Paul Graham and Trevor LaParl of Q1031.com discuss how the 537 Installment Sale Trust (IST) can serve as a powerful alternative or backup to 1031 exchanges, which often fail, leading to unexpected tax bills. Trevor explains how the IST allows investors to legally defer capital gains taxes and offers more flexibility than traditional exchanges, enabling them to invest in stocks, annuities, or refinance trust-backed notes for better returns. They explore how this strategy can apply to real estate, business sales, and even primary homes, providing a pathway to preserve wealth while maintaining control of assets.They also cover how living trusts and installment sale trusts can be combined for effective estate planning, allowing high-net-worth individuals to defer taxes and build multigenerational wealth. Trevor shares examples of clients utilizing these strategies to manage rental properties, sell assets, and structure their estates. The discussion further explores the role of third-party administrators (TPAs) in trust management and the flexibility of note structures, helping investors safeguard their wealth while optimizing income streams and tax deferral strategies.

In this episode of the Investor's Guide to Joy, we dive into the wild, gritty world of land development with Greg Farricielli a real estate wizard who’s turned empty lots into over $100 million in sales. Picture this: a guy who looks at a patch of dirt and sees not just potential, but a paycheck. Greg, the mastermind behind the upcoming book Dirt to Millions: Mastering the Art of Land Development, sits down with us to spill the secrets that have made him a legend in the game.It all kicks off with a crash course in land entitlements the magic moment where raw, untouched land becomes a builder’s dream. Greg walks us through the process step-by-step: securing legal rights, untangling title messes, and making sure water, power, and roads are ready to roll. By the time he’s done, that dirt’s practically begging to be turned into homes and builders are lining up to pay big for it.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction01:49 - What Greg Does with Land02:45 - Four Primary Land Strategies05:43 - What are Entitlements?06:54 - Keeping Pads or Exiting Entirely?09:38 - Should Land Be a Side Investment?10:57 - Land Risk Spectrum13:49 - The Importance of Reserves18:01 - Creative Use: Covered Land Plays & Leasing19:49 - Owner Financing Risks23:44 - Investing With Land Developers25:48 - Greg’s Investment Policy29:26 - Over-Entitling Can Backfire32:03 - Ideal Reader for the Book

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Paul, uncovering pivotal moments that shaped his career and insights that inspire. From overcoming challenges to achieving success, Paul shares valuable lessons on perseverance, leadership, and growth. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with wisdom and motivation!Highlights of the Podcast00:00 – Introduction and episode overview02:15 – Paul’s background and early career journey07:30 – Major challenges and how he overcame them12:45 – Key turning points in his professional life18:20 – Leadership insights and strategies for success24:10 – Advice for aspiring professionals29:50 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with Paul

I’m sharing my raw journey through the 75 Hard Challenge—a mental fitness test that pushed me to grow into the best version of myself. In this video, I open up about the highs and lows, from pushing through grueling workouts and strict diets to overcoming moments of weakness on the road. I even share how traveling, life’s unexpected challenges, and yes, even a delicious fried treat almost made me lose focus. Join me as I reveal the personal lessons and mindset shifts that came from embracing hard challenges head-on, and discover if this journey might be the spark you need for your own transformation.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction to 75 Hard01:50 - Paul's Personal Experience with 75 Hard03:43 - The Core Lesson of 75 Hard05:49 - Paul's 150-Day Journey & Lessons Learned08:04 - The Five Tasks of 75 Hard

Ready to take control of your finances this year? In this video, I break down the 10 essential steps that transformed my financial life—from understanding my money to building passive income streams. Drawing from my own experiences of doubling my income in four years and bouncing back from going broke twice, I share practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you achieve financial freedom.Discover how tracking my spending uncovered shocking habits (like the $3,000 I once spent on entertainment in a month!) and why I believe investing in yourself and others beats traditional stock-heavy advice. Whether you’re tackling debt, creating a budget that works, or building an emergency fund with a twist (hint: it’s more than just 3-6 months of cash), this video has you covered.Highlights of the Podcast00:01 - Understanding Your Money01:16 - Developing an Abundance Mindset02:51 - The Power of Unexpected Opportunities04:38 - Budgeting for Success06:16 - Building an Emergency Fund10:00 - Paying Off High-Interest Debt11:59 - Investing Wisely13:32 - Becoming a Business Owner14:57 - Seeking Financial Guidance16:32 - Final Thoughts & Community Support

From watching Shark Tank as a kid to co-authoring a book with Kevin Harrington, this is my unexpected journey in entrepreneurship. Discover how a childhood promise to my mom and a chance meeting at a family office event led to Start Up to Stand Out, a book sharing actionable insights on building success, brick by brick.Highlights of the Podcast00:00 - The Unexpected Journey to Co-Authoring a Book01:33 - Introduction to Family Offices & Kevin Harrington03:30 - Meeting Kevin Harrington & The Dinner Invite05:38 - Becoming a Co-Author with Kevin Harrington07:41 - The Lego Mindset – Paul’s Chapter in the Book09:27 - The Final Book – From Startup to Standout11:42 - The Entrepreneurial Mindset & Giving Back

Every year, I take on a bold challenge to push my limits—this year, it's 100 YouTube videos in 100 days!

