In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Tony Hoong — better known as The CPA Dude — to break down practical, legal tax strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re a W2 employee, side hustler, small business owner, or real estate investor, this episode is packed with actionable tips your CPA probably isn’t telling you. Stick around to the end so you don't miss any key strategies that could save you thousands of dollars.

We cover:

-The Building of the CPADude Tax Firm
-How W2 workers can reduce taxes
-Deductions most people miss and how to audit-proof your finances
-How to use the Augusta Rule to rent your home to your business — tax-free
-Real estate investor strategies like bonus depreciation and cost segregation
-Property Business & Entity Formation

Tony simplifies the complex and delivers strategies you can start implementing today.

Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcast and SHARE this episode.

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👥 Connect with Tony Hoong:
Website: https://thecpadude.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheCPADude_


🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

💡 Ready to stop overpaying the IRS? Hit play.

In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Charles Lee, founder and CEO of Palmetto Superfoods — one of the fastest-growing açaí bowl brands in California.

What started as a single store in San Francisco has quickly become one of the most talked-about health food brands in California. Charles shares how he went from concept to execution, the mindset it took to scale brick-and-mortar, and why a focus on product quality over hype has been the key to long-term growth. From lessons in branding and leadership to scaling a brick-and-mortar business the right way, this episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to build a multi-million dollar brand from the ground up.

If you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, or aspiring founder — this one's for you.

Topics Include:

• The early days of launching a food concept from scratch
• Why obsessing over the product is more important than marketing
• Lessons learned from opening multiple physical locations
• Branding vs. experience: how to get both right
• Building a team and company culture in food & beverage
• The biggest myths about starting a food business

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👥 Connect with Charles Lee:
Website: https://www.palmettosuperfoods.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chacharleslee/

🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/

Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761

🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

💬 Like this episode?
Leave a five star review on your favorite streaming platform and share with a friend who would find value.

In this solo episode, Lorenzo Mercado pulls back the curtain on his latest moves in real estate. He shares real lessons from his recent house flips—including costly delays—and how those setbacks are shaping his mindset. Lorenzo also dives into his next big play: boutique hotel investing. He breaks down why he’s making the shift, what he’s learning, and how it fits into his long-term vision of building wealth and freedom. The episode wraps with a candid Q&A where Lorenzo answers listener questions on flipping mistakes, turning pro, and what success really looks like.

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Like what you hear?
Subscribe to The Lo-Down, drop a 5-star review, and share it with someone who would find value. Thanks for tuning in.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real estate, Business, and Taking Action👥

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🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado