Are CPA’s necessary before starting out? If not, at what point is a CPA necessary?

[AnnMarie Bacchus]

I am a newbie RE investor (currently getting approved for a HELOC to fund my first purchase). I read several post that some people recommend having a CPA before out while other say you can wait until you have a few properties under your belt? Any personal thoughts on this? No idea what to do? I'm struggling to find a RE CPA to work with me since I currently have no investment properties.