date is extended (under section 6, B, of the contract) to
July 1, 1996.


3. Upon escrow closing the Buyer will reimburse Seller for $50,000 of the fees
advanced by Seller in connection with the placing of new financing in the amount
of $2,450,000.


This amendment is made this 3rd day of June 1996, at Los Angeles, California and
is attached and made part of the contract as described above. Agreement for
these changes and authorization to escrow and all other third parties to accept
this amendment is evidenced by the following signatures of Buyer and Seller.



Seller:                               Buyer:
Arrow Village Ltd.                    American Equity Trust Operating
                                      Partnership, L.P.


/s/ Scott Barker                      /s/ Arthur P. Herring
_________________________________     _____________________________________
By Scott Barker                       By Arthur P. Herring, CEO, American
   Co-General Partner                 Equity Trust Inc., General Partner

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.6.1

ADDITIONAL ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS


________________________________________________________________________________

Date:  June 3, 1996

To:    Hermosa Escrow Co. Inc.
       Vilma Hastings, Escrow Officer

Re:    Escrow No. 32385
       9350 North 67th, Avenue, Peoria, AZ
________________________________________________________________________________

The previous instructions in the above numbered escrow are hereby modified
and/or supplemented by the following particulars only:


ITEM NO. 1.  The Escrow closing date is hereby extended and shall be on or
before July 1, 1996.


ITEM NO. 2.  In accordance with the intent of the original Real Estate Purchase
Contract dated September 20, 1995, the sale price is determined as a product of
a 10 percent capitalization rate as applied to the property's net operating
income. The parties hereby agree to make any adjustments necessary at the close
of escrow to reflect the same capitalization rate based on an annualized net
operating income for the prior six month period. The accounting for this
adjustment shall be in accordance with the methods used by Seller to produce the
Operating Results reports;  reports for January through April are attached to
this instruction and are deemed to accepted by the parties for both content and
accounting methodology.


All other provisions of the contract and escrow instructions shall remain
unchanged.



Signatures:

SELLER:                                BUYER:

Professors' Fund I,                    American Equity Trust Operating
a Arizona Limited Partnership          Partnership L.P. a Delaware Partnership


                                       /s/ Arthur P. Herring
_______________________________        ___________________________________
By Elizabeth J. Clarquist,             By Arthur P. Herring, CEO, American
General Partner                        Equity Trust Inc., General Partner

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.7.1

ADDITIONAL ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS


________________________________________________________________________________

Date:  June 3, 1996

To:    Hermosa Escrow Co. Inc.
       Vilma Hastings, Escrow Officer

Re:    Escrow No. 32384
       2225 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ
________________________________________________________________________________

The previous instructions in the above numbered escrow are hereby modified
and/or supplemented by the following particulars only:


ITEM NO. 1.  The Escrow closing date is hereby extended and shall be on or
before July 1, 1996.


ITEM NO. 2.  In accordance with the intent of the original Real Estate Purchase
Contract dated September 20, 1995, the sale price is determined as a product of
a 10 percent capitalization rate as applied to the property's net operating
income. The parties hereby agree to make any adjustments necessary at the close
of escrow to reflect the same capitalization rate based on an annualized net
operating income for the prior six month period. The accounting for this
adjustment shall be in accordance with the methods used by Seller to produce the
Operating Results reports;  reports for January through April are attached to
this instruction and are deemed to accepted by the parties for both content and
accounting methodology.


All other provisions of the contract and escrow instructions shall remain
unchanged.



Signatures:

SELLER:                                BUYER:

Professors' Fund I,                    American Equity Trust Operating
a Arizona Limited Partnership          Partnership L.P. a Delaware Partnership


                                       /s/ Arthur P. Herring
_________________________________      _____________________________________
By Elizabeth J. Clarquist,             By Arthur P. Herring, CEO, American
General Partner                        Equity Trust Inc., General Partner

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.8.1

ADDITIONAL ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS


________________________________________________________________________________

Date:  June 3, 1996

To:    Hermosa Escrow Co. Inc.
       Vilma Hastings, Escrow Officer

Re:    Escrow No. 32383
       7328 North 27th Avenue, Phoeniz, AZ
________________________________________________________________________________

The previous instructions in the above numbered escrow are hereby modified
and/or supplemented by the following particulars only:


ITEM NO. 1.  The Escrow closing date is hereby extended and shall be on or
before July 1, 1996.


ITEM NO. 2.  In accordance with the intent of the original Real Estate Purchase
Contract dated September 20, 1995, the sale price is determined as a product of
a 10 percent capitalization rate as applied to the property's net operating
income. The parties hereby agree to make any adjustments necessary at the close
of escrow to reflect the same capitalization rate based on an annualized net
operating income for the prior six month period. The accounting for this
adjustment shall be in accordance with the methods used by Seller to produce the
Operating Results reports;  reports for January through April are attached to
this instruction and are deemed to accepted by the parties for both content and
accounting methodology.


All other provisions of the contract and escrow instructions shall remain
unchanged.



Signatures:

SELLER:                                BUYER:

Professors' Fund I,                    American Equity Trust Operating
a Arizona Limited Partnership          Partnership L.P. a Delaware Partnership


                                       /s/ Arthur P. Herring
________________________________       ______________________________________
By Elizabeth J. Clarquist,             By Arthur P. Herring, CEO, American
General Partner                        Equity Trust Inc., General Partner

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



To the Stockholders and Directors of
American Equity Trust, Inc.
    
     We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-11 of our reports dated May 8, 1996, relating
to the financial statement of American Equity Trust, Inc., as of March 31, 1995;
and our reports dated March 25, 1996 relating to the financial statements and
schedule of the Prior Ownership Group for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1995 and the financial statement of the Proposed Acquisitions
for the year ended December 31, 1995, which are contained in that 
Prospectus.     

     We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectus.



                                          BDO Seidman, LLP


    
Los Angeles, California
June 11, 1996     


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission