Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

Marcus Crigler
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Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler is the #1 podcast for real estate entrepreneurs who make good money but struggle with cash flow, tax planning, and building real wealth. If you're tired of living deal to deal, wondering where your money goes, and paying too much in taxes, this show will transform how you manage your real estate business finances.Host Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO Services, helps real estate investors escape financial stress by implementing proven wealth-building systems, advanced tax strategies, and cash flow management techniques that turn chaotic finances into predictable profit machines.Real estate wholesalers, fix and flip investors, and rental property owners making six or seven figures but still living paycheck to paycheck will discover how to stop constantly chasing the next deal. If you're overwhelmed by bookkeeping, financial management, and paying massive tax bills without knowing how to reduce them legally, you're ready to stop surviving and start building generational wealth.Every episode delivers actionable strategies on real estate tax planning, business cash flow optimization, wealth building for entrepreneurs, and financial systems that create freedom. Learn real estate tax deductions, legal tax avoidance strategies, cash flow forecasting, business budgeting for real estate investors, profit and loss analysis, entity structuring for tax benefits, and wealth building strategies beyond closing deals.Most real estate entrepreneurs focus on deal flow but ignore money flow. They hire accountants who only file taxes instead of providing proactive tax planning. Marcus shows you how to keep more of what you make, reduce your tax burden legally, and create financial systems that work whether you close one deal or ten deals per month.Listen to case studies of real estate investors who've saved $50K+ in taxes annually, built seven-figure net worth, and achieved financial freedom. Learn from entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses from cash-hungry operations into wealth-generating machines.This isn't just spreadsheets and tax codes. It's about creating a real estate business that supports your lifestyle, reduces financial stress, and builds lasting wealth. Marcus addresses the mindset shifts, business systems, and financial habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those stuck in survival mode.If you like The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Money Rahab with Nicole Lapin, The Dave Ramsey Show, or The Rich Dad Radio Show, you'll love Strength in Numbers.Subscribe now and join thousands of real estate professionals who've discovered that true wealth doesn’t come from closing more deals, but from keeping more of what you make. Stop living deal to deal. Start building wealth that lasts.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 68: The IRS May Owe Real Estate Investors Thousands of Dollars

    In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down the growing buzz around the “Kwong refund” and why it could mean significant money back for taxpayers, especially real estate investors. The discussion centers around a major court ruling involving penalties and interest that the IRS may have been charged illegally during the federally declared COVID-19 disaster period. Listen as they explain what the ruling means, who could qualify for refunds, and why investors shouldn't wait to take action. If you've ever paid late filing penalties, late payment penalties, or IRS interest between 2020 and 2023, this episode is for you. You'll Learn How To: Understand what the Kwong court ruling meansFind out if you may qualify for an IRS refundAvoid mistakes when filing refund claims What You'll Learn in This Episode: (03:43) Marcus introduces the Kwong court ruling (04:28) Over $500,000 in potential refunds for clients (05:34) Tens of millions of taxpayers may qualify for Kwong refunds (07:38) How one taxpayer challenged the IRS (10:03) What does IRS Code Section 7508A mean (12:38) The important timeline for Kwong refunds: January 2020 through July 2023 (14:57) Why real estate investors are more likely to be affected than traditional employees (16:52) The IRS is not automatically sending refund checks (17:29) The IRS appeal process and why timing still matters (18:39) Filing a protective claim for refund helps secure your refund rights (19:32) Proper filing procedures are critical when dealing with the IRS (20:24) The July 10, 2026, deadline (21:45) Your CPA should already be discussing this opportunity with you (22:55) How their team helps real estate investors review potential claims Who This Episode is For: Real estate investors who may have paid IRS penalties/interest during the COVID periodEntrepreneurs who want to know their rights regarding the Kwong refundAnyone curious if they qualify for refunds Why You Should Listen: Marcus and Kaden simplify a complicated tax topic into a practical conversation that helps investors understand the opportunity, the risks, and the next steps for the Kwong refund. If you have ever wondered whether you have overpaid the IRS, this episode gives you a good reason to check. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler  Know more about the Kwong Court Ruling: https://reikwongrefunds.com/

    28 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Episode 67: Why Thach Nguyen Thinks Most Investors Buy Rentals the Wrong Way with Thach Nguyen

