I was wondering how much of a difference you guys have seen in terms of searching for a CPA yourself or working with a referral. I am an outside investor in a property in Atlanta, and therefore do not have much of a social circle to rely on for referrals in the area.
I believe getting referrals from other investors who have already found a great CPA is the only smart way to go! If nothing else, you should add these professionals to your short list for serious consideration.
Whenever I enter a new market, getting referrals from experienced locals is my first order of business.
The best way to get a local professional is to ask for a referral from business contacts in your area. If you haven't built up a network yet, there are a good many CPAs active on this sub-forum. I would read a few posts of each, see who you get value from, and reach out.
Are you open to working with an accountant remotely?
I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local. There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation. Feel free to reach out to a couple and use the one you connect with the most.