Make sure you get everything in writing and before you start lay out your plan for ownership splits, the easiest way to do this would likely be through an LLC. 

In fact, I believe that if I reconfigured it to its original layout (previous owner merged some apartments for no good reason) and got all rents up to market, it could become a very profitable one.

Looked into Intuit etc. but would like to see what the veterans have in place to track expenses.  

Look for a duplex, triplex or quad with a lay out and in an area you’re comfortable living in.

I have been interested in the idea of real estate investing for years it is one of the most fascinating concepts to me and I'm finally at a point where I am ready to learn and lay out a detailed plan on how/where to start.

They lay out a program to earn thousands of dollars in free travel.

The layout of the bedrooms is funky (probably is really a 2 bedroom originally) as you have to walk through one bedroom to get to another.

Counter intuitive, I know.

Working around existing stuff can be much more challenging than building from scratch where you can lay out things the way you need them. 

Stacy , if you want to make money with Airbnb the unit will need to have people provide 5* reviews .When your doing the garage rehab make sure you are designing a theme or design that will entice people to want to come back and of course leave great reviews With a garage you likely will need to go a little extra step in making it pop and keep the Benjamins rolling inId be happy to give you some guidance on themes or layouts for a free night stay :) Send me a PM Best of luck