In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with short-term rental investor Michael Chang to discuss how he went from Wall Street investment banker to building a 38-property short-term rental empire. Michael shares how he leveraged rental arbitrage, short-term rental tax strategies, and automation to achieve financial freedom. Tune in to learn: - How Michael transitioned from a high-pressure Wall Street career to full-time real estate investor. - The basics of rental arbitrage and why it’s an ideal starting point for new investors. - How Michael scaled his short-term rental business to 38 properties while optimizing for tax efficiency. - The key technology and AI tools that help him manage his portfolio remotely. - Strategies for reducing taxes and maximizing cash flow as a short-term rental investor. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Are You Ready for the 2025 Tax Changes? Click HERE to Access the FREE Tracker: go.therealestatecpa.com/4gDayj7 Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Check out Thomas's new YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thomascastelli Connect with Michael: https://www.strlikethebest.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.

In our first monthly Q&A episode, Ryan and Thomas answer the most pressing tax questions from listeners. They tackle a variety of hot-button topics, including when flipping property income is considered “active” (and why that matters if you have a W-2), how partial asset dispositions really work, and whether or not a cost segregation study has to be performed in the first year. They discuss: - Flips & W-2 Incomes – Why these profits generally count as active, even if you’re not a real estate professional. - Partial Asset Dispositions – Deducting the cost of replaced components (like an old roof) to save on taxes. - Cost Seg Timing – Is it necessary to perform a cost segregation study in Year 1, or can you do it later? - Short-Term Rentals vs. REPS – Understanding when you do (and don’t) need real estate professional status. - Bonus Depreciation Updates – What investors need to know about the potential return of 100% bonus depreciation. 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 Are You Ready for the 2025 Tax Changes? Click HERE to Access the FREE Tracker: go.therealestatecpa.com/4gDayj7 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.

Dive into the world of LLCs as misconceptions are shattered! Discover the real purpose behind LLCs, focusing on asset protection rather than just tax savings. Learn about the optimal structures for your rental portfolio, including single and multi-member setups. Avoid common pitfalls that could threaten your investments. Plus, gain insights on holding companies, and the importance of keeping personal and business finances apart. Stay informed and protect your real estate assets like a pro!

In this episode of the TaxSmart REI Podcast, Thomas and Ryan sit down with Dave Meyer, Head of Real Estate Investing at BiggerPockets, to discuss the 2025 real estate market outlook and what investors need to know. Tune in to learn: - Where we are in the current real estate market cycle and what’s next for home prices and sales volume. - How interest rates and affordability will impact investors in 2025. - The state of commercial real estate, including potential opportunities in multifamily investing. - The latest on bonus depreciation and how potential tax legislation changes could influence investor strategies. - Key migration and demographic trends shaping the future of real estate investment. Whether you're an active investor or considering your next move, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the 2025 real estate market with confidence. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Are You Ready for the 2025 Tax Changes? Click HERE to Access the FREE Tracker: https://go.therealestatecpa.com/4gDayj7 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 John Bianchi, founder of STR Search and an expert in short-term rental data and investment strategies. With a 100% track record in helping investors identify and acquire over 200 profitable short-term rental properties, John shares his insider knowledge on leveraging Airbnb data to find winning deals. Tune in to learn: - How to use the “20% Rule” to evaluate short-term rental markets for cash flow. - The importance of regulations and avoiding common mistakes in oversaturated markets. - Strategies for creating guest experiences that stand out, including must-have amenities. - How to recession-proof your short-term rental investments for long-term success. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 🗞️ Did you know IRS audits are on the rise? Click HERE to Access the FREE IRS Checklist: go.therealestatecpa.com/3PvEna9 Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Connect with John: https://strsearch.com/home-1974 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, Ryan, and Justin sit down with Austin Dean, a financial planner at Waystone Advisors specializing in real estate-focused financial planning. With over 13 years of experience, Austin offers valuable insights into creating financial independence through strategic investments tailored to real estate investors. Tune in to learn: - Why real estate is a powerful tool for building wealth and achieving financial independence. - How to use tools like securities-backed lines of credit and life insurance to leverage investments. - The importance of diversification and creating a financial plan that aligns with your goals. - How CPAs and financial planners can work together to maximize tax savings and investment strategies. Whether you’re a real estate investor seeking to grow your portfolio or someone curious about alternative wealth-building strategies, this episode is for you. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 🗞️ Did you know IRS audits are on the rise? Click HERE to Access the FREE IRS Checklist: go.therealestatecpa.com/3PvEna9 Join the Tax Smart Insiders Community: go.therealestatecpa.com/3Xx1Cpd Connect with Austin: https://waystoneadvisors.com/about/austin-dean/ 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, Ryan and Alex break down the top overlooked deductions real estate investors often miss—and how to ensure you’re capturing them all. This episode explores: - Why closing costs and loan costs should be included in your depreciable basis. - The most common insurance mistakes that leave money on the table. - The importance of taking depreciation (and what happens if you don’t). - And More! If maximizing your tax savings is one of your goals, now is the time to dig into these often-missed deductions. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 🗞️ Did you know IRS audits are on the rise? Click HERE to Access the FREE IRS Checklist: go.therealestatecpa.com/3PvEna9 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, Thomas and Ryan break down the essentials of real estate professional status (REPS) and how to qualify this year. This episode explores: - What REPS is and why it’s one of the top strategies for high-income earners. - The two key tests to qualify and how to navigate them. - Activities that count toward REPS—and what doesn’t. - How grouping elections simplify meeting material participation requirements. - Using cost segregation and bonus depreciation for maximum tax savings. If REPS is one of your goals, January is the time to start. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 🗞️ Did you know IRS audits are on the rise? Click HERE to Access the FREE IRS Checklist: https://go.therealestatecpa.com/IRSchecklist 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.

Discover the latest on short-term rental loophole updates! Dive into passive activity rules that can enhance your strategy. Learn about the material participation tests and how to qualify. Uncover cost segregation and bonus depreciation for massive tax savings. Plus, avoid common mistakes to keep your business audit-proof. Get insights on upcoming changes for 2025 and local regulations, essential for high-income earners eager to slash their tax bills.

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI podcast, Thomas and Ryan address pivotal updates as the year draws to a close. They provide essential insights into the expected 2025 tax changes, the implications of the new administration, and the recent developments regarding the Corporate Transparency Act's enforcement status. Here's what they discuss: - The Expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Corporate Transparency Act Updates - Tips on Staying Proactive with Voluntary Compliance Measures - Advice for Real Estate Investors to Prepare for Year-End To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 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.