Most real estate entrepreneurs chase cash flow, flip for quick money, and think a high bank balance means they are rich.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Jimmy Vreeland to unpack how he built his rental portfolio backward and why that wrong path taught him the most valuable lessons.

Jimmy shares how he went from buying rentals while deployed in Iraq, to building 100 poorly structured lease-option rentals, to nearly wiping out his business during COVID, and finally transforming everything once he understood liquidity, balance sheets, tax planning, and smart rental acquisition.

This is one of the most honest conversations about wealth, risk, tax pain, and building rentals the right way. Enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand the difference between being rich and being liquid
• Build a rental portfolio without creating dangerous debt and tax exposure
• Use bonus depreciation and cost segregation the right way
• Choose rental properties that appreciate, attract good tenants, and build long-term wealth

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:00) Doing everything backwards and why it both helped and hurt him

(06:50) COVID hits: liquidity panic, market uncertainty, and the turning point

(09:07) The CG talk that pushed Jimmy to build $1M+ in liquidity

(10:48) Marcus explains switch-tasking vs multitasking

(12:10) The painful $250k tax bill

(13:00) Most investors didn't understand bonus depreciation

(17:32) The four ways real estate pays you

(18:46) What Jimmy buys today

(19:25) Why C-class rentals fail to appreciate and drag down long-term returns

(21:47) The truth about cash flow

(22:13) High-income earners don’t need cash flow

(23:24) Bad debt is any debt that doesn't pay for itself

(24:44) Why buying only for tax savings is a terrible idea

(27:19) The BRRRR but smarter approach

(28:08) The difference between turnkey and what Jimmy offers

(30:02) Every stage must work: buying right, scoping right, contractors, management, tenants

(34:46) Why every real estate entrepreneur should buy rentals no matter what

(35:55) Two greatest threats to anyone's wealth

(37:28) History lesson: how America beat the British with a hyperinflated currency

(38:08) Why hyperinflation has always rewarded people who own hard assets

(39:05) Buying real estate is a wealth savings account

(42:19) Why syndications frustrate many operators

(44:25) Jimmy’s final advice: plan your taxes 15–18 months ahead

Why You Should Listen:

Jimmy lays out the lessons most investors only learn after losing money. If you want a rental portfolio that appreciates, reduces taxes, builds wealth, and doesn’t drain your time, this episode gives you the blueprint.

Connect with Jimmy Vreeland:

• Website: https://jimmyvreeland.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland/

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler