@Garry C, as you put it, "ask for a discount before coming a client", I'd agree is not a cool thing to do. 

Our specialty is small business (1 - 10M in revenue), but quite a few of my clients own investment properties and we are quite knowledgeable about RE and partnership tax law.  

Is the market stable or strong? 

They will happily throw you under the bus to make them look good, by turning you down.I have a client right now and Newport Beach, California, with $45,000,000 cash liquid in Wells Fargo bank and can't qualify for a $200 secured card with capital one because a series of incorrectly reported mortgage issues (that I will get deleted).

Here’s the catch: because you’re implying that you’re a potential new client, each accountant will gladly spent 5-15 minutes with you on the phone for free.

Hi Megan,I have a lot of Bigger Pockets clients from all over the US and as far away as Singapore.  

To add to your first question about getting prequalified -- I can only speak for myself, I prequalify potential clients on a regular basis with the credit report they provide, if they have one. 

In order to take advantage of the rate, leverage and other perks they offer clients on their money.  

Usually, a lot of unknowns come from two things, inexperienced contractor or inexperienced client, or WORSE both are inexperienced!

One of my clients introduced me to BP when I was asking him about his hobbies and plans for the weekend.