Real Estate
Real Estate Tax Strategy
Real estate has genuine tax advantages. Depreciation, cost segregation, and 1031 exchanges are real tools with real impact. But they work within a specific set of rules that most content glosses over.
These articles explain what each strategy actually requires, who it works for, and when the math does not work — starting with the investment fundamentals, not the tax benefit.
Core rule: Never buy real estate only to save taxes. Every property must make sense on cash flow, risk, debt, and exit liquidity before tax benefits are considered.
Depreciation, passive loss rules, STR strategy, REP status — what each one does, who it works for, and what most content glosses over.
Full after-tax comparison with worked example — leverage, depreciation, cash flow, appreciation, recapture, and honest conclusion.
Depreciation and Passive Loss Rules
SoonHow depreciation works, why most W-2 earners cannot use rental losses, and the exceptions.
7-day average test, material participation, 500-hour requirement, documentation, and audit risk.
750-hour test, more-than-half rule, spouse strategy, and what triggers audits.
Reclassification mechanics, bonus depreciation rates, NPV analysis, and recapture on exit.
45/180-day rules, qualified intermediary, basis mechanics, boot, and when it does not make sense.
Tax Liens
Month 4State-by-state research framework, yield analysis, and the risks most beginners ignore.