You want an accountant that can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the tax consequences of the decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.

It's clear that you and your husband are ambitious and have a strategic approach to building wealth through real estate.Here are some considerations based on the information you provided:Risk Tolerance: Evaluate your comfort level with debt and your degree of risk tolerance.

I've been trying to strategize and plan ahead regarding my investments and managing my portfolio.

Hey Jake - I'm helping someone strategize around something similar right now. 

Depending on how you want to aquire the property, or flip, or whatever I think you need to strategize how you want to acquire property first then come up with the number based on a percentage of down payment + closing costs of the house prices you are targeting.5) Talk to a few local bank lenders and see what first time home buyer programs they are offering.

You would still have to come up with the rent to pay your landlord.So, if you were to do this here, you would need to be very strategic.  

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who are likely only a few steps ahead of you in the game will be invaluable for both you mindset (staying motivated, others holding you accountable for your goals) and tactical/strategic advice ( where to invest, how get creative with finding properties, financing them, etc). 

I talked to one local CPA who specifically works with RE investors and is highly recommended by other investors but the fees for tax strategizing and doing the returns are high $10,000 total.

Some lenders are better than others in helping strategize the best options.

Your CPA is a good place too discuss possible strategies if they are Strategic CPAs and not just a tax accountant.