CPA / Financial Planner - Local (does it matter)

[Mike Castellow]

1. It's there any benefit to hiring a local CPA or financial planner? 2. Do you use the same person as a CPA and financial planner? 3. It seems to me that one person would be able to maintain a better overall picture, but in your opinion is it best to keep these two separate? My details are as follows. I live in San Marcos, TX which is halfway between Austin and San Antonio, but I probably spend at least 9 months a year traveling for work. I am looking to hire a CPA which is something that I should have done years ago. Since I am trying to transition from a full-time career as an industrial equipment inspector into a full-time real estate investor, I would like to find someone who specializes in real estate. I would prefer more than just an accountant who regurgitates what the computer says. I would like to find someone who is both capable and willing to help me develop a financial plan that will help me achieve my immediate and long term goals. Thoughts?