American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 279 Top Real Estate Agents

Marty continued confidently, "Those 30,000 acres of land are not a single entity to the IRS, but rather a series of assets that can be separated."

“We will designate a portion of the core area as your primary residence.”

"For larger areas of land, such as more than 20,000 acres, we will define them as commercial farms and ranches and establish an independent operating company."

"All of the company's future expenses, such as hiring cowboys, purchasing equipment, and repairing fences, can be deducted from taxable income as business expenses."

Marty's smile grew even brighter. "And the most wonderful thing was the donation of environmental easements."

“We will hire top-tier appraisal agencies to assess the ‘future commercial development rights’ of this land at an astronomical price.”

"Then, you donate this right free of charge to a national environmental organization, promising that this land will never be used for commercial development."

"This donation will earn you a charitable donation tax credit of tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars!"

"This credit is enough to ensure that you won't have to pay a single penny of personal income tax to the IRS for many years to come!"

Marty concluded, "Simply put, through this operation, you not only avoid high tax rates, but you also buy a kingdom."

"And this kingdom will continue to generate huge tax benefits for you for decades to come. You are essentially getting the U.S. government to pay a large sum of money for you to buy this land."

Marty leaned toward the screen and said, slowly and deliberately, "Let me do the math for you, Lin. Your net profit is approximately $290 million."

"If you do nothing and simply wire the money back to the United States, after paying federal and state taxes, guess how much you'll have to pay?"

Without waiting for Lin Yu'an's reply, he directly revealed the bloody figure: "Nearly 160 million US dollars! More than half of your profits will evaporate and become the IRS's spoils of war."

“But according to my plan, you use the profit of 230 million to buy the farm, and then value the land development rights at 150 million US dollars and donate them.”

"This donation could create over $80 million in real tax savings for you."

"So, do you understand now? Not only did you avoid $160 million in taxes, but the U.S. government will also reward you with an additional $80 million in tax breaks."

"With one in and one out, it's like you only spent about 150 million US dollars in actual cost to get that kingdom worth 230 million."

"Not only did you not pay a single penny of tax on your enormous profits, but you also had Uncle Sam pay for eighty million dollars of the land purchase price for you!"

"Although you gave up commercial development rights that you had no intention of exercising in the first place, you gained a huge tax benefit of 80 million US dollars in return."

"However, if you want to modify the farm later, as long as it is done within the legal framework I have carefully designed, there will be no problem at all."

Lin Yu'an smiled too. He chose to have Marty join the alliance not only because of his litigation skills, but also because of his financial expertise in this gray area! As it turned out, he hadn't misjudged him.

Marty leaned back in his chair, reverting to his relaxed lawyer persona, and grinned: "So, gentlemen, forget about the IRS. Leave the professional stuff to the professionals."

Just then, Brian, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

His voice remained calm as he steered the discussion from the theoretical level of how to save money to the practical level of how to get things done.

“Marty solved the money problem, that’s good.” Brian’s gaze turned to Lin Yu’an. “But, Lin, to buy a kingdom like this, you need more than just money and lawyers.”

“For legendary properties of this caliber, the transaction process itself is a complex battlefield. The sellers may be xenophobic and shrewd.”

"Listed brokers are the most shrewd of all; they will use every means to squeeze every penny out of you, the newly rich."

Scout nodded, deeply agreeing. In Hollywood, he had seen too many wealthy stars and producers get completely outmaneuvered by top agents when buying mansions.

Brian said slowly, "You can't negotiate on your own, and you can't just find any agent. You need someone who can represent you and keep things under control."

"One who can make the other party understand that you are not a nouveau riche who can be manipulated at will, but a buyer they must treat as an equal, and even need to look up to."

He didn't keep you in suspense and gave you a solution right away: "I'll help you contact someone named Billy Kincaid."

"He is a partner at Jackson Hole Land & Ranch, and the best large farm broker in the United States, bar none."

"Over the past decade, he has handled more than half of all land transactions west of the Rocky Mountains that have exceeded $100 million. He never represents the sellers, only the top buyers."

Brian's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile: "He's also my private real estate consultant. I'll tell him that your business is my business."

"He will use all his resources to help you complete due diligence, find out the seller's bottom line, and negotiate the most favorable terms for you at the negotiating table."

"It's not impossible to save you several million or even tens of millions of dollars from the listed price of 230 million."

These words made Lin Yu'an truly realize Brian's value as the core of the league.

Marty provides the professional "techniques," while Brian provides the "momentum" at the top of the pyramid.

It's the kind of absolute power that can mobilize the industry's top resources with just one phone call, making things simple and efficient.

Lin Yu'an said sincerely, "Then, thank you, Brian."

Brian nodded slightly, accepting the gratitude.

The meeting finally ended.

The panic and greed before the meeting were replaced by more professional planning and ambition for the future.

After the first post-war division of spoils, the four-man alliance had transformed from a temporary speculative group into a well-organized and highly efficient machine.

Lin Yu-an was responsible for providing the script and direction.

Brian was responsible for providing the highest level of capital and power backing.

