All Forum Posts by: Alex Little

I have come to the realization that I need to earn my CPA. I am currently looking for an opportunity that would support me obtaining this designation, as well as exposure to either private equity tax or real estate tax, preferably both. I am not looking to become a tax CPA doing client's taxes, I just want the knowledge and value for the PE/VC and REI work. If anyone has any leads on an opportunity like this, it would be greatly appreciated.

I have discovered that by simply having my CPA designation would open a lot more doors for me due to the instant credibility that is bestowed on those three letters. I already have the prerequisites to sit for the exams. While I have been trying to learn and add value in the REI world with my connections, I feel like the CPA will give me more knowledge and confidence to make a greater value impact for those I work with.

I currently am a property accountant with a REIT, but I do not get to learn much as far as accounting or RE is concerned, as well as not being able to put my education and talents to work. I have completed one joint venture on a turn key property last year and am currently completing another joint venture on a SFH flip.

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome.

I just read @David Thompson's blog post and I have to say it was very insightful. As a new, young investor, it is sometimes difficult to know how I should present myself or opportunities when I have little experience and not the lead on the deals I would have a connection to. The blog post helped me think of new ways I can approach potential investors for my situation, as well as just a reminder on how to influence without selling something. Thank you for your education.

I am curious as to working virtually with CPAs. I have been contacted by one, so we shall see how that goes, but so far I have not found any leads on local CPAs that invest and the few investor contacts I have here don't have a CPA themselves that also invests.

First off, I am unsure if this is the best place for this type of question, so if not please point me in the correct direction.

I am looking for opportunities to work with an investor to learn the business, especially with flipping and multifamily investing. I am looking for potentially a full time job or something on the side outside of normal business hours. I have spoken with a few investors I have connected with that don't have any leads on any opportunities, so I thought I'd throw out the question to the public.

Any leads or even just advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Does anyone have recommendations on great CPA's in the SLC/Murray area for tax returns/tax planning that invest themselves?

I have a joint venture and should be starting another pretty soon, so even though I have a Master's degree in Accounting myself, my area of expertise isn't tax and I would like a professional's advice on how my situation will play out with taxes.

Thank you in advance!

I'm interested to hear how this process works as well. I'd love for someone to share!

I have heard from a number of investors here in Utah that recommend to look out of state at the moment, due to the prices and rent not justifying prices, so I am interested in hearing about where your search leads you, especially on your first deal. Personally I am not interested in TK deals, but I look forward to seeing how it all goes for you! Best of luck!

Great thread! I have to say it is interesting seeing so many different perspectives and opinions, as well as a glimpse of the mindsets investors have from both ends of the experience spectrum. While I share the OP's enthusiasm and desire to grow my empire, I do heavily believe in learning from and listening to different perspectives, even when they clash with your own. I find it very educational to see the numbers and "facts" that commenters' are throwing out to justify their position. I think this thread might have a few nuggets of insight for those to choose to read logically instead of emotionally.

Hi Everyone!

Obviously I am new here. I just wanted to introduce and give a quick background on myself, as well as say how excited and appreciative I am for having such an immense and deep source of Real Estate Investing knowledge and community all in one place here on BiggerPockets.

I'm Alex Little. I'm 26. I received my Bachelor's in Accounting and Master's in Accountancy with a double emphasis in Audit and Information systems from the University of Utah. I grew up in Florida and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah about 5 years ago for family, friends, and school. My dad always told me about how important having your own business is and how great real estate is, so I've always had an inclination for that. I describe myself as sarcastic, trustworthy, and loyal. I know it's difficult to translate sarcasm via text, but I will most definitely try.

About a year or so ago I connected with a guy living in southern Utah that invests to try and pick his brain, get advice, and possibly partner on some deals with. About two months ago I was tired of telling myself that one day I will get into investing and I didn't want to wait 8+ months to save up enough to start investing, so I took out a personal loan for the minimum amount my friend would partner with me on a deal for and I jumped in. Once I found that I wasn't losing money from it, I took out a larger personal loan to go 50/50 on a JV with him. That is in the works right now.

Since the investor is extremely busy and used to doing everything himself, I am working on gaining as much knowledge as I can on my own to invest myself as well as to create value for future JV's and partnerships.

I found BiggerPockets from a friend at work who is in the process of flipping his first property. I wrote the name of the site down, but never went to it. About two weeks ago I needed podcasts to listen to while doing cardio, so I searched real estate and BAM, BiggerPockets came up. Hey, I recognize that name. almost 200 podcasts? That'll do for my cardio. So I started with 1. I am now on 28 and I even listen to them while driving now. I have learned so much already.

My grand scheme to build my empire is to start with flipping single family or small multi-family properties until I establish some working capital. At that point I wish to work into a lot more rental properties. The BRRR strategy and owning multi-family units specifically interests me. I hope to scale up quicker than most, not in quantity of deals, but in size.

I am also very interested in learning how I can utilize my accounting knowledge to add value to JV's, partnerships, and other investors. I have a lot of broad knowledge, but sadly I didn't pay as much attention when it came to taxes that could possibly help now with real estate business. However, I currently work for a very large self storage management and real estate company, so I have gained a lot of insight on self storage, as well as real estate and management in general.

Now that I have realized I just created a short story, I think I'll end this exciting tale of the Hero Accountant and the Real Estate Dragon now and let you get back to living life and making millions.

I look forward to speaking and working with many of you and wish you all the best!