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham sits down with Bob Boeshaar to tackle the often-daunting topic of taxes. Bob shares invaluable insights on navigating tax challenges, including how to avoid common pitfalls like poor recordkeeping and hobby losses, and provides practical tips for business owners, investors, and individuals facing audits or back taxes. The discussion highlights strategies for staying compliant, leveraging tax laws, and understanding your options for resolving tax debt, ensuring you can focus on achieving financial success and joy.Whether you're a seasoned investor, a small business owner, or someone simply looking to better understand the IRS, this episode delivers actionable advice and key takeaways. From managing payroll taxes to addressing liens on properties and businesses, Bob’s expert guidance empowers listeners to approach taxes with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss this opportunity to demystify taxes and learn how to turn them into a tool for financial growth.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction to Taxes and Joy03:03 - Meet Bob Boeshaar04:07 - Why People Don't Pay Taxes07:59 - Audits and Recordkeeping09:19 - Hobby Losses vs. Business Losses18:35 - Types of Audits27:12 - Liens and Asset Management34:06 - Options for Tax Debt Resolution37:03 - Key Takeaways for Investors39:31 - Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Tino Madyara, a seasoned tax professional and real estate investor, shares expert advice on tax strategies for business owners and investors. He highlights the importance of aligning personal and business tax plans to maximize savings, avoid surprises, and navigate complex tax structures. Tino also offers a success story where proactive tax planning saved a business $500,000 during an acquisition, demonstrating the power of strategic decisions in tax management.Tino Madyara discusses common pitfalls in real estate partnerships, particularly around tax structures and depreciation, and stresses the need for business owners to work closely with a tax professional. Reflecting on his own real estate journey, he encourages investors to find a strategy that aligns with their personal values and long-term goals. This episode provides actionable insights into tax planning, real estate investing, and making informed decisions for financial success.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction02:40 - Business Owners' vs. Individuals' Tax Strategies04:14 - Challenges for Smaller Businesses07:50 - Success Story: Tax Savings in Acquisitions09:50 - Advice for Business Owners12:59 - Real Estate Partnerships and Common Mistakes15:10 - Working with a Tax Professional22:26 - Timeline for tax planning23:50 - Choosing the right tax professional25:17 - Tino’s real estate investment journey30:05 - Due diligence and market risks32:40 - Mindset for investors

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Paul Graham and Christion Sadler dive into the secondary real estate market, exploring how it provides investors with the opportunity to unlock equity before the typical 3-5 year lockup period. Christion explains how the Pre-iShare platform facilitates these transactions, offering a marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect. He shares insights into why liquidity is important for investors, whether due to life events or portfolio adjustments, and discusses the challenges of pricing and due diligence in secondary market transactions.The conversation also delves into the creative possibilities within the secondary market, including structuring deals and negotiating terms, as well as the importance of being an accredited investor. Christion emphasizes the need for transparency, thorough communication, and understanding the risks and opportunities involved. With a focus on secondary market investments, he offers valuable advice on how investors can navigate this evolving space to unlock potential upside and achieve long-term success.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction02:32 - Christion's Role & Investor Profiles04:25 - Investor Situations & Liquidity Needs07:38 - The Need for a Secondary Market in Real Estate12:24 - Due Diligence & Market Confidence13:45 - Valuation & Pricing of Secondary Market Shares15:44 - Process, Timeline, and Costs for Secondary Sales18:30 - Buying and Selling Secondary Market Shares19:16 - Due Diligence in Secondary Market Investing22:39 - Benefits of Vintage Investing25:27 - Types of Real Estate on the Platform27:55 - Negotiating Secondary Market Transactions32:43 - Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Investors34:08 - Accredited Investor Status35:41 - Secondary Market Benefits39:08 - Preacher Liquidity Fund41:45 - Operational Risks45:18 - Personal Investment Advice

