Share
The Wealth Elevator Podcast: Real Estate, Taxes, Investing
SPC074 - My Journey Back Home to Hawaii
My Journey Home:
Up to this point, my life has followed a steady, linear trajectory. But today... I took my own advise that time is your most important asset and I am happy to announce that I am speaking to you from Honolulu, Hawaii the new home base of Simple Passive Cashflow!
As a teenager growing up on a small island in the middle of the Pacific, I was programmed to go to college on the mainland because the cost of living in Hawaii was too high and jobs compensation was pretty poor. With the cost of living in Hawaii being 10% more than Seattle or San Francisco and 20% less pay for equivalent jobs, living a comfortable life is no easy feat. I resolved to never return unless I was extremely well off financially - although I am not where I want to be - I have the knowledge and network to get me where I need in the next few years.
Looking back on my path as a wide-eyed college student living away from my family for the first time in Seattle. And then started my Engineering career working for blood money for my first employer. I am a little dumbfounded how all that work through the traditional educational system only prepared me for a life as a worker-bee to save more and hopefully have enough after I gave away all that time during a 40 year career. But I do look back with gratitude since it gave me the means to save up for down payments and truly savour freedom when I achieve it.
I wanted to inspire others to “Burn The Boats”... to do what you want, where you want, and with whom you want - whether its buying that first rental, quitting a crappy job, getting away from a bad boss, starting a family, or just telling your mother in law to shut up.
Here are the 10 main reasons for my return to Hawaii and I hope you can find similarities to your journey:
1) It's a seller's market.
2) I don’t see many deals out in the market worthy of investing in. In fact, I can't find many that will make money. I don't believe in rent trends continuing upward. In my mind, that's called speculation.
3) Hawaii is a great place to hide out and chill. Knowing when to “hold’em” and when to “fold’em” is half the battle.
4) Environment matters. I used to live in a really affluent area in Kirkland and my Mercedes is seriously the crappiest car on the block. Homes are filled with babysitters watching kids as their parents play Bejewelled on their I-Phones. I just don’t feel like I fit in. Seattle also gets dark at 3:30 PM in the Seattle winter and I dislike being cold all of the time. Talk about Kurt Cobain! Shoot yourself in the head!
5) Embrace minimalism. My homeboy FI Fighter took the path of Extreme Financial Independence to race to a point where his income exceeded his expenses. At that point the plan is to escape the rat race which not only includes your job but the environment that contributes to lifestyle creep. On paper, Hawaii is one of the if not most expensive States to live in as evident with the median home costs of $800,000 and 8 dollar gallon of milk. The truth is in order to survive, Hawaii’s locals have to live frugally, in multiple generational households, and the housing stock/amenities is much lower quality (B tenant lives in a C building by US Mainland standards)… it's the price of paradise. From time to time we need to get back to basics and keep it simple.
6) A unique opportunity. One of my main goals is to create an investor network in Hawaii. People in Hawaii are very fiscally conservative and there is a lot of generational wealth passed on to younger generations. This creates a complex problem for people who have money and “don’t know how to fish.” My hope is to leverage the talents of others to create a non-profit financial education group based on the philanthropy of those who I will liberate from the rat race and will in turn help mentor others in basic personal financial education such as keeping a budget. If you are interested please reach out to me. The best companies are built on the foundations of culture and this is something I know everyone that comes to this website strongly believes in.
7) Technology bridges oceans. Some will say that I need to be close to the action, but I feel technology allows me to be everywhere at once. I travel to Texas and Atlanta a lot and they are major airport hubs which offer direct flights to HNL. I am also a cheap ass (which I am working to change :p), so I take the red-eye to avoid paying for a hotel that day. My situation will actually improve since instead of a 4 hour flight from Seattle to Texas, I now have a full 7 hour shut-eye flight from HNL to DFW.
