I had to figure that out myself as well a couple of years ago haha as already mentioned, first things first, make sure you feel financially stable and secure. 

@Minji KimRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which is VERY important for stable rental income and low property maintenance/damage.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

Very few are in financial positions where tax strategies should be prioritized in their real estate business outside of perhaps timing and tax consequences of selling real estate. 

You are making the decision to grow your financial portfolio in a great way.

.,) and use QuickBooks for everything related to accounting/financials.

While I am totally new to this venture, I am driven by a passion for investing and the potential it holds for creating financial freedom.

I am not really in a position to purchase my first property just yet, but I am getting all my financials in order and saving up to hopefully buy something next year.

I am interested in starting with short term rentals to reach financial freedom and flexibility.

I wasnt aware of the business plan part but was told it was a requirement if i had no record of business financials (newly formed corp)   Do you have a sample copy of a business plan for lenders?

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