Looking for a Solid Real Estate Tax Strategist — Any Recommendations?

San Francisco, California
General Real Estate Investing
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Looking for a Solid Real Estate Tax Strategist — Any Recommendations?

John Cezar Dimaano
Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 7 votes

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting started in real estate investing and setting up my business. I’ve been looking for a good tax strategist who specializes in real estate, particularly someone who can help guide me with proper structuring, maximizing deductions, and preparing me for long-term growth.

I came across TrueBooks here on the forums, and while I know some people had good things to say, I was a bit discouraged by the mixed reviews regarding communication and follow-through. Since I’m still early in my journey, I really need someone who’s hands-on, responsive, and willing to educate along the way.

If you’ve worked with someone you trust and had a great experience—especially if they work with STRs, LLCs, or first-time investors—I’d really appreciate your recommendation.

Thanks in advance!

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Pranav NA
Member since 2025 · 1 post · 1 vote
1y
Quote from @Bradley Buxton:

@John Cezar Dimaano

I have a few recommendations. They are based in Reno but have a lot of experience with out-of-state investors. They are part of my trusted investors team here in the Reno Tahoe area. I'll send you a PM. 

 @Bradley Buxton If you wouldn't mind, could you please share it with me as well. I am in a similar boat. Thanks!

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  • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 720 votes
    1y

    @John Cezar Dimaano

    I have a few recommendations. They are based in Reno but have a lot of experience with out-of-state investors. They are part of my trusted investors team here in the Reno Tahoe area. I'll send you a PM. 

    1Reply
    • Pranav NA
      Member since 2025 · 1 post · 1 vote
      1y
      Quote from @Bradley Buxton:

      @John Cezar Dimaano

      I have a few recommendations. They are based in Reno but have a lot of experience with out-of-state investors. They are part of my trusted investors team here in the Reno Tahoe area. I'll send you a PM. 

       @Bradley Buxton If you wouldn't mind, could you please share it with me as well. I am in a similar boat. Thanks!

      1Reply
    • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 720 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Pranav NA:
      Quote from @Bradley Buxton:

      @John Cezar Dimaano

      I have a few recommendations. They are based in Reno but have a lot of experience with out-of-state investors. They are part of my trusted investors team here in the Reno Tahoe area. I'll send you a PM. 

       @Bradley Buxton If you wouldn't mind, could you please share it with me as well. I am in a similar boat. Thanks!


       For sure!  Sent you a PM

      1Reply
  • Becca F.
    Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I know a CPA in the Bay Area who works with a lot of real estate investors and does tax strategy. He's even doing an educational webinar soon. You could probably meet him in person since he does in-person workshops for free sometimes.

    I could also give you the name of another CPA (not local) that I talked to extensively that I think would do a great job.

    DM me if you would like more info. 

    0Reply
  • Aristotle Kumpis
    Specialist · Long Beach, CA · Member since 2011 · 890 posts · 401 votes
    1y

    I have a few that I can refer you to. But most will expect that you already own investment property. Many investors want to plan all of this out before they even own a property. So don't get too hung up on getting ready to get ready. I'd rather spend the time trying to find deals and get something under contract and then deal with that later when tax time comes. That's my thinking though.

    0Reply
  • John Cezar Dimaano
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    @Aristotle Kumpis Appreciate the advice. At the moment I have 1 property, and closing another 1 this week or next. 

    0Reply
    • Aristotle Kumpis
      Specialist · Long Beach, CA · Member since 2011 · 890 posts · 401 votes
      1y
      Quote from @John Cezar Dimaano:

      @Aristotle Kumpis Appreciate the advice. At the moment I have 1 property, and closing another 1 this week or next. 


      No problem. Send me a message if you want me to send you a few referrals.
      0Reply
  • John Cezar Dimaano
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    @Becca F. Thank You! 

    0Reply
    • Becca F.
      Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      1y
      Quote from @John Cezar Dimaano:

      @Becca F. Thank You! 

      I just sent you a detailed DM. I forgot this in the DM but both CPAs do free 30 minute consultations so maybe write down all the questions have you for them. 

