Episodios

  • #611 Real Estate Privacy Under Fire: FinCEN’s New Reporting Rule Explained
    Feb 27 2026

    Privacy is under attack again — and real estate investors need to pay attention. A new federal rule tied to FinCEN and the Corporate Transparency Act now requires certain residential real estate transfers to file a Real Estate Report disclosing personal information of LLC owners. If you’re transferring property to an LLC, buying with cash, or using creative financing without a bank involved, this could apply to you starting March 1st.

    In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down exactly when this new reporting requirement is triggered, what information must be disclosed, and the penalties for non-compliance. They also explain key exemptions — including the trust exception — and walk through potential privacy strategies using land trusts, Wyoming LLCs, and layered entity structures to help protect your name while staying compliant. If you own rental property or are actively investing in real estate, this is critical information.

    Make sure you understand the rules before your next transfer. Subscribe for weekly tax and legal strategies, leave a comment with your questions, and share this episode with other real estate investors who need to know about this change!

    You’ll Learn:

    • What the new FinCEN Real Estate Report is and why it’s being enforced
    • The three specific scenarios that trigger this new federal reporting requirement
    • What personal information must be disclosed (and who has to report it)
    • How this rule connects to the Corporate Transparency Act and beneficial ownership reporting
    • Which real estate transactions are exempt — including the trust exception
    • The risks and penalties for failing to comply
    • How transferring property to an LLC is still critical for asset protection
    • Practical privacy strategies using trusts and Wyoming LLCs
    • How to balance state-level privacy with federal reporting requirements
    • Smart next steps to stay compliant without sacrificing asset protection or overpaying for entity setups

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp611-fincen-real-estate-report

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    21 m
  • #610 Earn Passive Income Through Rental Real Estate Investing (feat. Dustin Heiner)
    Feb 25 2026

    What if you could build real passive income from rental properties without becoming a landlord glued to your phone? In this episode, Mark J. Kohler interviews real estate investor and educator Dustin Heiner to break down how beginner investors can build a rental real estate business that generates consistent cash flow — without doing all the work themselves.

    Dustin shares how getting laid off pushed him to rethink everything, how he scaled to 30+ single-family homes and nearly 1,000 apartment units, and why most new investors make a critical mistake by buying property first instead of building the business first. You’ll learn why cash flow beats appreciation, how to find and properly vet property managers, how to invest out of state, and how to structure your real estate investing so you work less — not more — as you grow.

    If you’re a beginner real estate investor looking to escape the 9–5, build passive income, and create long-term financial freedom through rental properties, this episode will give you a practical roadmap to get started the right way!

    You’ll learn:

    • Why building the business before buying the property is the key to true passive income
    • The biggest mistake beginner investors make when starting in rental real estate
    • How to create consistent monthly cash flow instead of gambling on appreciation
    • Why your property manager is the “quarterback” of your investing business
    • How to properly interview and vet property managers before you buy
    • The difference between owning rentals and owning a rental business
    • How to structure partnerships the right way (and when to avoid them)
    • Why cash flow investing helped Dustin thrive during the 2008 crash
    • A practical roadmap beginners can follow to build long-term financial freedom through rental properties

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp610-dustin-heiner-passive-income-with-rental-real-estate

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    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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    35 m
  • #609 Should You Contribute to Your Traditional IRA, or Go Roth Instead?
    Feb 20 2026

    Should you take the tax deduction today… or build tax-free wealth for tomorrow? In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the Roth vs. Traditional IRA debate and explain why the “lower tax bracket in retirement” argument doesn’t always hold up in the real world.

    They walk through the math, the mindset, and the long-term strategy behind both options — including inheritance planning, self-directing for higher returns, tax rate uncertainty, flexibility in retirement, and why most entrepreneurs don’t actually earn less in retirement. You’ll also learn how the backdoor Roth IRA works for high-income earners and how to use creative tax strategies to offset Roth conversions.

    If you’re rushing to make a last-minute IRA contribution before the tax deadline, this episode could change your decision. Make sure you understand the long-term consequences before chasing a short-term deduction!

    You’ll learn:

    • The real difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA — and why the math isn’t the whole story
    • Why the “you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement” argument often fails for entrepreneurs and investors
    • How paying taxes on the seed vs. the harvest dramatically impacts long-term wealth
    • Why a Roth IRA can be the most powerful asset to leave to your kids
    • How high-income earners can legally use the backdoor Roth IRA strategy
    • When a Traditional IRA might still make sense — and how to use both strategically
    • How to create offsetting tax strategies to fund a Roth without increasing your tax burden
    • Why contributing early (not just before the deadline) can significantly increase long-term returns

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp609-traditional-vs-roth-ira

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    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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    30 m
  • #608 Contrarian Real Estate investing in 2026 with Jamison Manwaring
    Feb 13 2026

    We challenge the fear cycle around real estate and show why disciplined contrarian buying can work in 2026. We walk through real multifamily distress, market absorption, and why basis and debt terms now matter more than flashy rent growth.

    • rates rising and bridge debt resets driving distress in capital stacks
    • absorption trends in Phoenix versus oversupply in Austin and Dallas
    • why coastal markets improved due to scarce new supply
    • buying stabilized, well‑located multifamily at 30–40% discounts
    • fixed agency debt and conservative leverage restoring cash flow
    • where single‑family rentals struggle against concessions
    • submarket selection and vintage risk to avoid capex traps
    • office at deep discounts to replacement and reposition strategies
    • timing the cycle with data, not emotion
    • our plan to expand beyond Phoenix while staying selective

    You can learn more about Jamison and Neighborhood Ventures Here - https://neighborhood.ventures/


    Please make sure you are subscribed to the podcast or the YouTube channel where these interviews play as well. Give it thumbs up, five stars, whatever you can do to help spread the good word.


    • Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
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    33 m
  • #607 Open Forum — Tax Expert Answers Your Most Difficult Tax & Legal Questions!
    Jan 30 2026

    Are you making smart tax and legal decisions, or leaving money on the table without realizing it? In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler tackles your toughest questions and breaks down real-world tax strategies, asset protection myths, and retirement planning mistakes that business owners and investors face every day.

    From selling million-dollar collectibles and avoiding unnecessary taxes, to understanding how S Corporations can impact Social Security benefits later in life, Mark tackles listener questions with practical, no-nonsense advice. You’ll learn why LLCs don’t magically reduce taxes, how charitable remainder trusts really work, and when trusts actually make sense — and when they’re a complete waste of money.

    If you’re a small business owner, investor, or high-income professional looking to legally reduce taxes, protect assets, and build long-term wealth, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now!

    You’ll learn:

    • Why setting up an LLC or corporation won’t help you avoid capital gains taxes when selling high-value collectibles
    • When trusts actually make sense for asset protection—and when they’re an expensive mistake
    • Why Social Security has diminishing returns for high earners and how S Corporations change the math
    • The rules around depreciated equipment and why you can’t “reset” depreciation with a new entity
    • How self-rental real estate strategies can unlock powerful deductions for business owners
    • What counts as a prohibited transaction inside IRAs and Solo 401(k)s—and what doesn’t

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp607-open-forum-toughest-tax-and-legal-questions

    • Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
    • Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!
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    31 m
  • #606 Open Forum - Tax Strategies for Small Businesses in 2026
    Jan 16 2026

    In this Open Forum episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen tackle real-world tax, legal, and business questions straight from small business owners and investors. From S corporations and QBI deductions to rental real estate, asset protection myths, HSAs, and retirement account strategies, this episode cuts through bad advice and explains what actually works under current IRS rules.

    The discussion covers common traps like trying to deduct personal investing as a business, relying on so-called “privacy trusts” for asset protection, and using AI or the IRS hotline for nuanced tax advice. Mark and Mat break down why some strategies are too good to be true, how to properly structure entities across states, and what business owners should focus on in 2026 to build wealth while staying compliant.

    If you’re a business owner, investor, or high-income professional looking to understand tax strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection the right way, this episode is packed with practical guidance and hard truths. Subscribe for more expert breakdowns, drop your questions for future open forums, and check out the next episode to keep leveling up your tax and business strategy!