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham and Stacy Calvin dive into essential financial strategies for business owners and high-income earners. They explore the benefits of diversifying investments through syndications, optimizing entity structures for tax efficiency, and leveraging income-shifting techniques. Stacy also shares actionable insights on liability protection, proactive financial planning, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with long-term goals.The value of working with a knowledgeable CPA and provides tips for choosing the right one based on experience, qualifications, and strategic approach. Stacy debunks common myths about tax preparation and highlights how proactive planning can maximize deductions, reduce liabilities, and enhance financial outcomes. Packed with practical advice, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to optimize their finances and elevate their success.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction01:59 - Guest Introduction02:58 - Investing Personally vs. Through a Business07:28 - Top Strategies for Larger Businesses11:58 - Finding the Right CPA14:21 - Debunking Tax Myths15:36 - Tax Strategies for Business Owners17:32 - Real Estate Rules and Myths20:06 - Trusts and Tax Misconceptions23:34 - The Importance of Year-End Planning27:04 - Best Practices for Six-Figure Earners30:17 - Tailored Strategies for Seven-Figure Earners31:31 - Diversifying Lifestyle Investments32:41 - Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners35:05 - Choosing the Right CPA38:56 - CPA Fees: Value vs. Cost44:47 - Mindset Shift: "Knowledge is Power"45:34 - Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Rachel Cohen shares her inspiring journey from overcoming paralysis to thriving as a multifamily investor and capital raiser. She discusses her first real estate deal in Corpus Christi, the creation of her company "House of Kings Collective," and the importance of workforce housing and diversification through oil and gas investments. Rachel also opens up about balancing professional challenges with personal health struggles while focusing on building a lasting legacy.Rachel's unique perspective on success in real estate, emphasizing gratitude, community building, and long-term tenant relationships. She explains how focusing on positive living environments, rather than just financial returns, can lead to lasting success. Rachel and host Paul explore the concept of "return on community," showing how fostering empathy, understanding tenants' needs, and creating a sense of belonging can increase retention and property value, offering valuable insights for real estate professionals.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction02:08 - Rachel’s Transformation04:51 - Starting in Multifamily Investing08:51 - Balancing Challenges and Legacy Building15:08 - Investor Relationships and Market Insights21:49 - Gratitude Practice23:05 - Impact Beyond Financial Success25:00 - Community Building in Real Estate29:49 - Return on Community33:49 - Understanding Individual Needs38:24 - Faith and Reflection on Needs and Wants43:58 - Gratitude and Future Possibilities

In this episode, Paul Graham sits down with Adrienne Green, to discuss her journey into real estate and business. Adrienne shares how a shift in mindset and strategic investments in real estate have provided financial stability and opened doors for personal and professional growth. She talks about how her experience renting out part of her home led to expanding her portfolio and understanding the power of real estate as a wealth-building tool.Adrienne Green also delves into the importance of virtual assistants (VAs) in scaling a business. She shares how delegating tasks to VAs allowed her to focus on high-value activities and growth. She introduces her "I Do, We Do, You Do" framework to help business owners train their VAs effectively, while offering advice on balancing cash flow with net worth for a successful long-term investment strategy. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to grow their business and navigate the world of real estate investment.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 – Introduction02:23 – Adrienne’s Background04:00 – Starting with Real Estate07:16 – Long-term Benefits of Real Estate11:28 – Evolving Business and Time Management14:16 – Growing the Investment Portfolio18:47 - First Investment20:25 - Adrienne Green’s Real Estate Journey23:33 - Learning and Scaling with Virtual Assistants32:22 - Hiring Full-Time VAs for Long-Term Success39:13 - Virtual Assistants for Business Growth46:33 - Hard Money Lending for Portfolio Balance49:34 - Balancing Cash Flow and Net Worth52:01 - The Power of Clear Values in Decision-MakingInvestorsguidetojoy.com/invest (https://investorsguidetojoy.com/invest)

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Mason McDonald, an expert land investor and entrepreneur, shares his strategies for success in the world of land investing. From flipping land in Colorado Springs to leveraging seller financing and lot splitting, Mason explains the minimal maintenance and high profitability of land transactions. He discusses key challenges such as financing, zoning, and legal complexities, providing valuable insights for aspiring investors looking to enter this niche market. Mason also outlines his long-term vision of building a private equity firm, using his land business as a springboard for larger asset acquisitions.Mason Mason also emphasizes the importance of identifying your strengths and focusing on rare, valuable skills to create a fulfilling career. Inspired by Cal Newport's book So Good They Can’t Ignore You, he explains how aligning one's passions with work can foster both professional success and personal joy. Paul Graham joins Mason in exploring the idea of joy in business and life, discussing the significance of vision, leadership, and living in the present while staying focused on long-term goals. This episode offers practical advice for investors and entrepreneurs alike, highlighting the value of personal growth alongside business success.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction02:47 - Mason’s Land Business04:31 - Land Rights and Investments06:08 - Flipping Land for Profit10:08 - Marketing and Seller Profiles15:31 - Legal Challenges and Success Stories18:17 - Land Investment Challenges & Holding Costs19:31 - Financing and Lending Issues for Land23:43 - Focus on Residential Land26:49 - Zoning and Parcel Size30:28 - Personal Goals & Building a Private Equity Firm34:22 - Emotional Challenges in Land Flipping37:33 – Identifying Strengths for Success39:13 – Finding Joy in Both Work and Life40:26 – Action and Perspective in Achieving Joy

