Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

The number one issue Justin Lovett sees right now is that a lot of times people don't really dig into the numbers deeply or underwrite them correctly.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Dallas-Fort Worth real estate investor Justin to dive into one of the biggest mistakes investors make today by failing to properly underwrite deals.

Listen as they discuss how shifting market conditions forced him to rethink his business and the strategies that have helped him stay profitable through changing markets. Enjoy the show!

You'll Learn How To:

• Adapt your real estate business
• Reduce risk by underwriting deals more accurately
• Build wealth through real estate

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(02:45) What does Justin's business look like?

(03:55) The Price Launch Partnership Program

(05:39) Why he shifted away from relying solely on fix-and-flips

(10:11) Navigating the market that didn't go your way

(14:03) Never lose money

(14:40) Longevity vs trying to avoid every loss

(16:50) The key to getting the deal is to understand the deal

(18:02) The two skills Justin believes every successful fix-and-flip investor must master

(19:33) His construction experience

(20:40) Importance of numbers in construction

(23:39) Building wealth through real estate

(24:42) Wealth building is using seller financing

(27:34) Poor underwriting is still the biggest mistake investors make today

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors who are navigating a changing market
• Fix-and-flip investors who are looking to reduce costly mistakes
• Entrepreneurs who want to build a more resilient real estate business

Why You Should Listen:

Justin Lovett shares practical lessons from years of experience, explaining why adaptability, disciplined underwriting, and smart decision-making are what keep investors successful over the long run.

Connect with Justin Lovett:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lovett-08074a13/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Many business owners have heard the advice: "Don't take business advice from your accountant."

But is that really true?

In this episode, Marcus Crigler takes a closer look at that common belief and explains why the right accountant should be more than someone who prepares tax returns.

Marcus shares why some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs started their careers in accounting, and why combining financial insight with business vision can be a powerful advantage for real estate investors and business owners alike.

You'll Learn How To:

• Understand why the best accountants go beyond filing tax returns
• Build a stronger relationship with your accountant
• Use financial data to make better business decisions
• Find an advisor who helps you grow

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(01:58) Common myth: Don't take business advice from your accountant

(03:02) The common criticism that accountants only look at the past

(05:02) Should accountants give business advice?

(07:13) Successful business leaders who started as accountants

(09:53) Why accounting isn't just about math

(10:57) The "sixth sense" experienced accountants develop

(11:22) The problem of staying silent when problems are obvious

(13:25) Accountants not giving business advice is the problem

(14:57) The future belongs to accountants who become true business partners

Who This Episode Is For:

• Business owners looking for more than tax preparation
• Anyone frustrated with an accountant
• Entrepreneurs who want better financial insight

Why You Should Listen:

This episode explains why that perspective matters and why working with an advisor who helps you understand your numbers can make a significant difference in your long-term success.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

In this episode, Marcus Crigler joins the Collective Genius podcast live from Dallas, Texas, to share the financial principles that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those who stay stuck in the hustle cycle.

Drawing from years of working with top investors across the country, Marcus explains why building wealth isn't just about doing more deals but about managing your money the right way.

He introduces the "Straight Line Wealth Formula" and shares why securing your financial foundation is the step many entrepreneurs skip before trying to scale.

You'll Learn How To:

• Build financial stability before scaling
• Stop confusing revenue with real profit
• Understand the difference between hustling and building wealth
• Focus on net profit instead of just growing revenue

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(02:04) Translating deals into profit

(02:24) Financial peace vs. financial freedom

(03:47) Why so many people struggle with the basics as an entrepreneur

(04:15) Why entrepreneurs overcomplicate business

(05:37) Money creates financial peace

(06:43) The importance of staying lean

(08:13) The Straight Line Wealth Formula

(09:02) The missing step between hustling and scaling

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate business owners who are looking to scale
• Entrepreneurs who are struggling with cash flow
• Business owners who are focused on long-term wealth
• Anyone who wants to build a financially healthy business

Why You Should Listen:

If you are ready to move beyond the hustle and build a business that truly supports your life, this conversation is worth listening to.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

In this final episode of this tax strategy series, Marcus Crigler and tax partner Kaden Hackney wrap things up by sharing the process they use to help real estate entrepreneurs reduce taxes and build long-term wealth.

Listen as they explain why every tax strategy is different, why the right business structure matters, and how smart planning can create better financial decisions.

Enjoy the show!