    In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Thach Nguyen to talk about what most investors get wrong when building rental portfolios. Thach shares how he went from selling real estate in Seattle in the early '90s to building a long-term portfolio through BRRRRs, multifamily projects, and ADUs. He also explains why focusing too much on passive income too early can slow people down financially. If you are trying to build wealth through rentals without getting overleveraged or stuck chasing bad deals, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-world perspective. Listen and enjoy! You'll Learn How To: Build long-term wealth through rentalsUse active income to buy and hold real estateUse ADUs and development strategies to maximize property valueManage and evaluate a growing rental portfolio strategically What You'll Learn in This Episode: (02:29) How Thach built his Seattle real estate business (05:27) Choosing real estate investing over other industries (06:50) From being an agent to becoming a realtor (08:37) The “make money, save money, invest money” mindset (09:24) The real difference between earned income and passive income (11:06) Why Thach believes investors should maximize active income first (14:07) Relying heavily on syndications can become risky (17:15) Generational wealth isn't about giving but teaching (21:58) The biggest challenge investors face today is finding good deals (25:20) ADUs are becoming one of the biggest opportunities in real estate (30:00) Adapting and reinventing strategies as market changes (33:13) How Thach and his wife actively manage and review their portfolio (36:41) How Springboard to Wealth grew into a nationwide investing community (40:48) Obsession and deep market knowledge matter in real estate investing Who This Episode is For: Real estate investors building rental portfoliosEntrepreneurs focused on long-term wealth creationAnyone trying to balance active income with passive income goalsInvestors looking for a smarter approach to scaling real estate Why You Should Listen: Thach Nguyen keeps the conversation simple, direct, and experience-driven. He discusses what has worked for him over the past 30 years in real estate. Connect with Thach Nguyen: Website: https://springboardtowealth.com/  Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    44 min

  3. MAY 15

    Episode 66: How to Build Monthly Cash Flow With Self Storage Units - Bree Hartman

    Self-storage is both a business and a commercial real estate investment. You can double down on both and make it more passive with the right systems in place. Joining us in this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast is a self-storage investor and educator, Bree Hartman, to talk about how she built an $8 million self-storage portfolio starting with one deal she found while pregnant with her daughter. Bree shares how she went from working a W-2 job and running a gym to buying self-storage facilities using SBA loans, partnerships, and simple operational systems. She also breaks down why self-storage can become a strong monthly cash flow business when you focus on finding underperforming facilities and adding value over time. This episode gives a practical look into how self-storage investing works. Listen and enjoy! You'll Learn How To: Use SBA loans and partnerships to buy larger assetsCreate recurring monthly cash flow with self-storage unitsBuild systems that make self-storage more passiveFind good storage deals through Google Maps What You'll Learn in This Episode: (02:43) If you want to go fast, find a community, and insert yourself (04:30) Building an $8 million self-storage portfolio in under six years (05:57) From W-2 job to entrepreneurship (07:49) Buying a $3.1 million facility while becoming a new mom (10:06) How to make a self-storage facility a successful model? (10:40) Utilizing SBA loans to acquire your first storage facility (12:18) Turning self-storage into a scalable business with systems (14:06) The truth about “passive income” in self-storage investing (15:24) The three-part framework and operations for storage facilities (17:34) Myths surrounding self-storage investing (19:45) Self-storage works as a subscription-based business (21:15) The “7-11” strategy for increasing rental income (24:05) How Bree finds storage deals using Google Maps (30:20) The importance of learning underwriting and market analysis (31:11) “A storage owner can’t say yes to an offer they don’t have in their hands.” (33:23) Deal finding cheat sheet and storage offer calculator Who This Episode is For: Real estate investors who want to move from traditional real estate investingBusiness owners who want to explore self-storage investingAnyone who wants to build long-term cash flow Why You Should Listen: Bree keeps the conversation practical and straightforward. She explains how self-storage investing really works without making it sound overly complicated. Connect with Bree Hartman: Website: https://www.selfstorageschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree.theinvestor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bree.TheInvestor Get your storage offer calculator by calling 916-579-7209. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    38 min

  4. MAY 12

    Episode 65: Tax Strategy Masterclass - Why Smart Investors Pay Less (And W2s Pay More)

    The people who pay the most in taxes are often those who fail to plan, while those who pay the least are typically those who plan all year long. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler breaks down the real tax strategies that investors and entrepreneurs use to legally reduce what they owe while building long-term wealth through real estate. Listen as he explains the difference between depreciation and cost segregation, and the difference between passive and active real estate investing. He also explains why planning is more important than last-minute filing, and how the tax code rewards entrepreneurship and investment. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Use depreciation to reduce taxable incomeUnderstand the difference between passive and active real estate investingOffset passive income with real estate lossesUse tax planning strategiesWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:43) How real estate depreciation works (03:15) The difference between cost segregation and bonus depreciation (04:53) Understanding passive vs active investing (06:05) Investing matters more than simply saving money (07:15) What qualifies someone as a real estate professional (08:57) Passive investors still receive major tax advantages (10:08) About Passive Income Generators (PICs) (11:26) Where to find passive income and losses on your tax return (12:52) How spouses can use real estate professional status strategically (14:55) Depreciation is a tax deferral strategy (17:26) How lower future income can create tax arbitrage opportunities (18:44) The tax code favors entrepreneurs and investors (20:28) Why entrepreneurship opens the door to more tax strategies Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors looking to maximize tax advantagesEntrepreneurs focused on building long-term wealthAnyone interested in reducing taxes legallyWhy You Should Listen: Marcus breaks down how real estate tax benefits work in the real world, why planning matters, and how entrepreneurship and investing can create opportunities that traditional W-2 income simply doesn’t offer. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    23 min

