Can I deduct a RE course as a tax expense?

[Karen Young]

Prior to purchasing our first rental property my husband and I took a course to learn the ins and outs of RE.  Our CPA says we can't deduct the cost of the course since it wasn't education for our main jobs. 

This is from IRS publication 535 Business expenses:

[Steven Hamilton II]

Prior to purchasing or investing you cannot deduct it as it is for a new trade or business. Once you are already engaged in the activity you can deduct it.