In this episode of The Investor’s Guide to Joy, Paul Graham and Flint Jamison discuss the complexities of capital raising and building investor relationships in the world of real estate. Flint shares his journey from aerospace engineering to real estate, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and mindset shifts for success in capital raising, particularly in multifamily investments. He also highlights the psychological aspects of sales and marketing, focusing on authentic conversations with investors and the value of building genuine relationships. This episode is packed with valuable insights for both new and seasoned investors looking to enhance their capital-raising strategies.Flint further explores the different stages of wealth accumulation, offering guidance on investment strategies based on the size of an investor's portfolio, from real estate crowdfunding for beginners to self-directed IRAs for those with more substantial assets. The conversation touches on diversification, 1031 exchanges, and the evolution of multifamily investments, as well as opportunities in other asset classes like oil and gas, self-storage, and industrial properties. Flint concludes by sharing his personal approach to building joy and time freedom, underscoring the importance of making memories with loved ones through travel and experiences.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction03:36 - Flint's Capital Raising Journey05:53 - Sales and Capital Raising09:00 - Marketing Challenges15:53 - The Importance of Mentorship17:40 - Recommended Books19:16 - Mentorship and partnerships21:09 - Raising Capital and Market Shifts23:11 - Amount Raised and Advice25:33 - Scaling Capital Raising29:17 - Advice for investors37:17 - 1031 Exchanges and Diversification38:39 - Multifamily as a Gateway Investment39:49 - Cash Flow vs. Wealth Growth43:51 - Multifamily’s Unfair Advantage47:25 - Building Joy Through Memories

In this episode, Paul Graham and Michael Tanner delve into the intricacies of oil and gas investing, emphasizing its potential as a diversification strategy for investors. They discuss the distinctions between major oil companies and the mid-sized operators that play a significant role in U.S. production. Tanner explains various investment avenues, including equities, syndications, and direct working interests, while highlighting the importance of understanding fee structures and the potential for monthly cash flow. He also shares insights on the unique cash flow dynamics of oil and gas investments, which may offer more consistent returns compared to traditional real estate, while addressing the challenges of exit strategies in this sector.Tanner further explores the compelling tax benefits of oil and gas investments, noting that investors can potentially write off 70% to 100% of their total investments, making it particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals. He discusses the differences between syndications, which group multiple projects, and direct working interests, which focus on specific drilling programs, encouraging investors to evaluate sponsors and operators carefully. Additionally, Tanner highlights the long-term viability of oil and gas within the energy landscape, underscoring the growing importance of natural gas and the trend toward vertical wells for quicker returns. Listeners are invited to explore Sandstone’s deal evaluation resources and seek personalized advice to navigate this complex market effectively.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 - Introduction to Oil and Gas Investment01:22 - Understanding the Industry03:12 - Investment Avenues07:58 - Fee Structures14:05 - Monthly Cash Flow18:18 - Exit Value Considerations21:04 - About Sandstone22:36 - Tax Benefits of Oil and Gas Investments26:32 - Passive Investment Nature30:54 - Investment Structures36:03 - Five Essential Questions for Sponsors38:36 - Long-Term Outlook on Oil and Gas40:31 - Industry Trends41:53 - Underwriting and Evaluation Resources