Scooter is responsible for execution and resource integration within the entertainment industry.

Marty, on the other hand, was responsible for equipping the machine with the strongest legal and tax armor to ensure that every harvest yielded a bountiful harvest.

At this moment, a ghostly warship that straddles Hollywood and Wall Street raises its mainsail!
After the screen went dark, the study fell into absolute silence.

Lin Yu'an did not get up immediately. He sat quietly, reviewing the entire meeting process and information in his mind.

Marty's tax plan was meticulous and feasible, and Brian's network of contacts was timely and effective. The efficiency of this alliance exceeded his initial expectations.

He was well aware that the transaction process for assets like the Great Stone River Heritage Ranch was far more complex than that of ordinary real estate sales.

It involves complex historical issues, interstate legal differences, and even direct confrontations with local powerful families.

Brian recommended Billy Kincaid, who was the key figure in untying this complicated knot.

Even with Brian's introduction, one must still demonstrate sufficient strength and professionalism to gain genuine respect and thus take the lead in the collaboration.

Suddenly, the laptop screen lit up with an email notification.

He opened his email and found the corresponding message. The email body contained no superfluous greetings; the content went straight to the point: "Lin, regarding the acquisition of the Giant Stone River Heritage Ranch, please pay attention to the documents in the email attachment."

The email contained two encrypted PDF files, which were exactly what he needed; their format, wording, and legal details were impeccable.

Almost at the same time, another new email arrived.

The sender was Brian Lord's assistant, which signifies that the alliance's power center has also completed its task.

Mr. Lin,

Mr. Brian has spoken with Mr. Billy Kincaid. Mr. Kincaid has confirmed the matter and will adjust his schedule to contact you within an hour.

Best of luck.

Lin Yu'an downloaded the two PDF files to his desktop and then closed his email.

He didn't wait in the study, but instead took his coffee cup and went downstairs. Everything was ready; all he needed to do was wait for the other party to contact him.

In the living room, the fireplace glowed warmly and peacefully.

About forty minutes later, the encrypted satellite phone rang precisely on time. The caller ID showed a number from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The moment the call connected, a steady and powerful voice came from the other end, with the husky accent characteristic of the American West. The voice carried a professional politeness.

“Hello, this is Billy Kincaid. Mr. Brian Lord mentioned you to me.” “Mr. Kincaid, thank you for calling. I think we both have valuable time, so let’s get straight to the point.”

“Of course,” Billy Kincaid seemed unsurprised by this efficient communication style, even somewhat appreciative. “Brian said you’re interested in large ranches in the West, specifically…”

"Giant Stone River Heritage Ranch," Lin Yu'an stated his target directly without the slightest hesitation.

There was a momentary pause on the other end of the phone. This precise, name-specific goal clearly made Kincaid realize that this was not a aimless consultation.

Lin Yu'an didn't give him much time to think and continued, "I have a preliminary intention to acquire it. Before we have a more in-depth discussion, I think it is necessary to show you my sincerity in purchasing it."

"You can check your email to ensure our communication is based on authenticity and efficiency."

While on the phone, Lin Yu'an had already sent the two PDF files, which had been prepared by Marty Singer's team, to Billy Kincaid's email address, which was copied to him by Brian's assistant.

"OK, just a second."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, broken only by the faint sound of a mouse clicking.

This brief pause is a crucial moment for information exchange and strength assessment.

Lin Yu'an waited quietly, but the details of the two documents were clearly in her mind.

The first document, a non-binding letter of intent drafted primarily by the "Northern Lights Trust," registered in the British Virgin Islands, fully complies with the laws of Wyoming and Montana. It is professionally rigorous and impeccable.

The second document, and crucially so, is the "Certificate of Asset Validity," proving that the aforementioned foundation possesses verifiable liquid funds of no less than $300 million. This money is precisely his own prize, acquired unscathed.

"...Mr. Lin?"

About half a minute later, Billy Kincaid's voice rang out again, pulling Lin Yu'an back from her thoughts of recalling the documents.

This time, his tone underwent a dramatic change. His previous professional politeness transformed into a high level of focus, enthusiasm, and even a hint of barely perceptible awe towards a potential important client.

“Mr. Lin, I have received the documents.” Kincaid’s voice was full of surprise.

"A certificate of assets worth $300 million issued by Singer's law firm and a formal letter of intent based on an offshore trust... This is very comprehensive and very professional."

"You are clearly not in the initial understanding stage, but have entered the substantive decision-making process. The professionalism you and your team possess is impressive."

“I’m used to completing all the preparations before taking action,” Lin Yu’an replied, his voice calm and even.

Billy chuckled on the other end of the phone. "I really, really appreciate this way of working, Mr. Lin."

His voice carried a clear positive signal; his previous caution had completely vanished, replaced by a strong enthusiasm. "Then let me tell you what will happen next."

Kinkade quickened his pace, “My team will immediately compile and package the internal archives of Giant Rock River, including complete and complex water rights reports, potential mineral rights geological exploration data, tax records for the past five years, and detailed financial statements of ranch operations.”

