The Ryan Bakke Show

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sat down with Harrison Goldblatt, a real estate investor who has scaled to 60 units in just a few years. Harrison shares his journey from house-hacking his first property in Los Angeles to building a cash-flowing portfolio in Cleveland, Ohio. Along the way, he dives deep into the BRRRR method, leveraging value-add opportunities, and overcoming challenges in property management. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your portfolio, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and valuable insights.Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro00:01:00 – How Harrison Started in Real Estate: House Hacking in California00:05:47 – First Property Numbers and Lessons Learned00:09:09 – Scaling to 60 Units: Transitioning to Out-of-State Investing00:14:03 – Using the BRRRR Method to Lower Investment Barriers00:17:31 – Challenges with Refinancing and Avoiding Common Mistakes00:20:22 – Lessons Learned from a Bad Deal in Detroit00:24:13 – Importance of Mentors and Learning from Experienced Investors00:29:27 – Tax Strategies: Cash-Out Refinancing and Depreciation00:34:31 – Challenges of 1031 Exchanges and Managing Equity00:39:04 – Beginner’s Luck and the Risks of Overconfidence in Investing00:42:20 – Property Management Pitfalls and Avoiding Scams00:44:45 – Building a Community for Real Estate InvestorsWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Matt Stillman, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from financial struggle to building a thriving real estate portfolio. Matt shares how he went from earning $38K per year to making six figures in just six months, only to lose his job and use that setback as fuel to become a self-made real estate investor. We dive deep into mindset shifts, portfolio optimization, and the tough lessons he learned along the way. If you’re looking to break free from financial limitations and scale your investments, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro00:01:19 – Matt’s journey from struggle to success00:04:06 – How a mentor changed Matt’s financial mindset00:05:38 – Scaling from 1 to 51 properties00:09:13 – Getting fired & the wake-up call to entrepreneurship00:12:47 – The power shift: Making $50K on your own vs. $250K as a W200:17:00 – How Matt optimizes his portfolio for maximum returns00:21:59 – When to sell vs. hold real estate investments00:28:26 – The cost of bad investments & lessons learned00:35:30 – Why mindset is the key to scaling your business00:42:56 – Breaking free from financial programmingWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa⁠*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Shannon Weinstein, a CPA and fractional CFO, to break down what it takes to build a seven-figure accounting firm with fewer than 12 clients. We dive into why relationship-driven service models outperform traditional high-volume firms, how to position yourself as an expert, and why branding is the key to building trust and attracting premium clients. Shannon also shares the mistakes most accountants make in marketing and pricing—and how to avoid them. If you're looking to scale your firm while keeping a lifestyle-first approach, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro: Selling the plan out of hell00:02:39 - Shannon’s CPA journey and early career00:06:32 - Why Shannon left EY and went solo00:10:55 - The key sales lesson: Selling benefits, not features00:15:10 - How frequency builds trust in branding00:20:38 - Shannon’s transition from 120 clients to just 1200:26:53 - How to attract and retain premium clients00:31:12 - The power of strong positioning in pricing strategy00:36:42 - Debunking the "cheaper is better" myth in accountingWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa⁠*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Jeff Hampton from STR Law Guys to uncover essential asset protection strategies for short-term rental investors. Jeff shares his insights as both an attorney and a real estate investor, highlighting the importance of LLC structures, commercial insurance, and upcoming changes like the Corporate Transparency Act. From avoiding common legal pitfalls to optimizing your asset protection plan, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to safeguard your investments and future-proof your portfolio.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro: Meet Jeff Hampton and STR Law Guys00:01:03 Jeff’s journey: From suing STR owners to protecting them00:03:12 Common misconceptions about LLCs and asset protection00:08:14 Why commercial insurance is non-negotiable for STR owners00:13:17 Corporate Transparency Act: What investors need to know00:21:22 New federal regulations for residential loans and LLCs00:24:31 The risks of being underinsured and how to fix it00:25:48 Where to find Jeff for asset protection resourcesWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa⁠*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Arda Bircan to discuss his approach to short-term rental investing and maximizing cash flow. Arda shares his strategies for identifying profitable markets, avoiding common mistakes, and leveraging the short-term rental loophole to save on taxes. We also dive into the importance of due diligence, understanding market seasonality, and how to scale a portfolio while maintaining consistent cash flow. If you're a high-income earner or looking to optimize your short-term rental investments, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro: Meet Arda Bircan and his journey into short-term rentals00:02:15 Why cash flow matters more than tax benefits00:05:30 Key metrics and tools for evaluating short-term rental markets00:10:45 The importance of location, amenities, and differentiation00:16:00 Navigating short-term rental regulations and avoiding costly mistakes00:21:20 Strategies for managing seasonality and maximizing revenue00:26:45 Case studies: Success stories and common pitfalls in short-term rentals00:32:50 Working with high-income earners to build wealth through real estate00:38:15 Closing thoughts: Building a sustainable short-term rental portfolioWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I outline my 7 steps to financial freedom, breaking down practical, actionable strategies to build and protect your wealth. From establishing an emergency fund to maximizing retirement contributions, I cover how to pay off high-interest debt, invest wisely, and reach your financial independence number. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your wealth-building strategies, this episode offers a clear roadmap to achieving financial security.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro: The dangers of rushing into year-end investments00:00:40 Step 1: Building a 6–9 month emergency fund00:03:42 Step 2: Maximizing your employer’s 401(k) match00:06:52 Step 3: Paying off high-interest, non-income-producing debt (>7%)00:08:46 Step 4: Maxing out your Roth IRA and HSA for tax-free growth00:10:20 Step 5: Hitting your financial independence number using taxable brokerage accounts00:13:06 Step 6: Investing in cash-flowing assets to accelerate financial freedom00:14:50 Step 7: Avoiding poor year-end investment decisions to save taxes00:16:38 Closing Thoughts: Combating taxes and inflation with smart investmentsWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Eddie Antuna to explore his journey from his family's financial struggles to building a diverse real estate portfolio and uncovering smarter tax strategies. Eddie shares how he transitioned from long-term rentals to short-term rentals, his experience with building homes from the ground up, and how tax planning unlocked new opportunities for his investments. We also dive into key lessons about scaling a real estate portfolio and maintaining financial resilience.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:01:14 Eddie's background and early influences in real estate00:07:00 House hacking and transitioning to long-term rentals00:10:15 Expanding into short-term rentals and ground-up construction00:15:20 How tax planning changed Eddie’s strategy00:20:22 Lessons learned from selling and reinvesting property equity00:25:00 Balancing risk and reward in real estate investing00:30:55 Eddie’s future goals and advice for aspiring investorsWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I break down everything you need to know about renting out your primary residence. From tax implications and the capital gains exclusion to insurance adjustments and cash-on-equity analyses, I cover the essential steps to make informed decisions. Whether you’re considering converting your home into a rental or selling it for a tax-free profit, this episode is packed with actionable advice to maximize your wealth-building potential.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro: Renting out your primary residence00:01:07 The 2-out-of-5-year rule for capital gains exclusion00:02:48 Why selling for tax-free cash may be better than renting00:03:30 Adjusting your insurance before renting out your home00:04:19 Financing considerations before converting to a rental00:05:22 Cash-on-equity analysis: Is renting worth it?00:06:05 Depreciation recapture and cost basis considerations00:07:03 Converting a rental into a primary residence: Tax strategies00:08:48 Why tax-free is better than tax-deferred gains00:09:32 Emotional attachment vs. investment perspectiveWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I sit down with Brenna Carles from The Mortgage Shop to break down the biggest mistakes real estate investors make when filing taxes and applying for loans. We dive into the differences between Schedule C vs. Schedule E, how to avoid overpaying in taxes, and how to qualify for more loans to expand your property portfolio. Brenna shares practical advice on loan strategies, partnerships, and even how to shift debt to maximize your borrowing power. If you're looking to optimize your financing, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.Timestamps:00:00:00 — Intro00:00:37 — The importance of Schedule E vs. Schedule C for real estate investors00:03:36 — Why Schedule C can block you from qualifying for loans00:04:17 — How Schedule E can increase borrowing capacity for investors00:07:15 — Key deductions for Schedule E filers (T.I.M.D. method explained)00:09:40 — Real case study: How one mistake cost a client $18,000 in extra taxes00:11:31 — How Brenna manually verifies loan eligibility to avoid last-minute surprises00:14:49 — The myth of "just trust your accountant" — Why you need to check their work00:16:04 — Using Form 8825 for partnerships and how it works like Schedule E00:19:47 — Strategy alert: Why you should shift bad debt into your spouse's name00:22:27 — How to shift loans from your personal name to an LLC using DSCR loans00:25:31 — Avoid analysis paralysis — How to take action without overthinking00:27:28 — Why making calculated risks can lead to life-changing wealth decisionsWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Ready to save $10k-$50k in taxes this year? Book a call here:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-appIn this episode, I dive into the various strategies for using retirement account funds to invest in real estate. From 401(k) loans to self-directed IRAs and even the little-known 60-day rollover rule, I break down the pros, cons, and tax implications of each approach. Whether you're exploring ways to grow your real estate portfolio or considering tapping into retirement funds, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make the right decisions based on your financial goals.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:01:07 Should you tap into retirement accounts for real estate?00:02:25 Strategy 1: Withdrawing funds (and why it’s risky)00:05:34 Tax strategies to offset penalties for 401(k) withdrawals00:07:22 Strategy 2: Taking a 401(k) loan (and why it’s often better than withdrawal)00:10:11 Potential risks of 401(k) loans during job transitions00:10:59 Strategy 3: Self-directing your IRA or 401(k) for real estate investments00:12:51 Limitations and risks of self-directed retirement accounts00:14:16 Strategy 4: The 60-day rollover rule — a hidden gem for short-term access to funds00:16:14 Advanced tip: Using the 60-day rollover strategy for married couples00:17:31 Key takeaways: Matching the right strategy to your financial situationWant me to answer your questions live? Come to my next Ask Me Anything Q&A:► https://taxstrategy365.com/pod-amaLet's connect!► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbakkecpa/► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnlikeacpa/► Twitter: https://x.com/RyanBakkeCPA► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanbakkecpa► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbakkecpa*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.