The Wealth Elevator Podcast: Real Estate, Taxes, Investing

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubThis panel introduces investors discussing how family offices and operators are allocating and scaling amid higher interest rates. Lane Kawaoka, a Hawaii-based former engineer, shares his path from buying 11 rentals by 2015 to operating over $2B in apartment acquisitions, and explains why rising holding costs, insurance, and taxes have pushed him to also act as a multifamily office seeking opportunities beyond real estate. The conversation highlights a contrarian, P&L-driven approach, emphasizing grassroots relationship-based deal flow with long-term partners (brokers, contractors, vendors) and special real estate structures where developers need short-term capital to finish projects. The panel also covers using AI and quantitative checklists to quickly screen deals and reduce underwriting workload, plus a “$30k rule” of paying trusted third-party consultants to validate financials when investing outside core expertise.00:00 Panel Kickoff00:27 Lane Kawaoka Intro01:33 Contrarian Investing Approach03:11 Creative Deal Structures04:20 AI Underwriting Workflow05:29 Million Dollar Insight06:49 Audience Q&A WrapConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevatorLane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubSelf-Directed IRA vs Solo 401(k): Checkbook Control, Prohibited Transactions, and UBIT/UDFI ExplainedLane and John Park discuss how investors can use qualified retirement plan funds to invest in non-traditional assets like real estate and private equity through true self-directed structures, contrasting them with “self-directed” brokerage accounts that still limit investments. They compare self-directed IRAs (which require an IRS-approved custodian) with Solo 401(k)s (which allow the account holder to be the trustee), explaining checkbook control via IRA LLCs or IRA trusts, including why trusts can reduce recurring LLC fees in states like California. The conversation covers Solo 401(k) eligibility (legitimate self-employment with no employees other than a spouse), higher contribution limits, Roth options, participant loans, and the exemption from UDFI. They also review prohibited investments (life insurance and collectibles), disqualified persons rules, UBIT/UDFI tax concepts, deal-funding timelines, and investor Q&A including a real-world UBIT surprise from new-build profits.00:00 Intro to Self Direction01:00 Solo 401k Eligibility02:33 Why Big Brokers Fail06:38 Checkbook Control Basics09:13 IRA Trust Option11:03 Solo 401k Advantages13:13 SDIRA Setup and Funding13:54 Custodian vs Control20:46 Prohibited Assets Rules23:04 Disqualified Individuals25:28 UBIT and UDFI Taxes28:25 UDFI Real Estate Example31:26 Solo 401k Tax Exemption33:47 Solo 401k Setup Details36:18 Solo 401k Loan Feature37:00 Plan Rules vs IRS38:46 Contribution Limits Explained42:13 Loan Terms and Repayment43:28 Roth and Backdoor Strategies46:43 Paying Kids and Audits47:58 Punting Taxes with QRP51:02 Setup Timeline and Funding54:18 Checkbook Control Custodians58:25 When QRP Investing Makes Sense01:04:37 Retirement Tax Trap Parents01:06:26 Parents Money Risk Choices01:07:24 How Much to Retire01:08:54 Stop Overfunding 401k01:10:32 Back Into 4 Percent Rule01:13:47 Financial Independence Mindset01:14:53 Three Bucket Strategy01:16:51 Kids Inheritance Limits01:19:28 UBIT Surprise in Solo 401k01:21:29 Blocker Corps and AI Learning01:24:10 Finding the Right Tax Pro01:28:17 Trivia and Wrap UpConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevatorLane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubThe host interviews mortgage expert Jen Hernandez to get an update on the residential mortgage landscape after 2020, focusing on one-to-four unit properties and what single-family investors and homeowners are seeing in 2026. Jen explains that rates nearly doubled quickly in 2022 and have hovered in the low 6% range for about six months, with forecasts from major institutions (Fannie/Freddie and large banks) calling for mostly flat movement and possibly high-5% rates, but no major drops expected. She notes that historically very low rates have coincided with government “rescue” periods, and suggests watching the 7- and 10-year treasuries because mortgage pricing tracks those longer-term bond instruments more closely than the Fed’s overnight rate. They discuss the common misconception that Fed cuts immediately lower mortgage rates, and Jen explains how bond-market behavior, investor risk appetite, and the inverse relationship between stocks and bonds can move mortgage rates differently from the Fed funds rate.Jen gives practical guidance on whether to buy now versus wait, emphasizing that the answer depends on local market conditions; in Houston/Texas she’s seeing some price suppression, more seller negotiation, and opportunities for closing-cost credits or rate buydowns. She argues that a 6% rate is not bad historically and that buyers can refinance later, while purchasing during softer pricing may allow for future appreciation. The conversation then shifts to investor lending options, including DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans that rely on market rent rather than full income documentation, can allow financing in an LLC, and may offer rates that are sometimes better than conventional—though typically with a 2–3 year prepayment penalty and baked-in points (around 1.5%). Jen outlines DSCR qualification constraints, especially the need for market