📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master

🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club

The host interviews mortgage expert Jen Hernandez to get an update on the residential mortgage landscape after 2020, focusing on one-to-four unit properties and what single-family investors and homeowners are seeing in 2026. Jen explains that rates nearly doubled quickly in 2022 and have hovered in the low 6% range for about six months, with forecasts from major institutions (Fannie/Freddie and large banks) calling for mostly flat movement and possibly high-5% rates, but no major drops expected. She notes that historically very low rates have coincided with government “rescue” periods, and suggests watching the 7- and 10-year treasuries because mortgage pricing tracks those longer-term bond instruments more closely than the Fed’s overnight rate. They discuss the common misconception that Fed cuts immediately lower mortgage rates, and Jen explains how bond-market behavior, investor risk appetite, and the inverse relationship between stocks and bonds can move mortgage rates differently from the Fed funds rate.

Jen gives practical guidance on whether to buy now versus wait, emphasizing that the answer depends on local market conditions; in Houston/Texas she’s seeing some price suppression, more seller negotiation, and opportunities for closing-cost credits or rate buydowns. She argues that a 6% rate is not bad historically and that buyers can refinance later, while purchasing during softer pricing may allow for future appreciation. The conversation then shifts to investor lending options, including DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans that rely on market rent rather than full income documentation, can allow financing in an LLC, and may offer rates that are sometimes better than conventional—though typically with a 2–3 year prepayment penalty and baked-in points (around 1.5%). Jen outlines DSCR qualification constraints, especially the need for market rent to cover PITI(A), which can push required down payments from 20% to 25% in high tax/insurance areas like Texas.

They cover appraisal and rent trend observations in Houston (generally stable, with some appraisals coming in at or above price), discuss when investor “experience” matters (primarily when using rental income from tax returns to offset debt), and explain the lending ecosystem: big banks/servicers, direct lenders who underwrite and fund in-house, and brokers who connect borrowers to lenders but don’t control underwriting or timelines. Jen details reserve requirements for investment loans (typically 3–6 months of PITI(A), often across all mortgaged properties), warns that consumer credit scores from apps may differ from mortgage FICO models, and recommends getting prequalified months in advance to optimize credit and terms. Finally, they touch on high-net-worth purchase behavior in Houston (cash purchases, leveraging investment lines, recasts, ARM usage), personal views on leverage, and how to contact Jen via loanwithjen.com, noting she can lend in 42 states and can refer trusted contacts elsewhere.

00:00 Mortgage Market Snapshot

00:49 Rates After 2020

02:22 Tracking Rates Like Pros

04:12 Fed vs Treasury Explained

08:22 Buy Now or Wait

12:19 DSCR Loans and Down Payments

16:50 Appraisals and Rent Data

19:15 Direct Lenders vs Brokers

23:31 Reserves and Credit Prep

27:38 How Wealthy Buyers Finance

30:44 Wrap Up and Contact Info

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master

🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club

In this episode, we dive deep into the strategy of investing tax-free into startups and operating businesses using Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). Joined by CPA Thomas Jones from Sweeney Conrad, we explore the intricacies behind QSBS, part of tax section 1202, that offers potential tax-free gains up to $15 million on eligible stock held for a minimum period. We discuss the eligibility criteria, the types of businesses that can benefit, different investor scenarios, and potential pitfalls to watch out for. Learn how to effectively leverage QSBS for significant tax savings and make informed investment decisions, whether you're an angel investor or a business owner.

00:00 Introduction to Tax-Free Investing in Startups

00:28 Meet the Expert: CPA Thomas Jones

01:04 Understanding QSBS: Qualified Small Business Stock

03:15 Industries and Use Cases for QSBS

06:34 Asset vs. Stock Sales: Key Differences

12:09 Investor Considerations and Tax Benefits

25:00 Advanced Strategies and Pitfalls

35:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator

Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016.

Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/master

🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club

Join us in today's podcast as we provide a comprehensive update on the multifamily real estate market. We'll cover the market's recent history and predict where it's headed, focusing on key changes in prices, demand, rental growth, and supply. We'll also discuss the importance of long-term fundamentals and interest rate expectations. If you're interested in gaining more insights, attending private events, or participating in live webinars, visit wwealthelevator.com/club. Don't miss our live webinar on February 18th, 2026, for goal-setting strategies. Additionally, mark your calendars for our in-person event in Denver, Colorado, in March 2026.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:10 Upcoming Events and Webinars

01:18 Multifamily Market Update

01:52 Key Takeaways on Prices and Demand

03:11 Rent Growth and Market Dynamics

05:00 Supply Pipeline and Construction Challenges

06:34 Long-term Fundamentals and Interest Rates

09:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator

Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016.

Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.