Canadian investing in US

[Derp Gurp]

Hope everyone is well. Currently I am selling my condo in Toronto and will have some money to invest. I've always found the US Market to be promising with all the tax benefits and cash flowing properties.

My Questions are as follows:

I've searched for many CPA's in Toronto. Managed to find one decent one who knows what he's talking about. Is $3000 a year worthwhile for them to do the taxes for Canada & USA. That is basically $250 a month and the way I see it it's basically a multifamily cashflow investment at 20% down. Are there cheaper ones that can be used in US and my personal taxes be done separately for cheaper?

Is making a C corp and getting a individual EIN per unit the best way? My understanding on the C corp is that if I pay myself in Canada a amount I would get taxed by IRS and CRA but, if I keep it within US and don't pay myself in Canada, I wouldn't be taxed in Canada. Would there really even be taxes with depreciation of some units being really high? I've had a few people and lawyers tell me taxes are basically gone due to depreciation and just do a 1031 later down the line when you're ready.

Since I will not be living in US until maybe 3 years later for my job and I would love to fly down to units but, due to covid it's not making it possible. I have to invest without seeing the units. What are some good steps in finding trustful property management companies, realtors who put in work?

All help is appreciated.

Thank you.

[Dave Foster]

@Derp Gurp, Whether you choose to set up a domestic C corp or other domestic entity that can own real estate you will be able to effectively avoid tax on gain using the 1031 exchange.  The domestic entity should allow you to avoid FIRPTA issues.  The depreciation will offset operating income.  And the 1031 exchange will allow you to indefinitely defer the depreciation recapture and tax on gain (all of these on the US side of course).  Not a bad plan at all.