rent to cover PITI(A), which can push required down payments from 20% to 25% in high tax/insurance areas like Texas.They cover appraisal and rent trend observations in Houston (generally stable, with some appraisals coming in at or above price), discuss when investor “experience” matters (primarily when using rental income from tax returns to offset debt), and explain the lending ecosystem: big banks/servicers, direct lenders who underwrite and fund in-house, and brokers who connect borrowers to lenders but don’t control underwriting or timelines. Jen details reserve requirements for investment loans (typically 3–6 months of PITI(A), often across all mortgaged properties), warns that consumer credit scores from apps may differ from mortgage FICO models, and recommends getting prequalified months in advance to optimize credit and terms. Finally, they touch on high-net-worth purchase behavior in Houston (cash purchases, leveraging investment lines, recasts, ARM usage), personal views on leverage, and how to contact Jen via loanwithjen.com, noting she can lend in 42 states and can refer trusted contacts elsewhere.00:00 Mortgage Market Snapshot00:49 Rates After 202002:22 Tracking Rates Like Pros04:12 Fed vs Treasury Explained08:22 Buy Now or Wait12:19 DSCR Loans and Down Payments16:50 Appraisals and Rent Data19:15 Direct Lenders vs Brokers23:31 Reserves and Credit Prep27:38 How Wealthy Buyers Finance30:44 Wrap Up and Contact Info

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubIn this episode, we dive deep into the strategy of investing tax-free into startups and operating businesses using Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). Joined by CPA Thomas Jones from Sweeney Conrad, we explore the intricacies behind QSBS, part of tax section 1202, that offers potential tax-free gains up to $15 million on eligible stock held for a minimum period. We discuss the eligibility criteria, the types of businesses that can benefit, different investor scenarios, and potential pitfalls to watch out for. Learn how to effectively leverage QSBS for significant tax savings and make informed investment decisions, whether you're an angel investor or a business owner.00:00 Introduction to Tax-Free Investing in Startups00:28 Meet the Expert: CPA Thomas Jones01:04 Understanding QSBS: Qualified Small Business Stock03:15 Industries and Use Cases for QSBS06:34 Asset vs. Stock Sales: Key Differences12:09 Investor Considerations and Tax Benefits25:00 Advanced Strategies and Pitfalls35:24 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevatorLane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubJoin us in today's podcast as we provide a comprehensive update on the multifamily real estate market. We'll cover the market's recent history and predict where it's headed, focusing on key changes in prices, demand, rental growth, and supply. We'll also discuss the importance of long-term fundamentals and interest rate expectations. If you're interested in gaining more insights, attending private events, or participating in live webinars, visit wwealthelevator.com/club. Don't miss our live webinar on February 18th, 2026, for goal-setting strategies. Additionally, mark your calendars for our in-person event in Denver, Colorado, in March 2026.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:10 Upcoming Events and Webinars01:18 Multifamily Market Update01:52 Key Takeaways on Prices and Demand03:11 Rent Growth and Market Dynamics05:00 Supply Pipeline and Construction Challenges06:34 Long-term Fundamentals and Interest Rates09:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevatorLane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/clubJoin Tony Hong, a licensed CPA with over a decade of experience, as he walks you through essential tax planning strategies in this comprehensive masterclass. Discover the importance of having a tax strategy versus just filing taxes, and learn how to save money and stay compliant. Tony delves into common tax misconceptions, the pitfalls of using TurboTax for complex tax situations, and the levels of tax management from basic to advanced. Learn about various tax-saving opportunities, including the benefits and drawbacks of different business structures, investment tax credits, income shifting, and the importance of real estate professional status. Tony also discusses practical scenarios, such as the real-world struggles of W2 employees to optimize their taxes and how certain tax strategies can significantly reduce your tax liability. This session is packed with valuable insights to help you create an effective tax strategy for the new year. Don’t miss out on tips that could save you thousands of dollars annually.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:26 Meet Your CPA: Tony Hong00:58 The Importance of Tax Planning01:24 TurboTax vs. Professional CPA03:12 Tax Strategies for Real Estate Investors08:04 Advanced Tax Planning Techniques09:42 Entity Structures: LLCs, S Corps, and C Corps14:10 Tax Benefits for Passive Investors19:16 Income Shifting and Investment Tax Credits21:22 Introduction to Capital Gains and Depreciation Recapture21:36 Unlocking Passive Losses from Syndication Deals23:37 Grouping Elections and Their Implications26:51 Charity and Tax Deductions29:38 Real Estate Professional Status and Tax Strategies33:51 Investment Tax Credits and Passive Investing43:24 Final Thoughts and Tax Planning AdviceConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevatorLane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.