  5. MAY 5

    Episode 63: The Hidden Financial Problem Killing Real Estate Investors - Part 1

    There is a hidden financial issue that can kill real estate investors. It is not about deals, funding, or market conditions. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with James to unpack a problem most real estate investors don't see coming until it's too late. Poor bookkeeping, unclear cash flow, and a lack of planning eventually led to a painful moment: a tax bill they didn’t expect and couldn’t afford. Listen as Marcus breaks down why this happens, how real estate entrepreneurs unknowingly put themselves at risk, and what it takes to run a real business and not just hustle for deals. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Avoid surprise tax bills that can wreck your cash flowUnderstand your numbers to keep your profitsBuild a real financial systemWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:47) What a fractional CFO actually does (03:38) Accounting is really about simplifying your life (05:35) The real reason behind the name of the BEC CFO (07:40) The problem with first-time business owners in real estate (08:47) Requirements of the business (09:32) "Box of receipts" doesn't work anymore for sophisticated business owners (11:15) Accounting as the “language of business.” (14:24) Why having the right financial team changes everything (16:29) The common mistake of hiring cheap bookkeeping help (18:31) When to outsource vs. build an in-house finance team (19:33) How a full financial back office supports long-term growth (21:23) Waiting too long to fix your numbers creates bigger problems (22:58) Successful-looking investors still struggling financially Who This Episode Is For: Entrepreneurs who don’t fully understand their numbers yetReal estate investors who deal with tax or cash flow issuesAnyone building a real estate business who wants to do it rightWhy You Should Listen: This episode is a wake-up call. Fixing your numbers this early can save you from costly mistakes and set you up for long-term success. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    26 min

  6. MAY 1

    Episode 62: Why Landlords Stay Broke (Even With 20+ Properties) with Eddie Speed

    In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Eddie Speed breaks down a hard truth most real estate investors don’t want to hear. Many landlords with 20, 50, or even 100 properties are still stuck, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Listen as he shares how he built his career by focusing on note investing instead of traditional landlording. He also explains the real math behind rentals, the hidden problem of trapped equity, and why many investors are working harder for smaller returns. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Get started with note investingAvoid the common traps that keep landlords stuckTransition from active income to scalable and passive incomeThink like a bank instead of a traditional investor What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:01) Introduction to Eddie Speed and his background in note investing (04:49) The reality of “rocks in the road” and why most people quit (06:32) What an owner-financed note actually is (07:08) Working with real estate investors (07:30) The difference between compliant vs risky seller financing (08:50) Some notes are assets and others are liabilities (10:28) Liquidity matters when creating notes (13:50) The tax trap: depreciation and recapture explained (15:15) Seller financing can improve tax strategy (17:21) Rental math vs note math (20:01) Why being the bank can double your income (23:08) The power of reinvesting and compounding income (24:12) Hustler vs investor (26:49) Different ways to structure and sell notes (28:38) The “underserved” buyer market (31:20) The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (34:04) How to seller finance with an existing mortgage (39:06) The future of notes and blockchain technology (45:21) People who don't know their numbers don't know their business Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors with growing rental portfolios but low returnsLandlords who are feeling burned out from managing propertiesInvestors looking to increase cash flowAnyone curious about note investing and seller financing Why You Should Listen: This episode challenges one of the biggest assumptions in real estate. Eddie offers a clear alternative path through note investing and seller financing. If you want to stop chasing small returns and start building a scalable, predictable income, this conversation will open your eyes to a different way of investing. Connect with Eddie Speed: Website: https://eddiespeed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoteauthority/  Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    49 min

  7. APR 28

    Episode 61: Why Your Business Feels Tight Right Now (And What to Fix) with Bentley Pugh

