Excel or accounting software?

[Anna Buffkin]

As I have experience in both bookkeeping and accounting, I should probably by answering this question rather and asking it, but when did others outgrow Excel for bookkeeping?  

I have 8 properties and plan to grow a little each year.  My Excel spreadsheet is probably more sophisticated than most, but is still starting to become cumbersome.  Should I start updating my spreadsheet for 2018 or upgrade to some type of Quickbooks-esque program?

[Daniel Hyman]

@Anna Buffkin

I usually recommend QBO at the 4 property mark. Up to 3 can be handled in excel, but after that it starts to become less manageable for most folks.

You seem like you are probably an excel warrior, but you might find that QBO is more convenient and more efficient.