A Virtual Panel Session: How to be a Successful Real Estate Investor in 2026!

• As technology continues to reshape the industry, the panel will dive into how artificial intelligence is influencing real estate and lending decisions, and how investors can get ahead of the curve rather than react after the fact. You will also gain perspective on where investors are seeing the strongest return on effort and capital, helping you identify investment approaches that offer the best bang for your buck in today’s market.

• Creativity remains a powerful advantage in real estate, and our discussion will highlight mortgage programs that support flexible and non-traditional strategies, opening doors that many investors overlook.

• The conversation will also take a practical look at flipping properties, examining when it makes sense, when it does not, and how current market conditions impact the true profitability of a flip.

Throughout the session, panelists will address common pitfalls, tax considerations, and strategic opportunities that can shape long-term outcomes, providing you with a well-rounded view of the real estate investment environment heading into 2026. This value-packed virtual event is free to attend and built for investors who want clarity, confidence, and smarter decision-making. Reserve your spot and position yourself for a strong

 Moderator

Tony Watson, Tax Advisor, Robert Hall & Associates

Tony Watson, a seasoned tax professional at Robert Hall & Associates, seamlessly blends a robust financial career with a passion for real estate and entrepreneurial ventures. Managing clients with a portfolio exceeding $500 million in real estate holdings, Tony is a Federal Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, adept at advising, representing, and preparing tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and various entities with diverse tax-reporting requirements.

Certified as an Enrolled Agent (EA) and honored with the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI) Fellow status, Tony is a sought-after speaker for numerous organizations, delivering engaging insights through both in-person events and webinars. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Chapman University, Tony's educational foundation complements his extensive practical experience.

As an active member of prestigious professional associations such as the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA), Tony exemplifies a commitment to excellence in his field. Beyond his pivotal role at Robert Hall & Associates, Tony is not just a tax expert but also a dynamic real estate investor, entrepreneur, and avid short and long-term trader.

With over a decade and a half of hands-on experience, Tony and his team at Robert Hall & Associates continually seek and implement cutting-edge strategies for client tax filings. Their collective mission is clear: empower taxpayers to preserve and grow their wealth while navigating the intricacies of tax management with prudence and expertise. 

Panelists

Nicole Green, Tax Advisor, Robert Hall & Associates

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a focus in Education, Nicole went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Educational Theory. Her love for learning led her into the tax industry. With the ever-evolving tax code and continual education, it was a perfect match for her.

With over a decade of experience in the tax world, Nicole Green holds a federal license as an Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, where she can advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other entity with tax-reporting requirements. Her knowledge in tax have been recognized in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, HomeLight—an online real estate company that matches clients with local agents and provides home loans—and impact.com, a platform that helps influencers and content creators manage partnerships. Nicole has been featured in these outlets for her insightful tax advice and industry knowledge.

Outside the office, Nicole is an avid traveler. She’s been to all 7 continents spanning 50 different countries. She enjoys cooking and trying new cuisines at food festivals around the world. Some of her other favorite activities include attending sporting events and the occasional shopping spree.

Daniel Yukelson, Landlord Advocate, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA)

Daniel Yukelson is currently the Executive Director of The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA). As Certified Public Accountant, Yukelson began his career at Ernst & Young, the global accounting firm, and since then had served in senior financial roles principally as Chief Financial Officer for various public, private and start-up companies. Prior to joining AAGLA, Yukelson served for 12 years as Chief Financial Officer for Premiere Radio Networks, now a subsidiary of I-Heart Media, and then 3 years as Chief Financial Officer for Oasis West Realty, the owner of the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills where he was involved with the development and construction of the Waldorf. https://aagla.org/

Yukelson also served for 6 years as a Planning Commissioner and for 3 years as a Public Works Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills.

Daniel Arias , Lender/Mortgage Specialist, We Fund LA

Daniel Arias has spent almost 2 decades in the Mortgage Industry and operates as the Team Lead for the Top Producing Mortgage team We Fund LA. Drawing from his own experience as a first-time homebuyer many years ago, he understands the multitude of questions that can arise and the importance of reliable guidance.

Over the past 19 years, he's dedicated himself to crafting a modernized mortgage experience. By breaking down the homeownership roadmap into manageable steps, he guides you through each phase with clarity and expertise. His specialized focus extends to various groups, including first-time homebuyers, freelancers in the entertainment industry, educators, healthcare professionals, and first responders.

As a valued thought leader within the Pasadena Real Estate space, Daniel is also part of President's Council with New American Funding and Board Member of the Pasadena Fire Foundation.

Outside the office, you'll find him exploring the great outdoors, indulging in his passion for travel, or soaring through the skies as both a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot.

Geoff Gan, Cost Segregation Specialist, GTG Consulting

Geoffrey Gan brings more than 20 years of overall professional experience related to cost segregation, management consulting, construction, real estate, and software application development.

Since 2004, he has overseen and performed thousands of cost segregation studies for real estate assets including: apartment complexes, auto dealerships, high-rise office buildings, industrial manufacturing facilities, hotels and casinos, medical offices, retail centers, single family rentals, and veterinary clinics.

Geoff has a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science both from the University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business and Viterbi School of Engineering). Geoff is also a Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) as part of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals ( www.ascsp.org ), which is the industry’s highest accolade (there are only about 50 professionals with this accreditation). He and his wife reside in Rancho Cucamonga, California.