Episode #156: John Berlet – Opportunity Zone Fund to Defer Taxes

Opportunity Zones [OZs] have been demarcated in the interest of economic development and to attract investors to distressed parts of America.  Joining us today is an OZ Fund specialist, the General Partner of Tandem Trust, and the Fund Manager of Coastal Bend OZ, John Berlet. After explaining what he does and breaking down his history as a financial planner, John defines Opportunity Zone Funds, the tax incentives and other reasons that you’d want to start one, why big construction is better for OZ Funds, and how outdated information means that some middle to high-income areas still get classified as Opportunity Zones. We learn about John’s most recent project and what he’s most excited about, before hearing about everything he’s learned as a fund manager. If you are an aspiring OZ Fund manager and would like to know what it takes, then be sure to tune in for helpful, practical examples from the wonderful and wise, John Berlet!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing John Berlet: his history in financial planning and what he does now. The state he found to be the most advantageous for his OZ Fund during his motorhome trip. What an Opportunity Zone (OZ) Fund is, and a perfect example of why you want to start one. Why OZ Funds are best for properties that need a ton of new work or new construction.Exploring why some middle and high-income areas still get designated as Opportunity Zones. The ins and outs of the OZ project that John is currently busy with: Blue City Paraiso. His main responsibilities as a fund manager.The biggest lessons he’s learned from setting up new funds. Assessing the costs of a feasibility study. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:John Berlet on LinkedIn Tandem Trust FinancialCoastal Bend OZ Ashley Tison on LinkedIn City of Rockport, Texas Blue City Paraiso at Rockport Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Caliber Blue zones Asset Management Mastery Facebook Group Break of Day CapitalBreak of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedInJoseph Fang on LinkedInJoseph Fang Email