Need CPA in Augusta GA + Ballpark Cost

[Dennis Adler]

I've always done my own taxes until I started receiving 1st rental property income.  So I am asking the BP community for recommended CPA in Augusta GA area.  Next year my rentals will jump upwards in number, so I want a CPA who can handle 8-12 rentals (my 3 year goal) with no problems. Do I need to start using Quickbooks?

Also I need a ball park figure for what is reasonable cost.  It looks like I will need the following forms at a minimum:  1040,  Schedule 1, Schedules B,  D,  E, Forms 4562 and 8949.     Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Michael Plaks]

@Dennis Adler

Don't know anyone in Augusta, but @Eamonn McElroy and @Bill Hampton are both in Atlanta. And these days, having a local accountant is not that important, frankly. Having a real estate specialist is far more important.

Decide what you really want from your accountant first. Most new investors only want to have their taxes prepared. It is important, but a good accountant can do way more than that: tax planning, business advice, bookkeeping setup etc. Tax planners/strategists knowledgeable in real estate are quite rare.

And if you need your 2018 taxes prepared - expect that most of the good accountants are too busy to accept new clients at this point.