Bookkeeping / Accounting For DIY Landlord

[Dillon Loomis]

Hey gang, 

I know there are plenty of threads on this topic throughout the site, but I'd like some advice/guidance specific to my situation here. 

I will be buying my first rental (duplex/triplex) spring '17. I plan to manage the properties on my own for my first few units and will eventually hire a PM. I have a CPA that I will use to file my taxes, but I want to determine the best way for me to track everything throughout the year to simplify tax preparation. I am leaning towards establishing an LLC as well at this point.

Excel? Quickbooks? Other software? Hire a bookkeeper?

I'm slight OCD and don't mind investing the time to at least start everything out on my own, and I'd rather not pay someone to do something for me that I know I'm capable of doing on my own (at least for now). 

Any feedback/input would be much appreciated. Just looking to get started off on the right foot and avoid headaches down the road. 

[David Chwaszczewski]

@Dillon Loomis  Just find an excel sheet for now.  There are plenty of users who manage multiple properties with just excel.  Many users here are excel savy (not I).  One property you can manage with that and its free if you have office suite.  When you have multiple properties then you can explore options.