Seeking Long Term Real Estate Investing CPA

[Conner Woods]

Hello,

I recently bought a duplex in Lansing, MI (end of October 2017). I've since then been living in one side and renting out the other side. Meanwhile I've been trying to expand my knowledge by reading blogs, books and forums. Having learned some more, especially through reading "Tax Strategies for the savvy Real Estate Investor" I've grown concerned that the person I've gone to in previous years for my taxes may no longer be the best fit for my specific tax needs as I get more and more involved into real estate.

This is my first rental property and I intend to expand, I was hoping to reach out to the BiggerPockets community and ask for references for a real estate investing CPA with emphasis on long term rentals. I live in Lansing, MI area and would like to ideally find someone in the area I could meet with face to face for hopefully this upcoming tax season, tax  seasons in the future and other tax related questions.

Additionally, what are the thoughts on Tax Advisors/CPA's out of your state? Do you think this should be avoided or is it just as good as finding someone in your area with all the technology at our disposal now (Video calling, Faxing, Photo scans/e-mails etc.). Would it be better to find a more experienced individual than someone in your area, or someone in your area slightly less qualified?

Really appreciate in feedback on this,

Thanks in Advance,

-Conner Woods

[Eamonn McElroy]

@Conner Woods

It all depends on what you're comfortable with.

Do you like the idea of being able to drop in for a face-to-face meeting?  If so, someone within an hour or so radius of you might be best.

If you don't mind an out of town CPA/EA, your options expand dramatically.

Even with a local CPA, everything will be (or should be) electronic as far as document delivery and the majority of communication goes.

There are at least a dozen CPAs/EAs on this forum, all of which to my knowledge are capable of serving clients remotely.

General advice is to read posts and search the forum, then reach out to who you find provides value and might be a good fit.