Real estate accounting on Mac/Apple

[Michael Faurest]

Hi, I have been using quickbooks online and have been somewhat satisfied but as I continue to build my business and add trusts and LLCs, I need to add more quickbooks accounts which gets expensive.  Also, I have a difficult time getting the support I need from my standard accountants on quickbooks.  Are there any experts that are familiar with Quickbooks desktop for MAC?  Is this a good software package?  It looks like Quickbooks has focused on windows and the most recent version for MAC is 2016.  I could also purchase parallels for MAC which allows me to run Windows software if I absolutely had to run quickbooks desktop for windows.  Any guidance would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

[Stephen Huff]

Hi Michael -

Like Alan G, I've been using desktop QB on my iMac for several years with no problems. However, Intuit has always favored the Windows version when it comes to new features and bug fixes. Lately, it looks like they are "encouraging" the switch to online subscription which may mean a desktop version may not be available in the future. (Side note: I don't always have access to a good Internet connection, which is why I don't like being forced to a subscription.)

Parallels or Fusion will work, but my experience is that you need a lot of RAM on the desktop system and a fairly fast, current Mac with multiple processors.

I was introduced to an RE accounting company who also has a QB training class - they say they've tried other online products but still like QB for all it has.

And I have used a QB consultant in the past to help me through some gaps in my knowledge.

Not sure this answered your question - to me, there are no clear-cut answers, unfortunately.