Internal Revenue Code section 1031 exchanges are used by real estate investors to:

Internal Revenue Code section 1031 exchanges allow real estate investors to defer capital-gains taxes when they sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds into another similar property. This mechanism is beneficial for investors who want to maximize their investment potential without an immediate tax burden upon the sale of their original property.

By utilizing a 1031 exchange, investors can roll over their gains into a new investment, thereby preserving their capital and leveraging it for future growth without the immediate financial impact of capital gains taxes. This deferral can significantly enhance their investment strategy, enabling them to reinvest more money into new properties and potentially increase their portfolio's overall value over time.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a 1031 exchange. Hiding money overseas pertains to tax evasion tactics that are illegal and unrelated to 1031 exchanges. Increasing rental income and protecting assets from creditors involve different financial strategies that do not specifically relate to the tax-deferral provisions provided by a 1031 exchange.