Looking for advice on the tax side of rental properties and CPA recommendations

[Cory Rhodes]

I am a W-2 employee based in San Antonio, TX, with 2025 gross W-2 wages of $182,564.20, consisting of a base salary of $91,000, with the remaining income earned through overtime.

I currently own two residential rental properties:

Rental Property #1

Purchased in October 2024 and placed in service shortly thereafter.

This property generated rental income during the year.

Rental Property #2

Purchased in December 2025.

No rental income has been received yet, but acquisition and start-up expenses have been incurred.

Rental income and expenses have been paid from a mixed personal/rental bank account, though all transactions are documented and can be clearly identified.

I intend to hold these properties long term and plan to continue acquiring additional rental properties in the future.

I am looking for advice on whether I should be working with a tax professional at this stage and, if so, recommendations for a CPA or tax advisor familiar with real estate investing in the San Antonio area who can provide both tax preparation and forward-looking tax planning.

[Bill Hampton]

@Cory Rhodes

I recommend finding a tax strategist/tax accountant who specializes in real estate taxation and is proactive instead of reactive when providing advice.

Working remotely with your accountant will 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.

Happy to answer any questions. Good luck.