In this episode of The Investors Guide to Joy Investor Series, Paul Graham interviews John Berlet to explore wealth-building strategies across different financial stages. They discuss starting with Roth IRAs, leveraging real estate, and participating in tax deed crowdfunding, while highlighting the benefits of Opportunity Zones and fixed indexed annuities. John offers practical advice for balancing risk based on age using the “Rule of 100” and emphasizes how self-directed IRAs enable passive real estate investing for long-term gains.John also shares personal stories, such as navigating Hurricane Ike’s impact on a multifamily property, demonstrating the resilience of tangible assets like real estate. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the importance of helping others as a path to personal fulfillment. Paul wraps up by encouraging listeners to align their financial goals with meaningful investments and invites them to continue learning through future episodes.Highlights of the Podcast00:08 – Introduction and Overview01:34 – Starting with Savings and Roth IRA02:50 – Real Estate and Crowdfunding Investment Strategies06:17 – Tax Deeds and Right of Redemption09:59 – Managing Competition and Market Expansion10:52 – Fixed Indexed Annuities for Long-Term Wealth13:38 – Rule of 100: Asset Allocation Based on Age15:01 – Investing with Higher Capital17:29 – Opportunity Zones and Tax Strategies20:16 – Self-Directed IRAs and Early Adoption22:21 – Lessons from Multifamily Investing24:38 – Mindset and Legacy for Joyful Investing25:56 – Conclusion and Mission

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham interviews Mark Perlberg, who shares insights on balancing aggressive business growth with maintaining stability. They discuss the challenges of rapid expansion, risks of burnout, and the importance of refining business processes for long-term success. Mark also touches on the mindset required to know when to push forward and when to step back, offering valuable advice for entrepreneurs navigating growth and efficiency.Mark emphasizes the importance of investing in mentorship, outsourcing tasks, and focusing on high-value activities to achieve a better work-life balance. He highlights the power of maintaining both ambition and gratitude, encouraging listeners to appreciate their achievements while striving for more. This episode provides key strategies for finding joy in both business and personal life.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction01:21 - Investors' Market Trends04:46 - Commitment and Resilience07:38 - Opportunity Cost and Time Management09:46 - Mindset Shift and Investment11:23 - The Journey from DIY to Professional Tax Planning14:16 - Entrepreneurs vs. W-2 Earners15:35 - What People Do with Tax Savings16:55 - Paul’s Reflection on Growth and Balance18:12 - Mark’s Perspective on Growth vs. Stability19:53 - Knowing When to Push or Pause22:11 - Managing Risk and Avoiding Burnout22:45 - Advice for Entrepreneurs and High-Income Earners25:22 - Shifting from DIY to Delegation26:14 - Mark’s Guide to Joy

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham sits down with Rey Treviño III, a seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry. They delve into the intricacies of investing in this sector, emphasizing the vital role of relationships and trust in achieving successful passive investments. Rey shares his insights on the investor mindset, highlighting how open communication and comfort are essential in building confidence among potential investors. He also provides valuable advice on evaluating operators' track records and understanding the complexities of oil and gas projects, empowering listeners to make informed decisions.The conversation takes a personal turn as Paul reflects on his shift from focusing solely on net worth to prioritizing joy and fulfillment in life. Rey discusses the evolving definition of success and underscores the importance of enjoying the journey while pursuing achievements. He emphasizes the value of hard work and passion, asserting that loving what you do transforms the investment experience into something truly rewarding. With a focus on perspective, connection, and joy, this episode encourages listeners to navigate their investment journeys with intention and care.Highlights of the Podcast00:34 - Guest Introduction01:30 - Rey’s Take on Communication03:50 - Paul’s Journey06:40 - Mindset of Investors11:44 - Understanding Oil and Gas Investments12:58 - Project Success14:57 - Control in Investments17:47 - Communication with Investors19:51 - Emotional Responsibility21:40 - Daily Commitment26:16 - Defining Success27:41 - Prayer and Guidance

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham interviews real estate investor Grant Francke, who shares his inspiring journey to financial freedom through strategic real estate investments. With over 100 doors in his portfolio, Grant emphasizes that true financial independence lies in consistent cash flow rather than the number of properties owned. He discusses his transition from a railroad job to real estate, reaching financial stability with around 40 doors before expanding. Grant focuses on investing in Class B workforce housing in Southeast Nebraska, revealing his effective networking strategies for sourcing off-market deals.Throughout the conversation, Grant highlights the mindset shift that prioritized time and freedom for his family, demonstrating how real estate serves as a vehicle for both financial success and personal fulfillment. He shares pivotal lessons learned, such as the importance of having a clear "why," maintaining a conservative underwriting approach, and trusting relationships in syndication investments. Grant concludes with a powerful mantra from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right," underscoring the transformative power of mindset in achieving one's goals.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction and Guest Overview01:41 - Grant’s Real Estate Path05:05 - Investment Strategy: Cash Flow Focus06:36 - Off-Market Deals and Networking13:32 - Mindset and Family Life18:01 - Hiring a VA18:45 - Vision for Growth20:11 - Investing in Syndications26:09 - Evaluating Operators30:16 - Lessons Learned