Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Malabute
Hi JASON, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Sunland-Tujunga, where I was a big Lakers fan and dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. Although I was born with a condition called Cerebral Palsy that limited some of my physical abilities, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing big goals. My parents saw my strengths in other areas—entrepreneurship and accounting—and encouraged me to develop those skills instead.
Following their advice, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and later completed an MBA at Woodbury University. I spent eight years working at an accounting firm in Los Angeles, where I earned my CPA license and gained valuable experience in the industry. But I always had an entrepreneurial drive, and in 2021, I left my full-time accounting job to pursue real estate investing.
I began investing in single-family homes in Indianapolis, later transitioning into multi-family properties. Now, I co-own 342 units across two apartment buildings in Atlanta. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. For three years, I couldn’t secure a deal, and those years were tough. But through persistence, I was able to break through.
As a real estate investor, I’ve experienced firsthand many of the headaches that come with managing properties. I’ve seen property managers misclassify transactions, financials being inaccurate, and accountants failing to deliver tax returns and K-1s on time. These challenges motivated me to take a different path in 2024, when I tried for months to buy an accounting firm, meeting with several owners and putting in multiple offers. Frustrated when nothing panned out, I decided to start my own firm, focusing on serving real estate investors.
By combining my expertise in accounting and my experience as a real estate investor, I am now able to offer a service that understands the unique challenges investors face. My goal is to provide accurate, timely financial reporting and ensure that investors no longer have to deal with the delays and frustrations that I’ve personally encountered.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges along the way have shaped who I am today. Early on, I faced hurdles due to a physical condition that pushed me to find new paths and goals. Transitioning from a secure accounting career to becoming a real estate investor was another significant challenge. For over three years, I struggled to find deals, which was personally and professionally draining. However, through persistence, I was able to break through and co-own 342 units across two apartment buildings.
Most recently, in 2024, I spent several months trying to purchase an accounting firm, putting in multiple offers and meeting with owners. After none of those deals panned out, I decided to start my own firm from scratch, specializing in real estate investors. Through my experience in real estate, I’ve encountered many of the same headaches my clients face, such as property managers misclassifying transactions or accountants delaying tax returns and K-1s. These challenges inspired me to create a firm that addresses those pain points head-on.
The road has definitely had its bumps, but each challenge has led to valuable growth and lessons that I now use to serve my clients better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Malabute & Company CPAs is a full-service accounting firm that specializes in tax preparation, tax planning, payroll, and advisory services for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in real estate or those planning to enter the real estate space. We understand the unique challenges that real estate investors face—such as misclassified transactions, delays in financial reporting, and tax return issues—which is why we offer tailored solutions to address these specific needs.
What sets us apart is our deep expertise and personal experience in real estate investing, which allows us to speak the language of our clients and provide insights that go beyond traditional accounting services. We don’t just crunch numbers; we help our clients strategize and make informed decisions that can have a significant impact on their financial growth and success.
We are most proud of our ability to deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and tax planning strategies that help clients avoid the common pitfalls in the real estate industry. Whether it’s structuring deals for maximum tax efficiency or ensuring that your tax returns and K-1s are filed on time, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner that clients can rely on to help them achieve their goals.
Our firm focuses on building long-term relationships, with a commitment to transparency, precision, and service excellence. We want our clients to know that when they work with us, they’re not just getting an accountant; they’re gaining a partner invested in their financial success.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me that with significant disruption comes great opportunity. On the real estate side, we saw incredible opportunities emerge, as shifting market dynamics created new avenues for investment. From an accounting and tax perspective, many individuals chose to pivot careers during this time, leading to fewer people entering the accounting profession. As a result, the demand for our services, particularly from entrepreneurs and real estate investors, has grown substantially. This period reinforced the importance of adapting and seizing opportunities as they arise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://realestatetaxpro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestatetaxpro_official/
