Does it matter in which state my CPA or Attorney live?

[Garret L.]

I guess you could call me a newly educated long(ish) time investor. Three houses over 10 years but I only recently started learning what actual investing is and what it can do for me. In order to advance and accelerate my investing I need a knowledgeable CPA and a creative attorney. Since I have a property in Wisconsin, Washington, and North Carolina I don't know where (literally) to start. Does it matter where my CPA and attorney live? Are there advantages to them living in a certain state? Any insight any of you have will undoubtedly be helpful. Thank you 

[Michael Plaks]

Originally posted by @Garret L.:

Does it matter where my CPA and attorney live? Are there advantages to them living in a certain state?

Of course it matters. If they live in California - they are always offended (and overpriced). If they live in Colorado - they are always high. If they live in Texas - you have to ride a horse to your appointment.

Other than that - local tax differences are relatively minor, and most CPAs who work nationwide are reasonably competent in multi-state issues. 

Local legal differences, however, could be crucial, and you are better off dealing with an attorney licensed in the state where your property is located. Many attorneys are licensed in multiple states, but usually only a handful of them. You may need more than one attorney in this case - or a multi-attorney firm.