I thought about posting this under the Financial groups (where I also searched and did my research), but this is the community that has helped me grow so much, that I hope it will be useful to others here, if not now, to some future searcher. Here's what I did but there are many just as good but different paths:

1. I reached out to my network of trusted friends and business associates, asking if they had a CPA they loved and trusted.

2. I searched local directories, facebook groups, BP groups (especially Finance), and then reached out personally to a group of "old-timers" here that I respect and asked for leads.

3. I came up with several (under 10) very solid leads that I then researched further. I did not limit by location as while local can be preferred, I trust my discernment in general if there's at least a phone call, video call, etc.

What I found is that surprisingly, a large chunk of my network did not love their CPA and were open to switching if I found someone better. Unsurprisingly, some of those leads were no longer taking new clients. My best lead surprised me (and it came from the 1031 group I worked with previously as a client). She is an EA (which I hadn't heard of until I met her) but from our talks, seems exceedingly competent and knowledgeable. She was not accepting new clients (although her partner was). She's old-school in some aspects (actually answers their phones during tax season and was willing to hear out our situation). I quickly realized I would work with her for simply even consultation.

I had to research EAs and think about my needs and whether a CPA was a must-have. I was surprised to realize in my specific case, it's not. (I already have a solid team for estate planning, wealth management, etc.) What I really wanted- was a tax professional who would take care of our taxes, answer my questions without nickel and diming me, be transparent and competent. Kindness and a sense of humor are all bonuses. She's flat rate as well. (It took me a little bit of discussion to convince her to add us on as a client and given the experiences I've had with the transfer, I'm even more grateful for her professional advice and zero bs.)

TLDR: in your search for a solid tax professional, reach out to those you respect (to find those they respect, lol). Reconsider your assumptions for what you need and what is important to you. We have just the one STR. We really don't need the full-service (or large firm) services of a CPA. Flat rate, willingness to explain, teach, and answer questions, transparency, competency- are all important to me.

The reason I haven't been on this group as much in the last few months are due to both High Season (for me, as it's Ski Season) and this:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/519/topics/1235784-fili...

But I'm reminded that most times I've come across a challenge, it's also led genuinely to valuable lessons learned and while there can be pain, I wouldn't take back any of it because I don't want to be in that position again (or ignorant of something I need to know or learn). Continued appreciation for you all, especially the old-timers, lol!