      0Reply
  • Paul Belessis
    Hinton, WV · Member since 2025 · 35 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    Highly recommend Baselane! I've used it for my short term and long term rental properties. It helps with breaking out properties income and expenses which makes tax's a breeze when the time comes. Also it's high yeild savings rate!! www.baselane.com

    0Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    John - you've come to the right place! Biggerpockets has a ton of real estate CPAs on here. I would recommend searching the forums and reaching out to a few that you like. In addition, there's also a finder at the top of biggerpockets. Would recommend using. 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Basit SiddiqiBusiness Member
    Accountant · New York, NY · Member since 2015 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    If you are a first time investor, it may be worthwhile to have a 15-30 minute conversation going over what is deductible and what is not deductible along with an overview of the major tax laws unique to real estate investors(1031 exchange, REP status, STR Loophole, etc)

    Best of luck to you!

    [email protected]917-280-8544
    Basit Siddiqi CPA4.880 Reviews
    View Page
    0Reply
  • Shruti Raja
    Accountant · Campbell · Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    1y

    Happy to chat and help.


    0Reply
  • Mandhir Hazuria
    Member since 2024 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    1y

    @Bradley Buxton @Becca F. - If you'd be open to it, would love to get your referrral/resources as well. I'm in the SF Bay area as well looking at Tahoe (and a few other places including out of State), just staring but looking at a mix of LTR and STR investments within the next 1 yr.

    0Reply
    • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 720 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Mandhir Hazuria:

      @Bradley Buxton @Becca F. - If you'd be open to it, would love to get your referrral/resources as well. I'm in the SF Bay area as well looking at Tahoe (and a few other places including out of State), just staring but looking at a mix of LTR and STR investments within the next 1 yr.


       Sure! I'll send you a PM. 

      0Reply
    • Becca F.
      Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      1y
      Quote from @Mandhir Hazuria:

      @Bradley Buxton @Becca F. - If you'd be open to it, would love to get your referrral/resources as well. I'm in the SF Bay area as well looking at Tahoe (and a few other places including out of State), just staring but looking at a mix of LTR and STR investments within the next 1 yr.


      After talking to several local investors, the level of CPA services depends on these factors: are you a W2 employee with a few long term rentals and other passive income (stocks, crypto, etc), do you have STRs?, do you have S-corps or C-corps? Own commercial real estate? A large portfolio of properties? Any syndications? NNN leases? Other businesses or side jobs? Other types of real estate (e.g. land, mobile home parks)? Have you had a cost segregation study done? Plan to take bonus depreciation? Partnerships with anyone or multiple people?

      Some of the investors felt the firms charge way above what the services they needed. There were in a similar situation to mine, W2 employee with some LTRs. I answered no to the above questions I posed in the previous paragraph. Paying $10,000 for tax planning and doing my return each year is high 

      I actually currently don't use a CPA. I know I'm going to get scolded for this but I do my own taxes on TurboTax Premium. I did have a CPA review my return and everything looked correct so I'm continuing to do my own taxes for now. 

      I spend a significant amount of time reading articles about tax strategies and listening to podcasts and watching videos.  I feel that I'm educated and triple check my returns to make sure I took all the deductions before I file. I think doing my own taxes is better than me taking taxes to a company like a random HR&Block office down the street who may not work with any RE investors. 

      I'm not suggesting you do your own taxes.  I'll DM the CPAs I did talk to. 

      1Reply
  • Mandhir Hazuria
    Member since 2024 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    1y

    @Becca F. 100% in agreement with you. I am in a similar phase I think (W2 with some synidcations, some other alternative investments, stocks, etc). Don't have and don't plan on a S or C corp at this time. While I do and plan to continue using a CPA to file my taxes, paying $10K for tax planning is an expense I can justify to myself at this stage.  

    0Reply
    • Becca F.
      Rental Property Investor · San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      1y
      Quote from @Mandhir Hazuria:

      @Becca F. 100% in agreement with you. I am in a similar phase I think (W2 with some synidcations, some other alternative investments, stocks, etc). Don't have and don't plan on a S or C corp at this time. While I do and plan to continue using a CPA to file my taxes, paying $10K for tax planning is an expense I can justify to myself at this stage.  


       I DM'ed you but I don't see it anywhere in my messages and I checked the "unread" box. I noticed this happened with someone else that I sent a DM to about 2 months ago. Maybe your account settings are where you can't accept DMs unless you have sent a Colleague Request and we have a Connection? 

      The $10,000 was for tax planning and doing the returns but that was for my situation - it could be a different quote for someone else. If you could send me a Colleague Request hopefully the DM will through. 

      0Reply
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