Capital Gains eCourse > Lesson 1
Real Estate & Tax Strategies Recap
Lesson 1 of 15 · About a 3-minute read · By Lane Kawaoka, PE · Updated November 2026 · Course home
Short answer
This course walks through eight ways investors reduce or defer capital gains tax when they sell an asset, plus a few bonus strategies, with the trade-offs of each. The goal is to help you own your tax plan and have a better conversation with your CPA before you sell.
Strategies For Less Taxes
In this course we’re talking real estate investments, especially when it comes to selling. We’ve actually covered this a bit in our podcast, so some of you might find this familiar. Hint: taxes is one of main reason the wealthy invest in real estate.
Lesson summary
This short intro sets up the course. When you sell an investment property or another asset for a gain, you owe capital gains tax. The course walks through eight ways investors reduce or defer that tax when they exit, plus some bonus strategies, with the pros and cons of each. I share how I have used some of them myself. I also explain why you should own your tax plan instead of leaving it all to your CPA: your CPA files your return, but you know your income, your upcoming exits and your plans better than anyone. The next lesson goes deeper into how capital gains and depreciation recapture work.
This is educational content, not tax, legal, or investment advice. We are not attorneys, CPAs, or financial planners. Please let us know if you need a referral to a CPA, lawyer, or other vendor here.
We’re looking at eight tax-efficient exit strategies to keep more money in your pocket. These strategies are all about minimizing what you owe to Uncle Sam.
And guess what? We’ve got two more strategies. Who doesn’t like BONUS content?! These are a bit less known but can be super effective too.
Key takeaways
- You owe capital gains tax when you sell an asset for more than your basis.
- Each strategy trades off control, liquidity, cost and complexity.
- Plan before the sale. Most of these options have to be set up before closing.
Related reading from the blog
Talk it through with us
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The podcast behind this course
The Wealth Elevator
Conversations on passive real estate, alternative investments and tax strategy for busy professionals.
Listen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeThis is educational content, not tax or legal advice. Please let us know if you need a referral to 💼 CPA ⚖️ Lawyer or other vendor here.
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Read the full disclaimer.