    You’ll Learn:

    • How S corporations and the QBI deduction really work for small business owners in 2026 — and when they don’t save you money.
    • Why treating personal investing as a business deduction is a tax mistake and what you can deduct legitimately.
    • The truth about asset protection strategies, “privacy trusts,” and when a holding company structure actually makes sense.
    • How to legally pay family members (like your children) through your business and what the IRS expects.
    • What the IRS Hot Topics are right now — from HSAs and retirement plans to rental real estate tax benefits.
    • How to avoid common pitfalls with solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and mixed-income strategies that cost people real dollars.
    • Practical, experience-based answers to real listener questions instead of theoretical or generic advice.

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp606-open-forum-small-business-strategies-2026

    • Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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    48 m
  • #605 The 8-Step Strategic Plan Every Entrepreneur Needs for 2026
    Jan 9 2026

    Most entrepreneurs set goals every year… and most of them fail to follow through. In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down their proven, real-world process for building a strategic plan that actually works in 2026 and beyond.

    You’ll learn how to think long-term without burning out short-term, why writing your plan down is non-negotiable, and how to reverse-engineer a 10-year vision into realistic one-year action steps. Mark and Mat walk through their exact eight-step framework, covering SMART goals, realistic capacity checks, quarterly execution, accountability, and why sharing your plan with your spouse or board can make or break your success.

    If you’re a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur who wants clarity, focus, and momentum this year, this episode gives you a practical blueprint you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more Main Street business strategy, leave a comment with your 2026 goal, and check out future episodes for execution and scaling tactics!

    You’ll learn:

    • Why most entrepreneurs overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what’s possible in ten
    • How to create a clear 10-year vision and reverse-engineer it into realistic 5-, 3-, and 1-year goals
    • The importance of writing your strategic plan down and why pen-to-paper thinking changes execution
    • How to use SMART goals to avoid vague plans that never get finished
    • When taking a step back financially is the smartest move for long-term growth
    • How to break big objectives into bite-sized, actionable steps you can actually complete
    • Why quarterly planning and realistic scheduling matter more than motivation
    • How accountability, board meetings, and sharing your plan with your spouse can dramatically improve results
    • Why your strategic plan should be flexible, reviewed regularly, and adjusted without guilt

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp605-create-your-annual-strategic-plan

    • Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
    • Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!
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    27 m
  • #604 Year-End Equipment Purchases — When They Save Taxes (And When They Don't!)
    Dec 5 2025

    Buying a new truck or piece of equipment before December 31 can feel like the ultimate year-end tax hack, but this episode breaks down why that decision can either save you thousands or create a painful tax bill you never saw coming. Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen walk through the real math behind deductions, bonus depreciation, basis, and business-use percentages so you don’t fall into the traps many business owners hit when rushing into a purchase for the write-off. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy now, wait, or skip the purchase altogether, this conversation gives you the clarity you need.

    You’ll learn how tax brackets, depreciation schedules, and financing choices impact your allowable deduction, why bonus depreciation isn’t always the smartest move, and how S-corp basis affects whether you can deduct anything at all. The guys also explain year-end timing strategies, the time value of money, and how to prioritize deductions that actually move the needle—while avoiding the mindset of treating tax planning like a last-minute school assignment.

    If you want to make smart year-end decisions, hit like and subscribe for more practical tax and wealth-building strategies. Have a question about your specific situation? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re considering a major purchase before December 31, watch this episode before heading to the dealership or equipment lot.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to avoid the biggest year-end tax mistakes business owners make when rushing to buy equipment or a new truck
    • Why “just because you can doesn’t mean you should” is the most important rule in year-end tax planning
    • The difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit, and why confusing the two leads to expensive decisions
    • How to calculate whether a year-end equipment purchase actually saves you money after factoring in your tax bracket
    • Why business-use percentage determines whether your vehicle deduction is $100,000 or $30,000
    • Why 100% bonus depreciation can become a trap if you finance equipment without having basis in your S corporation
    • Why contractors, doctors, and other high-income earners should not automatically take bonus depreciation in one year

    Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!!

    Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp604-year-end-equipment-purchases

    • Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
    • You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
    • Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
    • Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
    • Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
    • Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!
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    30 m