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

Question

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!

Salim Omar · Answer

Hi John,

Great to see you planning ahead early in your real estate journey—smart moves now can make a big difference later.

STRs, LLC structuring, and maximizing deductions can get complicated fast, especially if you’re thinking long-term. It’s smart to find someone who’s both technically sharp and easy to communicate with.

We’ve talked to many new investors who faced similar concerns—things like STR classification, material participation, and how to avoid tax surprises down the line.

In our experience, it helps a lot to work with someone who’s available year-round and explains the why behind their recommendations. That kind of clarity builds confidence.

No specific names to share… except mine :) But in all seriousness, I’d suggest asking any potential advisor how hands-on they are throughout the year—and whether they’ve worked with clients in your stage of the journey. That fit matters.

Wishing you the best as you get started!

Basit Siddiqi · Answer

If you are considering STR's, you should have a conversaton with your accountant to explain to you what is required to have a STR to be classified as active instead of passive. This will allow you to offset the real estate losses against other forms of income such as wages, interest, dividends, etc.

Best of luck!

Michael Plaks · Answer

@John Cezar Dimaano

When you are just starting, you really do not need to spend thousands on "setting up your business" and on your personal tax strategist. Spend $50 on Bigger Pockets tax strategies books to learn some basics, and then focus your time, energy and money on what really matters: finding and acquiring properties.

But if you really want to start working with a tax strategist right away, here is how to find one:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1222774-expla...

Bill Hampton · Answer

@John Cezar Dimaano

You came to the right place. Bigger Pockets is a great place to find an accountant specializing in real estate taxation.

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation, 1031 exchanges and tax planning.

I recommend finding an accountant specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.

Consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.

I would also recommend looking for an accountant willing to work with you throughout the year. You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.

Good luck.

Aaron Zimmerman · Answer

@John Cezar Dimaano - you've come to the right place. I'd encourage you to look on BP to see who's been active and has good reviews. There's 20+ accountants on here that are more than capable of helping someone in your situation out!

Jason Malabute · Answer

Hey John, welcome to the world of real estate investing. Since you’re just getting started, it’s important to work with a CPA who’s experienced in real estate tax strategy and proactive—most accountants are reactive, which can lead to missed tax-saving opportunities. I also noticed you’re based in San Francisco, so make sure your CPA is familiar with California tax law. If they invest in real estate themselves, that’s a big plus—they’ll better understand your goals and strategies that actually work. And make sure they’re up to date on the new One Big Beautiful Bill that just passed on July 4th—it includes a lot of new provisions that could impact your planning.

Josh L. · Answer

@John Cezar Dimaano plenty of tax experts on BP. Definitely look around.

Sean Graham · Answer

Hi John, I run a cost segregation firm and work closely with several CPAs who specialize in real estate, STRs, and investor structuring. Happy to refer you to someone solid who’s responsive and investor-friendly. Send me a dm if you need help.

Gregory Wilson · Answer

Much of real estate is local. A strategist in say Denver or Philly would not be a very good choice for a person in SF CA. Real estate strategy at the individual investor level is important but uncomplicated. There are maybe 10 things that matter and one could learn those in a couple of years on the job. There will be several hundred people in SF that would do just fine for you. Best of luck!

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

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

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