Buy, Depreciate, Borrow, Die: The Ultimate Real Estate Wealth Strategy

In this episode of Real Estate Success: The Whissel Way, Kyle Whissel and Bryan Koci unpack the wealth-building real estate strategy known as “Buy, Depreciate, Borrow, Die,” tied to the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Kyle breaks down how agents and investors can use bonus depreciation, cost segregation, and strategic borrowing to massively reduce their tax burden, reinvest tax-free dollars, and pass properties to their heirs with a stepped-up basis. Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned agent looking to keep more of your income, this episode delivers actionable steps to make real estate work harder—and smarter—for you.

💡 3 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Use Cost Seg + Bonus Depreciation: Agents can leverage cost segregation and 100% bonus depreciation (if the bill passes) to generate massive write-offs—freeing up cash for reinvestment and reducing taxable income immediately.

2️⃣ Refinance or Borrow Smart: Instead of selling, agents can borrow against appreciated properties tax-free and use the proceeds to acquire more investments—amplifying their portfolio and wealth.

3️⃣ Leave a Tax-Free Legacy: By holding assets until death, agents can pass properties to heirs at a stepped-up basis, avoiding capital gains and ensuring generational wealth with minimal estate tax implications.