Tax Smart Real Estate Investors Podcast

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with financial planner and short-term rental investor Zack Mattos to unpack how he went from a 20-year career focused solely on traditional retirement accounts to leveraging real estate to nearly eliminate his tax bill, including a staggering $943K in depreciation from one luxury rental property. Tune in to learn: - How he turned his Austin dream home into a high-income rental and tax-saving machine - The cost segregation strategy that generated nearly $1M in depreciation in a single year - Why he paused retirement account contributions to focus on real estate acquisitions - How REP status transformed his tax outcomes and influenced client recommendations - The S-corp move and family payroll strategy that added tens of thousands in annual savings - His plan to build a portfolio of luxury rentals in one high-demand neighborhood for scale and ease of management To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Get your FREE ticket to the 2025 Tax, Legal, and Wealth Summit: www.taxandlegalsummit.com/registration Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Connect with Zack: https://www.zackmattos.com/ The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests. Any mention of third-party vendors, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. You should conduct your own due diligence before engaging with any vendor

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with entrepreneur and investor John Paul Houston to unpack his journey from running a backyard chicken operation to building a $3.5M private lending portfolio and a 100+ door real estate empire — all while dramatically reducing his tax bill by qualifying as a Real Estate Professional. Tune in to learn: - How John went from semi-retirement to scaling multiple income-producing businesses - Why he shifted from passive lending to active investing for greater returns and tax benefits - The REP strategies and depreciation plays that helped him save big on taxes - How he structures equity incentives to retain top talent and transfer ownership - Why West Virginia is his secret weapon for finding 12-cap multifamily deals with minimal red tape - The role private lending plays in his long-term diversification and estate planning To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Get your FREE ticket to the 2025 Tax, Legal, and Wealth Summit: www.taxandlegalsummit.com/registration Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with entrepreneur and investor Marty Geier to unpack how he reduced his taxable income from $1.4 million to just $40K using a blend of business building, short-term rentals, and advanced tax strategy. Tune in to learn: - How Marty uses the 500-hour rule to make short-term rental losses non-passive and deductible - Why he starts a new business each year and how it helps offset active income - The exact way he structures his real estate and businesses to maximize Section 179 and bonus depreciation - How he tracks performance across 10+ ventures to know when to scale, pivot, or exit - What most investors underestimate about the real-time commitment of running rentals To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Get your FREE ticket to the 2025 Tax, Legal, and Wealth Summit: https://www.taxandlegalsummit.com/registration Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

Before you commit to a whole life insurance policy, you need to understand what it really is and what it isn’t. This week on the Tax Smart REI Podcast, we sit down with financial planner Alex Savage, CPA and CFP, to break down the infinite banking concept and whether it truly makes sense for real estate investors and high-income earners. You'll learn: - What whole life insurance and infinite banking actually are (beyond the sales pitch) - Why policy loans aren't “free money” and how they really work - What hidden costs, commissions, and risks most people overlook - How this strategy compares to simply investing in real estate or ETFs - Who this approach might actually work for and who should avoid it If you've been pitched on infinite banking or are wondering whether to use life insurance as an investment vehicle, this episode gives you the full picture so you can make an informed decision. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

Before you hire just any tax pro, you need to understand what a real estate-focused advisor can actually do for you. This week on the Tax Smart REI Podcast, we sit down with investor and developer Lauren Kraus to hear how working with a specialist helped her uncover over $280K in missed tax savings—and dramatically shift her investing strategy. You'll learn: - Why her CPA dismissed cost segregation (and why that was a $280K mistake) - How real estate professional status (REPS) changed their entire tax position - What Form 3115 did to retroactively unlock depreciation - How tax strategy helped get her husband fully on board with real estate investing If you’re self-managing, scaling across markets, or wondering what your current CPA might be missing, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible with the right strategy in place. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Nathan Sosa break down everything real estate investors and business owners need to know about the now-official “Big Beautiful Bill”, the sweeping tax package that just became law. Key topics covered: - 100% bonus depreciation is back and permanent: who qualifies and when it starts - QBI updates: simplified rules, new thresholds, and small business wins - SALT cap expansion (finally!) and what the five-year phase-in means for planning - Section 179 expensing: higher limits and how it benefits STRs and commercial assets - Qualified Opportunity Zones get renewed: what’s changing in 2027 - And more! Plus, we highlight the planning window left in 2025, how to take action before year-end, and why this bill sets the stage for strategic investing and long-term tax savings. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

Before you syndicate your first deal, you need to get your legal foundation right. This week on the Tax Smart REI Podcast, we sit down with Tilden Moschetti, real estate attorney and experienced syndicator, to talk through the legal must-haves for your first capital raise. You'll learn: - When a deal becomes a syndication in the eyes of the SEC - The two-entity structure every sponsor should use - What PPMs, subscription agreements, and operating agreements actually do - Why you shouldn’t rely on capital raisers (and how to avoid SEC trouble) Whether you're raising $200K or $2M+, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you syndicate legally and confidently. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Connect with Eckard Enterprises: eckardenterprises.com/taxsmartrei/ The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan answer real estate tax questions submitted by the community. From LLC structuring and grouping elections to retroactive cost segregation and solo 401(k) eligibility, this Q&A session covers some of the most common (and confusing) issues investors face midyear. Key topics covered: - Can I move my STR into an LLC if the deed and mortgage are in my name? - Why short-term rentals can’t be included in a Dash-9 grouping election - What counts as "placed in service" when a tenant isn’t paying rent - How to take 100% bonus depreciation in 2025 for a 2022 STR purchase To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Connect with Eckard Enterprises: eckardenterprises.com/taxsmartrei/ The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere, CPA, break down the Senate’s draft tax bill and what it could mean for real estate investors if it becomes law. Key topics covered: - 100% bonus depreciation made permanent: what this really means - Major changes to Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) - Updates to Section 179 and interest expensing rules - The fate of the SALT cap and why it’s still a moving target - Expanded QSBS exclusion and its impact on startup investors - The Senate’s fix to Excess Business Loss (EBL) carryovers - Why QBI stays at 20% and who gets left out of the benefit Plus, Thomas and Ryan take questions from the Tax Smart community on short-term rentals without guest stays, the risks of self-preparing complex tax returns, and what happens when you sell a property at a loss. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Connect with Eckard Enterprises: https://eckardenterprises.com/taxsmartrei/ The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere, CPA, put ChatGPT to the test to answer a question that’s on the minds of many real estate investors: Can AI actually replace your tax advisor? Key topics covered: - Where AI like ChatGPT performs well and where it fails - Real-time testing of ChatGPT on short-term rental strategies - Common AI mistakes on REPS, depreciation, and passive loss rules - A new listener question ChatGPT got both right and wrong - Why nuanced tax strategy still requires a real human advisor - How IRS regulations trip up AI systems - Real examples where relying on ChatGPT could lead to audit risk Plus, Thomas shares a fresh, real-world test he ran through ChatGPT just hours after recording and breaks down exactly where it gave conflicting answers. If you’re using AI to guide your tax decisions, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere, CPA, dive deep into Partial Asset Dispositions (PADs), a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can unlock substantial savings for real estate investors during renovations. Key topics covered: - What a partial asset disposition (PAD) is and how it works - When and how to claim a PAD on your tax return - Using cost segregation studies to support PAD calculations - Real-life case studies, including one client who saved over $2 million - When PAD losses are passive vs. non-passive - Why traditional CPAs rarely take advantage of this strategy - How to spot missed PAD opportunities in your depreciation schedule Plus, Thomas and Ryan explain which types of renovations typically qualify and how to make sure your CPA isn’t leaving valuable deductions on the table. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas, Justin, and Ryan break down the most common (and costly) mistakes we see from other CPAs and the massive tax savings real estate investors are missing because of them. Tune in to learn: - Why electing out of bonus depreciation without knowing it can cost you tens of thousands - How improperly classifying repairs vs. improvements could trigger an audit or shrink your deductions - The overlooked grouping strategy that saved one client $150K+ in a single year - What really happens when CPAs misuse the Augusta Rule (and how to do it right) - How a "medical tax specialist" cost a client over $100K in phantom tax savings—and exposed them to penalties If you’re working with a CPA who doesn’t specialize in real estate, this episode might just save you from years of missed opportunities or worse, an audit. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Wealth & Wisdom Event: https://www.dklawmd.com/events-calendar/wealth-and-wisdom-2025 Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas, Troy, and Ryan unpack real IRS audit case studies involving real estate investors and break down exactly what happened, how they responded, and how they won. Tune in to learn: - What triggers IRS audits for short-term rentals and REPS (and how to avoid them) - The one thing most CPAs get wrong when representing clients in an audit - How a $209K tax bill was reduced to $296—with documentation and strategy - Why being “audit-ready” matters more than ever in the post-TCJA world - What to do (and not do) the moment you receive that dreaded IRS letter If you want to understand what an audit really looks like and how to protect yourself before one ever happens, this episode is a must-listen. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Nathan Sosa break down what real estate investors need to know about the draft of the 2025 tax bill, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill”, including what’s in it, what might change, and how to prepare for the opportunities it presents. Key topics covered: - The likely return of 100% bonus depreciation (and who qualifies) - SALT cap drama: why it could derail the bill - Changes to Qualified Opportunity Zones and what they mean for investors - Section 179 expensing increases for short-term rentals and asset-heavy businesses - QBI deduction bumps and simplified rules for service-based businesses - Full expensing for industrial facilities (and how it could spark a manufacturing boom) - “No tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security” — what made it in and what didn’t Plus, we cover what provisions are being made permanent, what’s being rolled back, and why now is the time to align with a tax advisor who knows how to play offense with the tax code. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this week’s episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere break down what real estate investors need to know about the upcoming 2025 tax bill, including where it stands, what’s likely to be included, and how it could impact your bottom line. Key topics covered: - Expected return of 100% bonus depreciation - Potential changes to the SALT deduction cap - How to properly log hours for REPS (Real Estate Professional Status) - Using the STR loophole for boutique hotels - Depreciating furniture in furnished rentals - Grouping LP losses with active rentals - Why tax planning still matters, even if you don’t qualify for REPS or STR Plus, we tackle common mistakes CPAs make and discuss whether setting up a property management company for your own rentals actually makes sense. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this Q&A-packed episode, Thomas and Ryan tackle timely tax questions from real estate investors navigating the 2025 landscape. From the latest on the new tax bill to bonus depreciation, REP logs, and boutique STRs, they break down strategies you can actually use and clarify some of the most misunderstood concepts in the tax world. They discuss: - 2025 Tax Bill Updates & SALT Cap Changes - Bonus Depreciation on STRs (and how recapture works) - What Makes a REPS Time Log “Audit-Proof” - Grouping LP Losses with REP Status - And More! Remember to submit your questions at contact@therealestatecpa.com or the Tax Smart Investors Facebook group. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with multifamily syndication expert Michael Blank to unpack why 2025 may be one of the best times in years to get started—or scale—in multifamily real estate. Tune in to learn: - Why today’s market conditions offer lower risk and higher long-term upside. - How Michael bounced back from losing millions to build a $300M multifamily portfolio. - What’s really driving investor hesitation—and how to overcome it. - How tariffs, inflation, and interest rates are reshaping deal underwriting. - Why syndication outpaces the BRRRR strategy for wealth and time freedom. If you’ve been thinking about making the leap from single-family to multifamily—or are just curious what’s working in today’s unpredictable environment—this episode is packed with insights from one of the top minds in the business. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Training from Michael: thefreedompodcast.com/thomas Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with seasoned real estate investor and author Henry Washington to discuss why he’s not chasing creative finance trends, and why his “boring” strategy continues to deliver results in 2025’s unpredictable market. Tune in to learn: - Why Henry sticks with off-market deals and direct mail (even in the age of AI). - How he adjusts his strategy based on market cycles—without overreacting to headlines. - Why he believes helping sellers matters more than squeezing every dollar. - How to find pain points in the market—and actually solve them. - What newer investors get wrong by chasing the “next big thing.” If you’re looking for a grounded, proven approach to real estate investing, even in times of rising rates and economic uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Connect with Henry on Instagram: @thehenrywashington Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan talk with wealth manager Connor Low, founder of Iarann Wealth, about how today’s economic uncertainty, from global tariffs to interest rate swings, is impacting investors, and what real estate investors should be doing about it. Connor breaks down the current market landscape, explains why panic is rarely a productive move, and shares how both real estate and equity investors can make smart, intentional decisions during periods of volatility. Tune in to learn: - Why today’s stock market volatility is driven more by emotion than economic data. - How real estate investors can take advantage of discounted equities without abandoning their REI strategy. - The right (and wrong) times to rebalance, lump-sum invest, or just sit tight. - Why Connor isn’t bullish on infinite banking—and what he recommends instead. - How his goal-based planning model helps investors make smarter decisions with both real estate and the stock market. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Connect with Conner: iarannwealth.com Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.

In this episode, Thomas and Ryan share real-life case studies from real estate investors who used strategic tax planning to save thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, on their tax bills. They also reveal the most common mistakes and missed opportunities they see from investors who waited too long or relied on the wrong advice. This episode explores: - How one couple saved $285K in a single year using REPS and cost segregation. - Why timing matters when using the short-term rental loophole—and how to get it right. - What happens when a CPA mistakenly opts you out of bonus depreciation. - How a non-REPS investor reduced their taxes by $40K annually—without changing jobs. - Real examples of costly filing mistakes, disqualified STRs, and even unintentional fraud. If you're serious about using real estate to build wealth and reduce taxes, while avoiding irreversible errors, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests.