In this episode of Dead Presidents Club, I sit down with CPA and real estate tax strategist Amanda Han to unpack some of the most powerful tax strategies available to investors today. We discuss self-directed IRAs, depreciation, cost segregation, the short-term rental tax loophole, and why so many investors are paying more in taxes than they need to. Amanda also shares common mistakes she sees investors make, how to think about tax planning the right way, and why waiting until tax season is often too late. Whether you're buying your first rental property or already building a portfolio, this conversation will help you understand how the tax code can become one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available. You'll walk away with:

• How self-directed IRAs can be used for real estate investing
• The pros and cons of using leverage inside retirement accounts
• How depreciation creates tax savings even when properties are appreciating
• The short-term rental loophole explained simply
• When tax planning makes sense (and when it doesn't)
• Common mistakes investors make that cost them thousands in taxes

Everyone says they want financial freedom—but what if they really don’t? In this episode, Michael sits down with Michael Ketchen and Cam Cathcart to unpack the hard truth that many entrepreneurs create the very prisons they were trying to escape. From scaling businesses and flipping hundreds of homes to building intentional lives, they share the lessons they’ve learned about time, money, relationships, and purpose. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own success, this conversation might change the way you think about building wealth. You'll learn:

• Why playing small is actually the biggest risk
• How to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it
• The power of intentional relationships and accountability
• Why rental properties alone won’t create financial freedom
• The mindset shifts that separate good investors from great ones

After building a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio, I found myself facing a problem I never expected: my team wasn't bought into the vision. On paper, everything looked great. We were buying properties, growing companies, and making progress. But during a leadership retreat, my team challenged me with a simple question: What are we actually building toward? The truth is, I didn't have a great answer. In this episode, I share the conversation that forced me to rethink everything, why "making money" isn't a compelling mission, and how finding alignment completely changed the direction of our businesses. I talk about the mistakes we made, the lessons we learned, and how a new vision has opened the door to opportunities we never would have seen otherwise. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure about what's next, this episode is for you. You'll learn: • Why making money isn't a compelling vision • How alignment creates momentum • Why every strategy works if you work it • The two traits I believe are responsible for most of my success • How we're reshaping our real estate portfolio around purpose, impact, and cash flow At the end of the day, I believe wealth is a tool. The real question is: what are you building with it? "If what you do is not aligned with your life's vision, you won't build anything that matters."