Module 8: Ongoing Management Mastery
Hey, it’s Seth — you’re officially a landlord.
Now Uncle Sam wants his cut… unless you do this right and keep $3,000–$8,000+ per duplex every year.
TAXES & CPA — THE “LEGAL TAX CHEAT CODES” (Contact CPA or professional for your own sitaution)
Rule #1 – Separate everything
One checking account labeled “Duplex LLC” or “Duplex Rentals”
All rent goes in → all expenses go out → tax time is 5 minutes
Rule #2 – Hire a real estate CPA (not H&R Block)
Cost: $400–$800/year
Average tax savings on first duplex: $3,000–$8,000+The big 3 tax wins they unlock
Bonus depreciation — write off remodel costs 100% in year 1
Cost segregation — depreciate roof, HVAC, appliances in 5–7 years instead of 27.5
Mileage, home office, cell phone, internet — all partially deductible
My real numbers (2024 duplex):
Gross rent $28,800 → Taxable income after depreciation = $4,200 → I paid almost nothing.
When to consider an LLC
1 duplex → usually not needed yet (personal umbrella + good insurance could be enough)
2+ duplexes or refinancing out of FHA → talk to CPA + attorney
ACTION #4 — DO THIS WEEK
Open a “Duplex Rentals” checking account with your bank [talk to lender, attorney, CPA, and others first] (online, 5 min)
Find & interview 2 investor-friendly CPAs this week
DISCLAIMER
Taxes and management carry risk. Always consult a licensed CPA and attorney.
You just built a machine that prints money.
Now we make sure you’re doing your accounting correctly.
BOOK FREE 15-MIN STRATEGY CALL WITH SETH → (below) we can talk about what’s next!
Congrats — you’re a real duplex investor.
Go live rent-free (and tax-light).
— Seth
Let me know if you want to see you at the closing table for duplex #2!