@Gordon Mer Google Frank Alcini CPA, with Strategic Planning Advisors LLC

Everyone talks about scaling.Almost no one talks about how important the first property really is.In my experience, the first deal sets the tone for everything that follows — financially, emotionally, and strategically.

As you may have already heard from RE investor gurus and even a simple Google search would say that paying cash isn’t the most strategic move.

Under the right circumstances, self-rental rules can work in your favor.Under the wrong setup, they can create tax consequences you didn’t expect.Most business owners don’t realize that how you structure rent between entities can affect:How income is classifiedWhether losses are passive or non-passiveAnd how the IRS views the activity altogetherIf you don’t understand the rules, this could quietly cost you thousands.But if structured properly, it can be a strategic move.Investor mindset isn’t just about buying assets.It’s about understanding how those assets interact.For those who own both an operating business and the real estate it runs out of — have you ever looked closely at how the self-rental rules apply to you?

If it were me, I’d clean up the car loans and the HELOC first, get the house stabilized (especially with the roof and updates coming), then use a HELOC strategically for the next acquisition, not to consolidate debt.

I’d love strategic input from those who have scaled through multifamily.My Current SituationI’m finishing a duplex build on my current property (will be 3 units total) and I’m planning to sell and 1031 exchange (not refinance).  

I’m partnered with a powerhouse team that provides strategic funding solutions — including commercial and residential EMD funding, double closes, and down payment support for seller carryback structures (Morby Method).I’ve established connections with several commercial multi-property sellers and am focused on expanding my buyer network to lock in solid, win-win deals.

To build on that, the strategic value for me has been treating a quality cost segregation study not just as a compliance step, but as a capital planning tool....  

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Happy to answer any questions.

What won’t matter much is the label of “business” versus something adjacent.If I were in your shoes, I would:- Get licensed- Work around high-volume operators or investment brokers- Invest small and often- Use school strategically, not passivelyReal-world reps compound faster than classroom theory in this space.You’re already ahead by thinking about this intentionally.