Using Google Forms, sheets and sites

[Mike Beaudry]

Hey all....quick tip. Been listening to lots of podcasts. This method requires a little set up time but I found it worth it if you are using Google sheets to keep track of your real estate.  

Here's what you can do. 

Create a google site, in setting make it private to only you. Also click the box to make it adjust to mobile view. 

Now go to Google form and create forms you can fill out for your real estate. For example create a mileage tracker, rent collection form, maintenance requests, tenant communication, expenses, etc. You can make any kind of form you want.  Once you create the form have the answers send to a Google sheet. Different sheet for each form.  Now go back to the site and embed the forms creating a page for each form, you will have to adjust the size of form when yyou embed it so it will fit on the mobile site.    Now when you out at your properties or driving for business you can enter the info in the mobile form and it will automatically go to your Google sheet. You can then copy the info to your income expense property spreed sheet.  Keep the forms spreadsheets so you have a second record of your data. One good thing about the forms is they are automatically dated and time stamped. So for example your mileage will be dated and time stamped in case you get audited for mileage. If you have a few properties far away your mileage can add up since federal rate is now .575 per mile. My accountant says high mileage deductions can cause an audit. 

I guess that turn into a long tip. 

[Mike Beaudry]

Originally posted by @Roger Rustad:

I use IFTTT (iOS location recipe) and it automatically adds lines in my spreadsheet every time I hit a particular spot.

Others I know use the app for mileage tracking. (Forgot it and will look it up later)

 Sound good. I know there are a ton of mileage trackers. I guess this method is more towards new investors who want to save money since its free. My Google phone automatically tracks my trip with mileage and a map. Stored in the cloud but you still have to take that data and put it somewhere. It doesn't account for odometer readings which is also a requirement.