Bigger Pockets Tax and Financial pro finder

Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation
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Bigger Pockets Tax and Financial pro finder

Pavan K.
New to Real Estate · Member since 2024 · 48 posts · 28 votes

Would like to know from users who have had success in using Bigger Pockets tax and Financial Service Finder  based on your zipcode . I have been on this forum only for an year to get advice on rental investments . I had to end my relation with my current CPA and tax pro and looking for new Professionals. Lost on how to find the right one  for the start. Should i go by the number of reviews of google or a larger firm ? Looking  for advice on how would you start in the first place. Thanks for reading and your guidance.

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

Pavan - great questions. The find a tax pro feature does work well from my experience on the other side. There's been a lot of great conversations had. 

What I'd say would be a good starting point is going forward with putting in some basic information and who you pair with. Then, you could reach out to a few of them and see who you like. 

I would also look at the forums for who people recommended for their CPAs. Another great option is asking local investors who they use for their CPA. 

All of the above will increase your likelihood of success of finding your next long term cpa. 

[email protected]
Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
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  • Josh L.
    USA · Member since 2023 · 145 posts · 84 votes
    1y

    @Pavan K. Good question. The tax pro search seems to let you filter by proximity. The best approach is to ‘interview’ a handful through video conferencing, etc. Plenty are also active within the forums. Best of luck. 

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

    Pavan - great questions. The find a tax pro feature does work well from my experience on the other side. There's been a lot of great conversations had. 

    What I'd say would be a good starting point is going forward with putting in some basic information and who you pair with. Then, you could reach out to a few of them and see who you like. 

    I would also look at the forums for who people recommended for their CPAs. Another great option is asking local investors who they use for their CPA. 

    All of the above will increase your likelihood of success of finding your next long term cpa. 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Fulton Abraham Sanchez
    CPA| New Clients Welcome| 50 States · Member since 2016 · 435 posts · 93 votes
    1y

    @Pavan K., hi. Finding the right CPA goes beyond firm size or Google reviews, it’s about experience with real estate investors specifically. Look for someone who not only files returns but also understands strategies like depreciation, cost segregation, and structuring entities to protect you as you grow. Many of us on here work with clients across states virtually, so don’t feel limited by zip code. 

    Start by interviewing a few CPAs who are active with real estate clients, ask how they’d handle your situation, and see who communicates clearly. The right fit is usually the one who can both advise and execute.

    0Reply
  • Sean O'KeefePro Member
    CPA | Accepting new clients | 50 States · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 871 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Pavan K.:

    Would like to know from users who have had success in using Bigger Pockets tax and Financial Service Finder  based on your zipcode . I have been on this forum only for an year to get advice on rental investments . I had to end my relation with my current CPA and tax pro and looking for new Professionals. Lost on how to find the right one  for the start. Should i go by the number of reviews of google or a larger firm ? Looking  for advice on how would you start in the first place. Thanks for reading and your guidance.

    Referrals from your own network are the better option. 
    [email protected]628-241-0888
    1Reply
  • Bill HamptonBusiness Member
    Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, Financial Planner, Tax Strategist, Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 977 votes
    1y

    Pavan, 

    Reach out to a few of the accountants on here and see who you connect with.

    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.

    404-482-3170
    Hampton Tax and Financial Services LLC4.7106 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Corby GoadeBusiness Member
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11mo

    Finding a good tax advisor is one of the hardest things to do in this profession. 

    You just have to go out and meet with a lot of people/tax pros to find someone who;

    -Communicates/Occasionally returns your emails

    -Understands your strategy

    -Completes your return before 10pm on the due date. 

    Seems simple, right? It's not. 

    Don't trust any of the BP "finder" tools. There are definitely good people available there- I'm on there as an agent, BUT they will take anyone with a credit card and a pulse. There's no vetting, no interviews, nothing. If you pay BP they will promote you. Do your due dilligence no matter what. 