8) Serve the people of Hawaii. You might be asking why am I still working? Check out this previous talk I gave explaining why you should not quit your job. I’ll be honest although, I work a few hours a day and times on the weekend on building SPC and my multi-family syndications I don’t have enough work to keep my busy all the time. I recently interviewed for a job and I told them that I was looking to work for good people who treated me fairly and with respect. For the past few years I only worked for non-private entities because I thought that they are one of those busy days at work... my efforts benefit at least the people and not a corporate entity. And now it's great that my work benefits the place I grew up. But don’t get me wrong here… I still don’t really enjoy the work I do and it is not Ikigai or the alignment for four items: 1) What you are good at, 2) What you Love, 3) What the world needs, 4) What you can be paid for.
9) Passion+Lifestyle=Happiness. Tom Corley (from Rich Habits) identifies 2 ways self-made millionaires rose from poverty or the middle-class. Either you live below your means and wisely invest your savings or you pursue something you are passionate about. I am achieving the best of both worlds. Yes, Hawaii is more expensive on paper, but it is easier to live a simple life and not get caught up in the perpetual pissing contest that many working professionals subconsciously partake in.
10) Retirement is a state of being. People wear Hawaiian Shirts on a vacation to feel relaxed. Why not make everyday like that? I am no where where I want to be but on my way. With a little Shave Ice too. I want my everyday life to feel like an indefinite vacation. #LuckyYouLiveHawaii
Live in the moment. Life is short… pull your head out off your butt before the years fly by. Don’t you see those Facebook memories posts and think where did the years go? The day is long and the years are short. Get up get out and get some. WUKAR! Lanikai Sunrise 😁 Check out the youTube Channel.
Check out my Free Resources Below:
1) If you are an accredited investor and afraid of the impending market correction?Get out the stock market and into the Simple Passive Cashflow Hedge Fund!
More info: www.SimplePassiveCashflow.com/fund
2) Join a Social Club:
3) Subscribe to my podcast: Google Android Phones | Apple iPhone | Youtube
4) Once you have gone through the majority of podcasts feel free to sign up for a chat:
5) Make sure you sign up for my Hui Deal Pipeline Club to get sent the deals I come across.
6) I am partnered with a start-up Virtual Assistant firm out in the Philippines. Shoot me an email Lane@simplepassivecashflow.com if you want to try them out.
More info: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4gFjCt6Knc1U3YwYjdZRnYzN1k
7) Please leave a review for the podcast!
8) Coaching Program to get you to your first rental in 90 days!
9) And finally... if you are just getting started Sign-up for Free access to the 10 Module Course:
More episodes
View all episodes
514. Lines of Credit with Business Owner Andrew Amann from ninetwothree.co
50:23||Ep. 514📚 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/clubLane chats with his friend Andrew, an accomplished entrepreneur who transitioned from being a mechanical engineer working on government defense projects to running a successful AI consulting business. Andrew shares his journey, insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of cash management, and how he leverages different financial strategies to maintain and grow his business. They also discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the significance of having a solid support system, and Andrew's experiences working with big names like SimpliSafe and FanDuel. This conversation offers invaluable lessons for current and aspiring business owners looking to navigate the complexities of starting and scaling a company.00:40 Infinite Banking and Business Owners02:15 Podcast Introduction with Andrew Amen03:42 Andrew's Journey from Engineer to Entrepreneur06:40 Financial Struggles and Lessons Learned13:55 Consulting Business and Financial Strategies26:20 Understanding Brokerage Accounts27:12 Leveraging HELOCs for Business and Personal Finance29:05 Navigating Financial Challenges31:14 The Importance of Good Debt36:07 AI Studio Success Stories37:13 Future Plans and Exit Strategies41:51 Financial Planning and Monte Carlo Simulations44:17 Personal Finance Advice for Entrepreneurs46:24 AI Studio Services and Client Acquisition48:18 Mascot Memories and Closing RemarksConnect 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.
