From Tax Breaks to Bitcoin: Policy Changes Every Real Estate Investor Should Know

On this episode of the Real Estate Education Podcast, Aaron and James break down the return of 100% bonus depreciation for short-term rental investors, now made permanent under the new tax bill. They explain how this powerful tax strategy—often called the "STR loophole"—allows qualifying investors to accelerate depreciation deductions and offset their W2 income, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars annually. Using real-world examples, they walk through the three key steps to implement this strategy and discuss why it's exclusive to STRs versus traditional long-term rentals.

The hosts also explore a significant shift in mortgage lending: how the Federal Housing Finance Agency is directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to include cryptocurrency assets in loan qualification processes. Drawing from recent industry reports showing 5.4% of homebuyers now sell crypto for down payments, they discuss the implications of treating volatile digital assets similarly to tech stocks in mortgage underwriting, while weighing the benefits for younger buyers against potential risks to financial stability.
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Also in this episode:

• Why bonus depreciation works for STRs but not traditional rentals (hint: it's about active vs. passive income)
• The difference between cost segregation studies and 100% bonus depreciation
• Real example of a Miami buyer who lost 12% of his crypto value during forced liquidation
• How crypto reserves compare to stock holdings in mortgage qualification
• The tension between supporting small business investors and addressing housing affordability

Whether you're a high-income earner looking for tax relief, an STR investor wanting to maximize deductions, or curious about how cryptocurrency is changing real estate financing, this episode provides the insights you need. The hosts remind listeners that while they may have political reservations about some tax policies, understanding and legally utilizing available strategies remains important for individual financial success.

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