Q. I'm in Real Estate and work in a partnership. We need a professional to assist us with our taxes and to keep up with us throughout the year so we do not take such hard hits at the end. Obviously we want someone who can search out the most cost effective deductibles yet we want someone honest that will not "bend" the rules. Furthermore if they can set us up with an LLC, that would be a plus. Where can I find such a person and what should we expect to pay for such services. I live in NM so if anyone knows of someone please forward that information or link, etc. Thanks.

A. The best way to find a good local CPA is to ask acquaintances, like Real Estate agents with whom you do business. You can also call the New Mexico Society of CPAs at (505) 246-1699 or go to their website and do a CPA referral search. Make sure that you tell them that you need someone familiar with real estate AND partnership taxation (both are important). The referral search site is at: http://www.nmcpa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=639 You will also want to go to the New Mexico state board of accountancy to do a licensee search to make sure the individual is licensed. http://www.rld.state.nm.us/b&c/accountancy/

Q. Retirement planning, college, insurance, ect. What would you suggest for classes to take, is this a two year or four year to be in college? Do they teach real estate in college?

A. You don't need to go to college to do real estate. It's an on the job training type of thing.

Q. The foreign Real Estate investment market is booming with some estimates close to 500% return on principle over the last two years. Does anything prevent investment planners from recommending Foreign Real Estate to clients and collecting a commission?

A. Http://www.trasalimenti.blogspot.com/

Q. I also do mortgages so I have thought about: -AK Realty & Finance ( my initials) -Winter Park Realty & Finance Corp. (from Winter Park, FL) -Radar Realty These are just a few I have thought of;PLEASE HELP!!!

A. What about the Dirty money company.. you like dirt aka real estate, and money aka mortgage lending or you could just call it.. Dirty Money.. real estate and mortgages it will get peoples attention and you will stand out in a crowd and that's what you want.there is a guy here called the dirt merchant and he makes a killing because people remember that name.. he is a real estate agent. have fun with it.our what about your palace real estate and mortgage company.. OK that's all i have good luck

Q. So ye firstly how much do real estate agents typically make, i know its commission but how much does it usually work out to be? also would a urban planning degree be useful for someone looking for work in this field?

A. A lot

Q. I am currently a junior in college, majoring in Economics with minors in Political Science, Urban Planning, and Black Studies and I am very interested in becoming a Real Estate Developer or working in Land Use. Do I need to pursue a Master's in Urban Planning, or could I go to the local community college and pick up an associate's degree in Real Estate and be okay. How can I get my feet in the door? Thanks!

A. Get at least a 4 year degree, anything less and you will not be taken seriously in that field.

Q. How do you become a real estate agent for Sotheby's International Realty? Do you already have to have a real estate license? I am trying to become an agent what do I need to do?

A. Http://www.sothebysrealty.com/ServicesBecomeAffiliate.aspx

Q. And you think you can do the job just by having that by your side.. + a day step by step planner.. does this inable me to skip the memorization of everything in the real estate dictionary? Also, i know some of whats in the book.. it just takes a glance at the word.. to really bring stuff back... how much more do i need to memorize? I guess i'm asking will i need to have that info in my head, and ready at all times or can i keep my "notes to self" and my step by step guides.. lol thanks! yes, in a way that is what i was asking. I was asking if you thought my method would work. My method of course emcompasses having a realestate dictionary at my side most of the day, but i would only have to glance at the words mainly that were associated with the specific topic i was searching for. note: A = word so if i see (B) words that are related to say _A_. and i dont even read definitions for (B).. i can remember what A means.

A. After reading your note 3 times, I THINK you are asking if your methods of studying for a real estate license are good methods? and by book, i think you mean a book on Principles of Real Estate. or are you asking about real estate investing methods? or both? Unfortunately, in all careers, some memorization is necessary. Ideally, it becomes less forced memorization as we understand what each concept means and how to apply it to real situations.