513. Ask an Estate Attorney: Values & Planning with Andrew Howell
28:31||Ep. 513📚 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/clubLane interviews Andrew Howell, an experienced lawyer specializing in tax and estate planning. Andrew shares his expertise on the importance of proactive estate planning and the generational transfer of wealth. He emphasizes the need for crafting plans based on clients' core values and family dynamics, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Topics covered include the pitfalls of traditional estate planning methods, the impact of generational shifts in thinking about wealth, and the benefits of keeping assets concentrated within the family. Andrew also introduces the concept of purpose trusts and offers insights into how families can successfully navigate the transfer of assets across generations while maintaining cohesion and avoiding common pitfalls.00:56 Common Pitfalls in Deal Flow03:39 Estate Planning Insights with Andrew Howell12:59 Core Values in Estate Planning16:27 Practical Implementation of Estate Plans26:43 Final Thoughts 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.512. Rethink Your 401(k) Strategy Now: Important Tax Implications
06:49||Ep. 512In this episode, we delve into why many investors over 55 regret heavily contributing to deferred 401(k)s and other retirement plans, primarily due to future high tax brackets. We discuss alternative investment strategies like real estate, which offer immediate tax benefits, and caution against the long-term tax implications of deferred retirement plans. Tune in for insights on whether to keep money in qualified retirement plans or invest it elsewhere, and learn about our upcoming Hawaii retreat for deeper financial discussions.00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Deferred Retirement Plans00:42 Upcoming Hawaii Workshop Details01:53 Podcast Introduction: Rethinking 401Ks and IRAs02:01 Key Points on Retirement Plans and Taxes03:38 The Importance of Tax Benefits Today05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts06:29 Join Our Annual Hawaii Retreat
511. Networking with Accredited investors is Critical
35:22||Ep. 511📚 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 into a podcast replay where Lane Kawaoka, founder of Wealth Elevator, shares the inner workings of his investment retreats and the importance of building real relationships with other accredited investors. He discusses the need for curiosity, the value of mentorship, and the significance of community in personal and financial growth. Lane also highlights his journey from an engineer to a full-time investor, the importance of alternative investments, and how his events foster meaningful connections among high net worth individuals. The episode wraps up with insights on how to prepare for major life transitions and the future plans for Wealth Elevator.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Replay Announcement00:40 Guest Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Growth01:14 The Importance of Curiosity and Coaching02:26 Building Confidence and the Role of Peer Groups05:10 Adapting Strategies for Changing Environments07:15 Lane's Real Estate Journey and Investment Strategies12:38 Transitioning from Engineering to Full-Time Business17:10 Creating Effective and Curated Community Events29:01 The Future of Community and Human Connection33:11 Closing Thoughts and Final RemarksConnect 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.
510. Taxes Before Year-End: Using Oil & Gas Investments to Lower Ordinary Income
01:03:34||Ep. 510In this episode, Lane and guest tax expert Jack Hollander dive into strategies for offsetting ordinary income through oil and gas investments. They discuss the unique tax benefits, including intangible drilling costs and depletion allowances, and how these can provide significant deductions for high-income earners. The conversation addresses common mistakes with passive losses and real estate professional status, provides insights into how to properly utilize oil and gas investments, and answers questions on minimizing tax liabilities and optimizing portfolio strategies.00:00 Introduction to Tax Deductions in Oil and Gas Investments00:39 Understanding Passive and Ordinary Income01:11 Limitations of Passive Losses02:09 Real Estate Professional Status and Short-Term Rentals02:48 Introduction to Oil and Gas Investments03:02 Misconceptions About Bonus Depreciation06:08 Importance of Consulting Professional Advisors07:42 Basics of Tax Law and Income Buckets12:07 Financial Planning and Investment Considerations13:24 How Oil and Gas Investments Fit into a Portfolio15:23 Tax Benefits of Oil and Gas Investments23:53 Intangible Drilling Costs (IDCs) Explained35:16 Understanding Passive Losses and Tax Benefits35:53 Investment Strategies for Self-Employed Individuals36:33 Navigating Tax Forms and Returns37:27 Managing Investment Expectations38:37 Cash Flow and Tax Savings39:49 Evaluating Oil and Gas Investments41:15 Portfolio Diversification and Tax Planning43:15 Risk Management in Oil and Gas Investments53:09 Using IRAs and Roth Conversions01:03:01 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events509. Jailbreaking you 401k: Investing Through Self-Directed IRAs & Solo 401ks