    0Reply
  • Jason MalabuteBusiness Member
    Accountant · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 901 votes
    11mo

    Why does the CPA have to be local? What’s more important is that they have experience working with real estate investors and a proven track record in tax and accounting for your specific type of investments (long-term rentals, short-term rentals, syndications, etc.) .

    Reviews can definitely be helpful, but I’d still recommend having a one-on-one call first before committing. Use that time to ask questions, see how they communicate, and find out whether their approach aligns with your goals and style. A short conversation can tell you a lot more than a Google review ever will.

    Malabute & Company CPAs525 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Jason MalabuteBusiness Member
    Accountant · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 901 votes
    11mo

    What matters most is finding someone who truly specializes in real estate tax strategy, not just general business returns. When you talk to a potential CPA, ask about their experience with real estate clients, how they handle cost segregation, depreciation recapture, and PTET, and see if they can clearly explain how these strategies apply to your situation. You’ll know right away if they understand your world.

    Malabute & Company CPAs525 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Michael PlaksPro Member
    Tax Accountant / Enrolled Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    11mo

    @Pavan K.

    The directory on this site is paid advertising. There's nothing wrong with paid advertising, of course, just something to keep in mind.

    Here is a post I wrote about finding a tax professional on Bigger Pockets:
    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1222774-expla...

    As explained in my post, we're not allowed to offer you our services until this post is moved from the tax forum into the Classifieds area.

    0Reply
  • Max Emory
    Accountant · 100% Remote · Member since 2019 · 495 posts · 216 votes
    11mo

    @Pavan K., I always tell people to get referrals for REI-savvy tax professionals through trusted people or businesses who have experience with the tax professionals they are referring.

    Our bookkeeping firm's client base consists of 100% REIs, so we keep a list of REI-savvy CPAs whom we refer to our clients and others who ask.

    I'm assuming you need both tax advisory and tax filing? I'm happy to refer some your way. Feel free to shoot me a DM.

    - Time Capital Bookkeeping (REI myself since 2019)

    0Reply
  • Rohullah Sharifi
    Dr · VA · Member since 2025 · 154 posts · 34 votes
    11mo

    It’s important that a tax professional’s expertise aligns with your unique needs, as even the most experienced specialists may not always be the best fit for every circumstance.

    0Reply
  • William ThompsonBusiness Member
    Accountant · Williamstown, NJ · Member since 2025 · 323 posts · 178 votes
    11mo
    Quote from @Pavan K.:

    Would like to know from users who have had success in using Bigger Pockets tax and Financial Service Finder  based on your zipcode . I have been on this forum only for an year to get advice on rental investments . I had to end my relation with my current CPA and tax pro and looking for new Professionals. Lost on how to find the right one  for the start. Should i go by the number of reviews of google or a larger firm ? Looking  for advice on how would you start in the first place. Thanks for reading and your guidance.


    That’s a great question — and honestly, one that doesn’t get asked enough. 

    As someone who works with investors across different states, I’ve seen firsthand how finding the right CPA can make or break your real estate strategy. Reviews and firm size are a good starting point, but they don’t always tell the full story.

    Instead, I’d focus on experience and specialization — specifically, whether the CPA actively works with real estate investors (not just general small businesses). Ask potential CPAs a few key questions like:

    • “What’s your experience with cost segregation or passive vs. active income strategies?”
    • “How do you help clients plan proactively during the year, not just file taxes?”
    • “Can you explain how my entity setup will impact self-employment and depreciation?”

    If they can’t answer those confidently and conversationally, they’re probably not the right fit for a real estate-focused investor.

    You might actually find that a boutique firm or solo CPA who specializes in real estate gives you far better results than a big firm where you’re one of a thousand clients.

    If it helps, I can share a short checklist I use when helping investors vet tax pros — would you like me to send that over?

    [email protected]609-820-0891
    RE Accounting and Tax Professionals LLC522 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
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