CPA and attorney — for tax and structuring
For any rental property, a CPA familiar with real estate taxation is worth their fee 5–10× over. For multi-property portfolios, 1031 exchanges, OZ investments, or estate planning, add a real estate attorney with workout experience. The cost of these professionals is small relative to the cost of a wrong decision.
CPA: choose one with at least 10 rental-property clients. Annual fee for a single rental: typically $400–$1,000. For multi-property portfolios with depreciation schedules, cost segregation, and passive activity tracking: $1,500–$5,000. The CPA also defends you in audit; choose someone who responds to email and stays current with regs.
Attorney: needed for entity structuring (LLC, partnership, trust), 1031 exchange QI selection, real estate contracts, and any workout/restructuring situation. Hourly rates: $300–$700+ depending on market. A typical LLC formation runs $500–$2,500 all-in; a complex partnership or trust structure $5K–$25K.
For very high-net-worth (>$25M) or complex multi-generational planning: a wealth attorney specializing in estate and trust structures. Different specialty from real estate counsel; both are usually needed.