Accounting firms typically have nothing to do with this process unless somehow the title company subcontracted the preparation of the 8288 to them (which really isn’t necessary as it doesn’t require tax expertise, only familiarity with the FIRPTA procedures in general, which any title co who’s worked with a sale by a foreign person would likely know).This is indeed a weird situation and it definitely is unsupported by any authority in the code and regulations to send the withholding tax amount to an accounting firm acting as a middle man for the IRS unless they somehow expressly made an agreement to do so.Good luck with that

Your systems and processes will make or break you.

What is the best financing option for someone just getting in to real estate to purchase their first property and what does that process look like for someone just establishing a business?

In particular- how was the process when the tenant moved out and there were charges reported against the Security Deposit? 

So it’s been a roller coaster of emotions.

The assessment process for commercial properties often involves evaluating the property's income-generating potential, which can lead to higher taxes than residential properties.

Same process as a personal mortgage for commercial? 

If you're still early on in the process, my advice would be to read more (BP has some good books) + attend local meetups. 

Unfortunately if the previous owner also fights back during this process it could be very expensive (since a quiet action title is actually a lawsuit).

Ideally, we want the entire process to be managed locally to Hawaii to maintain authenticity and manage logistics effectively (stamps from Hawaii and not the mainland).Unfortunately, I haven't found a local company on the Big Island that offers these services.