Episodes

  • 327. 2025 Tax Bill Preview: Bonus Depreciation, SALT Cap Changes, and Investor Q&A

    327. 2025 Tax Bill Preview: Bonus Depreciation, SALT Cap Changes, and Investor Q&A
    May 14 2025
    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.
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    30 mins
  • 326. 2025 Tax Bill Updates + Answering Your Pressing Questions

    326. 2025 Tax Bill Updates + Answering Your Pressing Questions
    May 9 2025
    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.
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    25 mins
  • 325. Why Now Might Be Multifamily’s Biggest Opportunity Yet with Michael Blank

    325. Why Now Might Be Multifamily’s Biggest Opportunity Yet with Michael Blank
    May 7 2025
    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.
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    37 mins
  • 324. Which Boring Strategy Still Wins in 2025? With Henry Washington

    324. Which Boring Strategy Still Wins in 2025? With Henry Washington
    Apr 30 2025
    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.
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    30 mins
  • 323. 2025 Market Volatility: What Real Estate Investors Need to Know with Connor Low

    323. 2025 Market Volatility: What Real Estate Investors Need to Know with Connor Low
    Apr 23 2025
    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.
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    39 mins
  • 322. Real Estate Investor Case Studies: How One Client Saved $285K in One Year

    322. Real Estate Investor Case Studies: How One Client Saved $285K in One Year
    Apr 16 2025
    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.
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    36 mins
  • 321. Does Travel Time Count Toward Material Participation?

    321. Does Travel Time Count Toward Material Participation?
    Apr 11 2025
    In this Q&A episode, Ryan and Thomas answer real estate investors’ most pressing tax questions. From short-term rental loopholes to QBI deductions, they break down some of the most misunderstood topics in real estate tax strategy and provide practical, real-world guidance. They discuss: - STR Losses & NOLs - Travel Time & Material Participation - QBI Safe Harbor - STR Conversions Mid-Year - Bonus Depreciation Recapture - Home Improvement Records - The 14-Day Rule Explained 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.
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    21 mins
  • 320. How Creative Financing Helps RE Investors Succeed in Every Market Cycle w/ Chris Prefontaine

    320. How Creative Financing Helps RE Investors Succeed in Every Market Cycle w/ Chris Prefontaine
    Apr 9 2025
    In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere are joined by Chris Prefontaine, real estate veteran, founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, and leader of the Wicked Smart Community. Chris brings over three decades of experience to the table and breaks down how to invest without banks, structure zero-interest seller financing deals, and navigate subject-to transactions with confidence. You'll also hear about: - Why 2008 changed the way Chris does business forever - How creative financing works in any market cycle - The power of principal-only payments - Real-world examples of building long-term wealth without traditional loans Whether you're looking to grow your long-term rental portfolio, invest in short-term rentals, or just want to stop competing in the bank-financed rat race, this episode is packed with insights and strategy. 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 Free Resources from Chris: Get his best-selling book FREE at wickedsmartbooks.com/TSI Watch his free creative financing workshop: smartrealestatecoach.com/mastersclass 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.
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    31 mins