E52: Opportunity Zones 2027 - Fund Strategies for Tax-Free Growth
Discover how Opportunity Zones can help you defer taxes, boost returns, and diversify your portfolio while fueling community growth. In this episode of Alt Investing Made Easy, attorney and Opportunity Zone expert Gerry Reihsen breaks down complex tax rules into practical, actionable strategies. Whether you’re planning a major exit in 2026 or exploring Opportunity Zone funds for real estate and operating businesses, you’ll gain the insights needed to confidently allocate capital for long-term, tax-free growth as OZ 2.0 rules arrive in 2027.
About Our Guest:
Gerald J. (Gerry) Reihsen III is a dynamic legal strategist and entrepreneurial advisor based in Dallas, Texas, with more than two decades of experience in corporate law and capital markets. As the founder of Coasis Coalition and principal of Reihsen & Associates, Gerry blends deep legal expertise with entrepreneurial insight to empower transformative ventures. Nationally recognized for his leadership in Opportunity Zone investments and innovative business structuring, he is also a prominent leader in blockchain law and a passionate advocate for Texas business policy. Through strategic counsel, advisory leadership, and public speaking, Gerry continues to shape the future of enterprise, earning distinction as one of the nation’s Top 25 Opportunity Zone Attorneys by Opportunity Zone Magazine.
Connect with Gerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-reihsen/
Takeaways
- 10-Year Tax-Free Growth: Why the biggest OZ benefit isn’t the deferral—it’s the unlimited tax-free upside after a 10-year hold.
- OZ 1.0 vs. OZ 2.0: Understand the key changes coming in January 2027, including rolling deferrals and rural incentives.
- Structuring QOFs: How self-directed Qualified Opportunity Funds can help you control and scale your tax-advantaged investments.
- Real Estate & Beyond: Why 95% of OZ investments are multifamily projects—and why crypto mining, bourbon barrels, and data centers are emerging opportunities.
- Timing Strategies: How to use K-1 reporting windows and failed 1031 exchanges to capture more OZ benefits.
- Rural Playbook: How rural Opportunity Zones unlock up to 30% capital gains reductions and new growth markets.
- Common Advisor Oversights: Why many accountants and lawyers miss OZ opportunities—and how to avoid leaving money on the table.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Introductions
02:00 – Origins of Opportunity Zones: A Bipartisan Vision
04:30 – The #1 OZ Benefit Most Investors Overlook
08:15 – OZ 1.0 vs. OZ 2.0: Key Rule Changes Coming in 2027
13:30 – How Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) Work
18:00 – Real Estate vs. Operating Business Investments
25:00 – Timing Strategies: K-1 Windows & Failed 1031 Exchanges
32:30 – Creative OZ Investment Ideas: Bourbon, Crypto, Rentals
38:45 – Rural Opportunity Zones: Unlocking 30% Capital Gain Reductions
50:00 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
Ready to explore how Opportunity Zones can work for your portfolio?
Book a strategy call to see how your capital gains can be allocated for maximum impact.
Book a strategy call to see how your capital gains can be allocated for maximum impact.
Credits
Sponsored by Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas
If you are interested in being a guest, please email us.
Disclaimers
“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”
“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”
© 2025 AltInvestingMadeEasy.com LLC All rights reserved
Creators and Guests
Host
Roland Wiederaenders
Co-founder of the Alt Investing Made Easy podcast, investment advisor, and corporate securities attorney with expertise in private investment funds, corporate/securities issues, mergers and acquisitions, partnership structuring, and federal income tax matters. Roland is also a member of Grable Martin PLLC.
Host
Sarah Florer
Co-founder of the Alt Investing Made Easy podcast, investment advisor, and corporate attorney with expertise in corporate finance and securities, structuring and restructuring, and commercial matters. Sarah is also a member of Grable Martin PLLC.
Producer
Anthony Carrano
Co-founder of the Alt Investing Made Easy podcast, fractional Chief Marketing Officer, entrepreneur, and Managing Partner at Dunamis Marketing.
