I've spent all day on the phone with a variety of professionals, including the IRS, CPA's, attorneys and SDIRA custodians, who all have all given me different answers to that same question and most with different explanations why or why not.  

He's an older guy also, and from what I've heard I'm not sure his CPA is 100% investor friendly.

I've been networking and attending local REIA meetings.

Why not take advantage of free networking and educational opportunities?  

Start developing your network early. 

For the past year, I have been educating myself using books, forums, podcasts, networking etc.

This is a great place to learn and network.

I'm working with a CPA and getting his advice as well, but I wanted to get advice here too because I've had a great experience here and have received a lot of useful advice. 

So for a few years, took a step back in acquiring more and just focused on paying down, saving, networking, and learning a ton about Baltimore County rental laws.

I'm a CPA working in south Tacoma who is just starting to get into the real estate world.