Enrolled Agents versus Certified Public Accountants

There's no contest here when it comes to Verification of Self-Employment with a bank or lender. EAs an CPAs might do equally efficient in Tax Returns, but EAs are basically General Tax Preparers approved by the IRS, but not State Certified as Accountants. Without slamming EAs, as there are many great EAs, I absolutely recommend that you start searching for a CPA to do your returns. EAs, in my experience, are bookkeepers who want to provide more services but not willing to go through the bombardment of education, ongoing classes and state licensing that CPA endure.
For those of you planning on buying or refinance a home and are self-employed... or thinking of being self employed, may I HIGHLY recommend that you find a CPA. File some form of Self employment income to generate a SCHEDULE C return and you'll have a much better shot at an easier loan transaction with the help of your CPA. I recommend you interview several CPAs to find one who fits your personal and business needs.
Lastly, it is my belief that you're less likely to get flagged for a Tax Audit with a CPA than an EA, general tax preparer, or yourself. For the few hundred bucks to have a CPA do it...it's worth it. Make sure YOUR tax preparer is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. In California, call Michele Hassid, CPA at micheleh@eckhoff.com or Robert Edwards redwards@redwardscpa.com, or ask your associates for a good referral.
For more info, contact me, your California State Licensed Real Estate Broker, Pat Townsley, 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/