[Editor's note: This story is a composite based on real client experiences. Details have been adjusted to protect privacy, but the lesson is one I see repeatedly.] "I bought a $60,000 truck in December. That should knock $60,000 off my taxes, right?" That's what a contractor asked me last spring. He'd made a major equipment purchase expecting a massive tax windfall. When we ran the numbers, reality looked different. His actual tax savings? Around $15,000. He wasn't happy. But

Real estate investing builds wealth—but only if you track the numbers accurately. Here's what you need to know about rent rolls, CapEx, debt service, and investor reporting.