It's a great way to get started specially if you have a solid long-term plan.

My understanding is that a gift cannot be used as a down payment for an investment property, so my thought is to wait 2-3 months before applying for a loan, to season the funds. 

I recommend finding a financial planner who specializes in real estate taxation, tax planning and financial planning.You may want to consider working with your financial planner remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a financial planner willing to work with you throughout the year.

Can anyone recommend a good accountant that specializes in STR tax strategies for W2 earners?

Unfortunately, my agent dropped me yesterday, and now I feel more lost than ever.If someone knows any TX agent specializing in Self Storage, please reach out! 

However both will require a lot of speciallized knowledge. 

Special shout out these these guys for taking the time to respond: @Austin Steed @Patrick Roberts  @Nick Belsky  @Craig Warner  @Derek Brickley @Robin Simon @Devin Peterson  @Brandon Beardt  @Andrew Zamboroski

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires most small businesses to report the personal information of the beneficial owner's to a special unit of the U.S.

@Davin PaulineI recommend finding an accountant/financial planner who specializes in real estate taxation, tax planning and financial planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

They are worth their weight in gold.They actually specialize in smaller multi family in the Lehigh Valley so their business is built around the model.