All Forum Posts by: Kristen Ambrose

So true. I see it all the time. Most investors I work with use QuickBooks because it keeps everything clean and sorted by property. Makes tax season a lot easier. Happy to share tips. DM me.

I'm Kristen Ambrose, a CPA, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and founder of Ambrose Bookkeepers. I focus solely on bookkeeping for real estate investors, and I’m a real estate investor myself.

As a fellow investor, I know that just tracking transactions isn’t enough. You need financials that highlight opportunities, catch issues early, and support smart, strategic decisions. That’s exactly what we deliver.

Both paths can work but it depends on your comfort and goals. House hacking in your area gives you control and a learning curve close to home. Out of state can scale faster but only if your team is trustworthy. Start where you feel confident managing the day to day — that matters more than the zip code.

Totally get this. Starting small and building smart is the right mindset. Partnerships can help stretch capital and out of state investing can work if your team is solid but trust is everything. A good bookkeeper and property manager are key. Happy to share what I’ve seen work if helpful.

So relatable. Mine was skipping a full inspection to “move fast.” Paid for that later.

Welcome to real estate! Here's a simplified and clear answer in Kristen’s voice:

It's pretty common to hold the property in your name (especially if your mortgage lender restricts transfers) but run the Airbnb business through an LLC. That way, your rental income and expenses flow through the LLC for bookkeeping and tax purposes, and you may get some liability protection too.

Just make sure:
✅ Your insurance covers short-term rentals
✅ You keep the business finances fully separate
✅ You talk to a CPA about tax benefits (like pass-through deductions or expense write-offs)

Smart move thinking through this early — clean setup now = fewer headaches later. Want help getting the books ready for it?

Totally get it, Liz. It can be hard to find the right fit, especially when reviews are mixed. I work with a network of tax CPAs who specialize in real estate and would be happy to share a few trusted names. Let me know if you want an intro.

Smart thinking. Having a solid property manager handle the rehab can save you time, money, and stress — especially from out of state. Just make sure they have experience overseeing renovations and can show past projects. Clear scope, regular updates, and tight budgeting are key. Happy to share tips or referrals if you need them.

Congrats on getting started. For your first flip, keep the structure simple and clear. A basic LLC with an operating agreement that outlines ownership, roles, and how profits will be split is a solid start. Since you're using hard money and your own funds, make sure everything is documented — especially who's putting in what.

For tax savings and setup, talk to a CPA before you close. It’s worth the time to get it right up front. Happy to connect if you need a referral.

Welcome. Getting that first rental is a big step. Start by learning how to analyze deals, understand your financing options, and build a solid team. Happy to help if you need guidance along the way.