54:50||Ep. 509📚 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 delve into how new investors can unlock their retirement funds through self-directed IRAs and Solo 401ks. Learn about the transformation process, the role of custodians, and the potential to invest in real estate or other alternative investments. Our guest, Ted Damp from Advanta IRA, shares his expertise on unique investment strategies, partnering, commingling funds, and navigating IRS rules. We also discuss prohibited investments, transactions, and the unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Discover how to avoid common pitfalls, diversify your portfolio, and leverage your retirement funds effectively. Visit WealthElevator.com for more resources, including event information and vendor referrals.00:00 Unlocking Your 401k and IRA Funds01:05 Introduction to Self-Directed IRAs01:48 Meet Ted from Advanta IRA02:27 Understanding Partnering and Co-Mingling Funds05:41 Basic Rules and Prohibited Transactions09:21 Real-Life Self-Directed IRA Experiences13:36 Disqualified Persons and Entities23:45 Case Study: Partnering on a Real Estate Deal28:43 IRA Ownership and Expense Sharing29:25 Rules on Percentage Ownership30:36 Co-Mingling Funds for Investments32:59 Non-Recourse Loans Explained37:51 Partnering and Co-Mingling in Real Estate44:14 Alternative Investments and Syndications51:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information508. LP Understanding Multifamily Apartment Investments: Maximize Your Real Estate Investment: Market Types and CapEx Planning
26:13||Ep. 508📚 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, the host invites new and existing investors to the annual Hawaii retreat scheduled for January 16-18 and emphasizes the importance of education in real estate investment. He discusses various aspects like meticulously understanding deals, avoiding being swayed by attractive photos, and thorough due diligence. He explains the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary markets, the merits and risks of investing in each, and highlights the cyclical nature of markets. The host dives into Capital Expenditures (CapEx), evaluating whether renovation costs in multifamily properties justify rent increases. He offers insights into calculating per-unit costs and emphasizes the need for professional audits. The talk also covers broader investment philosophies, asset diversification, and the importance of being in tune with industry data. He concludes by encouraging listeners to join the syndication e-course and stay connected with like-minded accredited investors for better insights and opportunities.00:00 Welcome and Hawaii Retreat Invitation00:34 Importance of Education and Syndication E-Course01:04 Understanding Market Locations: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary01:18 CapEx Plan and Deal Disqualification03:42 Due Diligence in Real Estate Deals03:57 Primary vs. Secondary vs. Tertiary Markets08:58 Investment Strategies and Market Cycles16:12 CapEx Budget and Renovation ROI25:44 Final Thoughts and Syndication E-Course Promotion507. Maximize Your Rental Property Returns: Should You Sell and Reinvest?
19:40||Ep. 507📚 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/clubDownload the spreadsheet here: theWealthElevator.com/ROELane from The Wealth Elevator discusses whether investors should sell their rental properties and reinvest the equity into more profitable ventures. He stresses the importance of focusing on return on equity (ROE) instead of just return on investment (ROI) and provides a framework to evaluate the current performance of your rental properties. Lane also shares personal experiences, offers practical steps for evaluating your investments, and discusses various reallocation options such as T-bills, life insurance, syndications, or other investment opportunities. Additionally, he details the emotional and financial considerations that come into play and emphasizes having a clear exit strategy for underperforming assets.00:00 Introduction: Should You Sell Your Rental Properties?01:03 Investor Insights: Return on Equity03:12 Analyzing Rental Property Performance05:07 Reevaluating Investments: The Annie Duke Approach07:23 Practical Steps for Property Owners12:39 Advanced Strategies 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.
506. How Smart Investors Are Pivoting After the Commercial Real Estate Crash
30:27||Ep. 506📚 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, our guest revisits a podcast where they delve into various aspects of the real estate investment landscape. Topics include the highs and lows of commercial real estate, the impact of interest rates, strategies for sourcing deals, lessons from personal investment journeys, and their new book 'The Wealth Elevator'. They also discuss the importance of personal relationships in investing, market cycles, diversification strategies, and long-term goals. The conversation provides valuable insights for both seasoned and aspiring investors.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Replay Announcement00:32 Upcoming Events and Surveys01:54 Podcast Interview Begins02:27 Current State of Commercial Real Estate06:08 Investment Strategies and Market Cycles12:16 New Book and Personal Investment Journey18:47 Family Office Operations and Networking21:43 Future Investment Goals and Market Insights27:30 Closing Thoughts and Book PromotionConnect 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.