    If your business feels tighter than usual with less cash, slower deals, and more pressure, this episode is a must-listen! For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor Bentley Pugh to unpack what’s going on behind the scenes when a business starts to feel squeezed. Listen as he discusses taking full accountability, resolving cash flow issues, and returning to the fundamentals that built his business in the first place. He also breaks down how he’s restructuring deals, improving financial visibility, and why strong operators win by adjusting when the market changes. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Manage cash flow during a business slowdownAdjust deal structures to bring in faster cashBuild multiple income streams within real estateStay disciplined with proper cash management What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:48) Introducing Bentley Pugh and his background (04:34) How infill lot development works in Seattle (05:59) Why rising interest rates slowed the market (07:31) Adapting your business instead of blaming the market (09:44) Land deals are more complex than traditional flips (11:57) Competition and challenges in land acquisition (13:29) Avoiding shiny object syndrome in business (15:09) Vertical integration and deal optimization (16:33) How Bentley got into private lending (19:24) Bentley's "One Big Deal" (20:28) Choosing cash flow over quick profits (25:07) The importance of detailed budgeting per property (26:55) Creating a forward-looking cash flow tracking system (30:08) Bentley's advice for better results in business Who This Episode is For: Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of being brokeInvestors dealing with slower deals or tighter marginsEntrepreneurs who feel plateaued in their businessAnyone struggling with inconsistent cash flow Why You Should Listen: This episode serves as a real-world reminder that small decisions can add up. Taking your foot off the gas, ignoring your numbers, or bending your own rules can slowly create pressure in your business. Connect with Bentley Pugh: Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentley-pugh-b180504/  Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    33 min

  8. APR 24

    Episode 60: Why High-Income Investors Overpay in Taxes (And How to Stop)

    Most investors think real estate is all about cash flow. But the ones who actually build wealth? They understand the tax game. This episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate: depreciation, and how it can legally reduce your tax bill in a big way. You will learn why buying and holding real estate is key, how an appreciating asset can still generate paper losses, and how to utilize these strategies effectively. If you’ve ever heard terms like “cost segregation” or “bonus depreciation” and felt confused, this conversation finally clarifies them. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Understand why passive investing isn’t a disadvantageUse depreciation to reduce your taxable incomeAvoid common mistakes that kill your tax strategyThink long-term with strategies like 1031 exchangesWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (00:56) How exactly does bonus appreciation or depreciation work to shelter income? (02:22) What qualifies you as a real estate professional (04:24) Cost segregation explained in simple terms (06:55) Bonus depreciation and how it’s changing over time (09:28) Why cost seg can still work (12:20) The “tipping point” depends on your income level (13:39) Why zero taxes isn’t always the smartest goal (16:30) Other strategies beyond depreciation (17:34) The 1031 exchange that builds long-term wealth (21:47) Cheap properties don’t give real tax advantages (23:26) Powerful strategy: spouse as a real estate professional (27:28) The short-term rental loophole explained Who This Episode is For: High-income earners who are tired of seeing huge tax billsReal estate investors who want a better strategyW-2 professionals looking to transition into investingCouples exploring ways to optimize income and tax structureWhy You Should Listen: If you are serious about building wealth through real estate and keeping more of what you earn, this episode is one you don’t want to skip. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    34 min
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Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler is the #1 podcast for real estate entrepreneurs who make good money but struggle with cash flow, tax planning, and building real wealth. If you're tired of living deal to deal, wondering where your money goes, and paying too much in taxes, this show will transform how you manage your real estate business finances.Host Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO Services, helps real estate investors escape financial stress by implementing proven wealth-building systems, advanced tax strategies, and cash flow management techniques that turn chaotic finances into predictable profit machines.Real estate wholesalers, fix and flip investors, and rental property owners making six or seven figures but still living paycheck to paycheck will discover how to stop constantly chasing the next deal. If you're overwhelmed by bookkeeping, financial management, and paying massive tax bills without knowing how to reduce them legally, you're ready to stop surviving and start building generational wealth.Every episode delivers actionable strategies on real estate tax planning, business cash flow optimization, wealth building for entrepreneurs, and financial systems that create freedom. Learn real estate tax deductions, legal tax avoidance strategies, cash flow forecasting, business budgeting for real estate investors, profit and loss analysis, entity structuring for tax benefits, and wealth building strategies beyond closing deals.Most real estate entrepreneurs focus on deal flow but ignore money flow. They hire accountants who only file taxes instead of providing proactive tax planning. Marcus shows you how to keep more of what you make, reduce your tax burden legally, and create financial systems that work whether you close one deal or ten deals per month.Listen to case studies of real estate investors who've saved $50K+ in taxes annually, built seven-figure net worth, and achieved financial freedom. Learn from entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses from cash-hungry operations into wealth-generating machines.This isn't just spreadsheets and tax codes. It's about creating a real estate business that supports your lifestyle, reduces financial stress, and builds lasting wealth. Marcus addresses the mindset shifts, business systems, and financial habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those stuck in survival mode.If you like The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Money Rahab with Nicole Lapin, The Dave Ramsey Show, or The Rich Dad Radio Show, you'll love Strength in Numbers.Subscribe now and join thousands of real estate professionals who've discovered that true wealth doesn’t come from closing more deals, but from keeping more of what you make. Stop living deal to deal. Start building wealth that lasts.

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