If the EM is a specific amount requested or i want to get some attention with say a 10% EM, then I will right a check specific to that offer.

Another person in the class said, “I have seen these signs in town that say “WE BUY HOUSESâ€, what are these?

I assume the following: you can't estimate on this alone because labor, differences in houses say a vaulted roof but maybe you can get a ballpark for your own uses.

I'm assuming buying say a 12 unit apartment complex for $800K would cash flow more even with a mortgage than a single family or duplex for $200K even with no mortgage right?

With that, for Example.... with my DTI , I can afford say, a $450 a month ( PITI included ) note a month.

Say a contract puts a lien on the property.

say a home is going through foreclosure and I strike a deal to save it.

Also if you can get a loan and still cash flow then I would say a loan is totally worth it.if you want you can try to pay the loan off faster if you want to own a property free and clear.

@Mehgan MooreTo answer the title of your post, I would say a good Bookkeeper/CPA is one who will do the following:Keeps you compliant with timely and accurate books and tax returnsMakes sure that no deductions are falling through the cracksProvides tax advice in your industryCommunicates in a timely fashionAll of these are critical, but I can't stress #1 enough.

Lets say a building has some tenants but will take a year to get stabilized.