Best Questions When Vetting a CPA

[Brian G.]

What are the most important questions to ask a CPA when vetting them?

[Michael Plaks]

Originally posted by @Brian G.:

What are the most important questions to ask a CPA when vetting them?

Here's a contrarian opinion. 

I don't believe you can vet a tax pro by asking him/her some clever questions - if by vetting you mean professional competence. At best, you could weed out the most incompetent ones this way.

The best vetting is done before talking to these pros. Online reviews, recommendations of other investors, especially those on BiggerPockets, recommendations from the local REI club. Also check books, blogs and videos if they have any.

By the time you talk, you should already be comfortable that you're talking to an expert. The purpose of the talk is to figure out the services offered, the logistics of working with this firm, the costs and - critically important! - compatibility.