Looking for a reference for a good CPA

[Bruce Crawford]

I am looking to change my accountant and I am looking for any reference for a CPA that understands real estate well, and also how to work on expat taxes (I am based in Tokyo). Thanks for any suggestions! There are a few other investors out here that are also looking for new CPAs. I will pass along any details to them as well. 

[Kory Reynolds]

I'll agree with Michael on this one. Many small firms that specialize in real estate may not also be equipped for your international issues (depending on what they are). The firm I am with splits specialties for that exact reason - IE I am primarily a real estate / partnership / S-Corp guy. If I have an international issue, I always pull in someone from our international group. There are many rules and reporting requirements, some with extreme penalties for failure to disclose.

Easiest option to find in my opinion is Michael's number 3 - look for firms in the top 100 or top 200 listings by revenue, they'll be pretty much guaranteed to have what you need - but don't expect them to be cheap. Also there can be high turnover - you very well could have a new manager on your account every few years. Most of the coordination will happen behind the scenes, so likely you should have minimal work on coordinating the two groups. Any of the other routes will work as well, but more difficult to vet having the dual expertise.