You'll Learn How To:

• Build a tax strategy that fits your business
• Maximize tax-saving opportunities
• Focus on wealth-building instead of simply paying less in taxes
• Make informed financial decisions

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(02:15) 2026 is where real tax planning begins

(05:30) The three-step tax planning process

(06:02) Entrepreneur tax strategies explained

(07:19) Paying zero taxes isn't always the goal

(11:37) Entity structure comes first in the process of tax-saving strategies

(13:31) How technology is improving tax planning

(14:16) 70 major tax-saving categories and strategies

(16:32) Communication effectiveness tool

(18:03) Every tax strategy is unique

(20:43) The biggest takeaway from the series

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs who are looking for overlooked tax-saving opportunities
• Real estate owners who are facing high tax bills
• Business owners who want a proactive approach to tax planning

Why You Should Listen:

Marcus and Kaden explain how a solid business structure, proactive planning, and informed decision-making can help real estate entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn and build wealth over time.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

You can unlock valuable tax savings even if you are building something inside your real estate business, like your own software, AI tools, or internal systems.

In the final episode of this tax strategy series, Marcus Crigler is joined by tax partner Kaden Hackney to break down one of the most overlooked opportunities available to real estate entrepreneurs.

Listen as they explain what the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit is all about,  how it can apply to innovative real estate businesses, and what kinds of projects may qualify.

Enjoy the show!

You'll Learn How To:

• Understand what the R&D Tax Credit is
• Identify projects inside your business that may qualify
• Track development time and expenses correctly
• Take advantage of recent tax law changes

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(03:49) What the R&D Tax Credit is

(05:31) What type of expense is an R&D type expense

(07:34) AI tools, software, and custom systems can create tax opportunities

(09:46) How business owners can document their own development time

(11:05) Applying this tax strategy in 2026

(12:35) Recent tax law changes that make R&D deductions more valuable

(14:00) Final thoughts from the seven-part tax strategy series

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate investors building custom business systems
• House flippers using AI or automation
• Business owners creating internal tools
• Entrepreneurs looking for overlooked tax-saving opportunities

Why You Should Listen:

If you are developing software, AI workflows, or proprietary systems inside your business, you may qualify for deductions and tax credits that could significantly reduce your tax bill. This episode explains the basics, highlights recent tax law updates, and helps you understand whether it's worth exploring with your CPA or tax advisor.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

In Part 6 of the Tax Strategy Series, Marcus Crigler explains how the choice between cash-basis and accrual-basis accounting can affect when income is recognized and taxed.

Listen as Marcus breaks down the differences between cash and accrual accounting in simple terms, explains how coaching revenue is treated under each method, and shares why some business owners may be paying taxes on income before they've fully delivered their services.

You'll Learn How To:

• Understand the difference between cash-basis and accrual-basis accounting
• Recognize how coaching revenue is taxed under each method
• Identify situations where accrual accounting may lower current-year taxable income
• Evaluate whether changing accounting methods could benefit your business

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(03:40) The growing connection between real estate and coaching businesses

(05:01) Cash basis vs. accrual basis accounting explained

(06:16) How accrual basis accounting works for coaching businesses

(07:37) Evaluating what strategy could work for you

(08:51) Important limitations before making the switch

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate investors who offer coaching services
• Entrepreneurs who receive large upfront payments for services
• Coaches interested in improving tax efficiency

Why You Should Listen:

Even if this approach doesn't apply to your business today, understanding the difference between cash and accrual accounting can help you make smarter financial decisions in the future.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Most investors assume that once the tax year is over, there’s nothing left they can do to reduce their tax bill.

In this episode of Marcus Crigler's Tax Strategy Series, he shares another powerful tax strategy that can help real estate investors uncover deductions they may have missed.

Marcus breaks down the often-overlooked "263A adjustment" and explains how certain holding costs may be deducted now rather than waiting until a property is sold.

Listen and enjoy the show!

You'll Learn How To:

• Understand what a 263A adjustment is
• Identify holding costs that may qualify for immediate deductions
• Reduce taxable income even after the tax year has ended
• Find overlooked deductions hiding on your balance sheet

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(02:00) How to reduce your taxable income

(03:42) What a 263A adjustment actually means

(05:44) The holding costs many investors miss

(06:47) Who qualifies for this tax strategy

(07:50) A real-life example that saved $20,000 in taxes

(09:41) Tax savings can fuel future growth

(10:45) The investors who should pay attention to this strategy

Who This Episode Is For:

• Rehabber and developer holding inventory properties
• Investors who are looking to reduce tax liabilities
• Entrepreneurs who want better cash flow and tax planning

Why You Should Listen:

This episode highlights a strategy that could uncover thousands of dollars in missed deductions and help reduce your tax burden.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Most real estate investors focus on finding more deals, scaling faster, and growing revenue. But according to CPA and CFO Marcus Crigler, many entrepreneurs skip the financial foundation needed to build lasting wealth.

