Mark Kohler is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, attorney, CPA, and the founding and senior partner at KKOS Lawyers. Specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning, Mark has helped thousands of small business owners and investors align their tax strategies with their real estate and business goals. He is also the host of The Main Street Business Podcast and Directed IRA Podcast, educating entrepreneurs on practical ways to build wealth and save taxes.

 

 

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Key Takeaways

• The difference between an accountant, tax advisor, and tax lawyer—and why you need all three working together

• Four main “lanes” of real estate investing and the tax advantages for each

• Why turnkey real estate can be risky without proper oversight

• The benefits of using retirement accounts for real estate investing

• Common mistakes investors make with self-directed IRAs

 

 

Topics

From Entrepreneur to Tax and Legal Strategist

• Mark’s journey from lemonade stand kid to CPA, attorney, and business owner

• Why having a business mindset matters in tax and legal advising

• His personal investing experience in multifamily, commercial, and other asset classes

Four Lanes of Real Estate Tax Benefits

• Active real estate professional: S corporations and daily operations

• Retirement account investing for tax-free or tax-deferred growth

• Passive ownership for cash flow and deferred depreciation benefits

• Self-rental and short-term rental strategies for tax advantages

Aligning Tax and Real Estate Strategies

• Importance of starting with a tax lawyer to build a plan

• Coordinating between lawyer and accountant to avoid conflicting advice

• Examples of combining asset protection, tax benefits, and investment goals

Self-Directed IRAs and Retirement Accounts

• How to use retirement accounts to invest in real estate and alternative assets

• Prohibited transactions and common pitfalls

• Pooling accounts and using leverage for larger deals

From Compliance to Advisory

• Why most accountants are stuck in compliance mode

• How tax advisors elevate your strategy beyond tax preparation

• The role of education and continuous planning in saving taxes

 

 

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

 

 

Round of Insights

Failure that set Mark up for success: Reinvesting all profits back into his business instead of buying real estate—until he began allocating annual profits to property acquisitions.

Digital or mobile resource: iTunes — to find and follow podcasts that educate and inspire.

Book recommendation: Traction by Gino Wickman.

Daily habit: Reading scriptures every morning.

#1 Insight for maximizing your tax strategy: Regular conversations and planning about taxes.

Favorite restaurant in Utah: Dairy Keen.

 

 

Next Steps

• Visit markjkohler.com

• Listen to the Main Street Business Podcast and Directed IRA Podcast

• Explore services at kkoslawyers.com and directedira.com

 

 

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