He paused briefly, then emphasized, “These are things that sellers’ brokers would never show up; they’re hidden in the deep waters. I will personally review every page of the document to make sure you see an unvarnished, complete map, including any potential pitfalls.”

"This confidential file will appear in your inbox within two hours."

He then offered his next steps: "At the same time, I suggest we arrange a site visit as soon as possible. Documents are static, but people are dynamic. What I want to report to you is not just data, but also the story of the family behind this land!"

"Their true motives for selling, and the negotiation leverage we can exploit, are the key factors in determining whether we can acquire it at an ideal price."

“Sure.” Lin Yu’an’s response was concise and firm. “Once I’m done with these next few days, I’ll go to Wyoming.”

“No problem.” Billy Kincaid’s voice was full of enthusiasm. “It’s an honor to serve you, Mr. Lin. Welcome to the real West.”

Lin Yu'an calmly ended the call.

He hung up the phone, the warmth of the room contrasting sharply with the coldness of the business world on the other end. He knew that from the moment Billy Kincaid's tone shifted from scrutiny to "service," the most important step in acquiring this empire had been completed.

He turned around and saw Arya and Emily sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace, their eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

Emily couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Is it over? What... did the agent say?"

Lin Yu'an smiled confidently, walked up to them, and said casually, "Alright, the bait has been cast. Now, we just wait for the big fish to bite."

He didn't continue the conversation, but instead walked to the gun rack by the wall, took down his custom-made Winchester M70 rifle, and a set of professional gun cleaning tools.

He walked to the window and began meticulously wiping his custom-made .300 Winchester M70 rifle.

The firelight illuminated his sharply defined, focused profile, and the cold gun barrel in his hand reflected a warm metallic sheen, creating a powerful image.

Time quickly passed to dawn the next day, piercing the darkness even earlier than the day before.

Arya and Emily also got up early and quietly helped him pack his bags, stuffing his backpack with high-calorie jerky and two thermos flasks filled with hot coffee.

Arya smoothed his collar one last time, her blue eyes filled with worry, her lips moved but she ultimately said nothing.

They knew that for the men about to embark on their hunting journey, too many words and reluctance would be a hindrance.

"Be careful." Arya finally uttered only this one word, but it weighed as heavy as a thousand pounds.

When Lin Yu'an walked out of the wooden house with his gun on his back, the entire town of Wiesman had already awakened in a repressive silence.

For the first time, the pale golden sunlight gilded the boundless snowfield with a warm yet sharp hue.

The air was as crisp as crystal, and every breath carried the fresh scent of melting snow, but also a faint hint of pine needle fragrance.

Unlike the city where one is awakened by alarm clocks and traffic noise, here one is awakened by a shared sense of mission and a lurking threat.

A dozen or so men, dressed in thick camouflage or deerskin hunting clothes, were emerging from various corners of the town and converging on the only open space at the town's entrance.

They carried a variety of weapons, from old-fashioned lever-action rifles to modern bolt-action shotguns, each polished to a gleaming shine, exuding a chilling murderous aura.

The usual relaxed demeanor during casual conversation was replaced by a mixture of seriousness and excitement on everyone's faces.

They are the guardians of this town. There are old hunters like Stan, their faces weathered by time; there are young men with childlike faces but deliberately fierce eyes; and there is the town's only taciturn repairman with thick, oil-stained fingers.

Today, they have only one identity: hunters.

The enemy is the pack of North American gray wolves, who have been starving all winter and have begun to set their greedy eyes on human homes.

Lin Yu'an's appearance immediately caused a small commotion.

"Hey! Lin's here!" a young man named Jack Law shouted excitedly, as if he had seen his pillar of support.

"Great! With Lin here, we're sure to take down that damned alpha wolf today!"

But not everyone was so optimistic. A burly old hunter, who looked to be in his sixties, held a hunting rifle and scrutinized Lin Yu'an's expensive and brand-new equipment.

His tone held a hint of mockery: "Stan, we're going wolf hunting, not to an outdoor gear expo! Is he really capable?"

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

Stan walked over, patted Lin Yu'an heavily on the shoulder, and said to Buck, "Shut up, old Buck! Put away your arrogant self-righteousness. Lin is definitely more capable than any of us here!"

Then Stan turned to Lin Yu'an, who held an old but well-maintained Remington 700 rifle in his hand.

"Are you ready, Lin?"

Lin Yu'an did not answer immediately. He calmly looked at Buck, revealing a cold and resolute look in his eyes, like a hunter looking at his prey.

This neither-soft-nor-hard response left Buck speechless. He could tell from that look that the man had seen blood! He snorted and muttered, "How impressive he is, we'll see in the forest."

Lin Yu'an looked away before answering Stan's question, "Of course I've prepared my friend."

His answer was concise and powerful, and looking around, everyone's eyes burned with the same flame.

This is a kind of cohesion that has long disappeared in the civilized world; here, there is no complex social division of labor.

Every man, when necessary, must take up arms to defend against the threats from the wilderness.

Behind them are their wives, children, and homes. There is no way to retreat.

(End of this chapter)