In this episode, Marcus joins Brandon Bateman to break down the common mistakes investors make when scaling, the importance of having a clear wealth-building strategy, and why cash reserves matter.

If you are a real estate entrepreneur looking to strengthen your finances, improve cash flow, and build long-term wealth, this episode offers practical advice you can apply immediately. Listen and enjoy the show!

You'll Learn How To:

• Build a strong financial foundation before scaling your business
• Create a wealth-building strategy
• Manage cash flow more effectively
• Avoid common scaling mistakes that hurt profitability

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(01:15) Marcus’ background in real estate accounting

(03:58) The financial foundation most investors overlook

(04:40) First part of financial foundation: Cash

(05:14) Second part of financial foundation: Debt

(06:19) Good debt vs bad debt

(07:19) Four phases of entrepreneurship

(09:10) Wealth-building strategy investors should follow

(10:28) The three-times fixed expense rule

(13:35) What counts as a fixed expense

(16:14) Paying yourself consistently as a business owner

(19:20) Industry profitability trends

(27:25) The key reasons real estate businesses struggle with cash flow

(30:23) Why fix-and-flip businesses need a financing arm

(34:09) Running wholesaling and flipping as separate businesses

(36:27) The most underrated investment for business owners

(38:41) The three expense categories every entrepreneur should track

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate investors looking to improve cash flow
• Entrepreneurs preparing to scale their business
• Business owners who are looking to build a stronger financial foundation

Why You Should Listen:

This episode provides a practical framework for managing cash, reducing risk, and building a business that supports long-term financial freedom. Marcus shares real-world lessons from working with hundreds of real estate entrepreneurs and offers strategies that can help you grow without sacrificing stability.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Many investors replace roofs, HVAC systems, flooring, windows, and other major building components without realizing they may still be depreciating the old assets they removed years ago.

In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler reveals one of the most overlooked tax-saving opportunities available to real estate investors: partial disposition elections.

Today, he explains how a partial disposition strategy can help investors write off the remaining value of retired assets, resulting in significant deductions that can reduce current-year tax liability.

Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Identify hidden deductions in your rental property portfolio
• Use partial disposition elections
• Maximize deductions from capital improvements

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(02:12) Strategy for reducing 2025 tax liability in 2026

(04:16) The overlooked deduction in replaced property components

(05:00) What a partial disposition election actually does

(06:29) Writing off the remaining value of an old roof

(07:40) Applying the strategy to flooring, HVAC systems, countertops, and more

(08:24) The partial dispositions strategy can eliminate future depreciation recapture

(10:05) Partial dispositions must be elected annually

(11:02) Documentation and records needed to support the deduction

(12:19) Investors can still use this strategy before filing their 2025 returns

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors with rental property portfolios
• Landlords who replaced roofs, HVAC systems, flooring, or windows
• Property owners looking for additional tax deductions

Why You Should Listen:

Marcus explains how investors can uncover deductions that may already exist in their portfolios, reduce taxable income, and potentially avoid future depreciation recapture, all by properly accounting for assets that have already been removed and replaced.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler shares another strategy that you need to be aware of to save money in 2025.

He reveals one of the most overlooked tax-saving opportunities available to real estate investors, how investors can potentially unlock years of missed deductions without amending prior tax returns, and why strategic tax planning is about much more than simply reducing taxes today.

Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Recover missed depreciation
• Use Form 3115 to claim deductions
• Turn old properties into new tax-saving opportunities
• Strategically time deductions to maximize tax savings

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:24) There are still tax-saving opportunities after the year ends

(03:12) Proactive tax planning versus reactive tax strategy

(04:44) A real-life case study of an investor facing a large tax bill

(06:29) Recovering over $340,000 in missed depreciation

(07:08) What Form 3115 and a Section 481(a) adjustment actually do

(08:17) Review your depreciation schedule

(09:20) Form 3115 and 481A adjustment explained

(12:05) Important filing deadlines

(14:11) Older properties can still generate valuable deductions

(16:30) Tax planning is not about one year; it is about multiple years

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors who own properties purchased years ago
• Entrepreneurs facing high tax bills
• Anyone looking to maximize deductions

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a great reminder that smart tax planning isn’t just about filing returns. It is about understanding how and when to use the tools available to build wealth more efficiently.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler