To make taxes easier we set up a business checking account and had all the rent paid into that account and all the expenses paid out of that account.

I don't Atlanta is too landlord friendly and the demographics shift it harder to do business everyday.  

Firstly, becoming a multifamily agent is a fantastic way to learn the business first hand while making some cash in the process.

., They will be instrumental to your business. 

I finished my business plan finally recently.

I work a W-2 day job and have my own electrical business.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: A few things there, Brendan.First, an LLC with you as a member and your (wife, son, pal, etc.) partner as a 1% member will file a Form 1065 which is about one tenth as likely to be audited by the IRS as a Form 1040 with a Schedule E rental activity (which I presume you will attempt to show is an active business).Second, you want an LLC because when your local Alabama handyman drives his girlfriend's uninsured truck into a van load of U of A medical school interns on I-22 when he goes  to get some shingles for your roof, on your business, you don't lose everything you have or ever will have to an uninsured claim. 

Does anyone know about Tupelo for Business?

Years in business?

It's always important to screen anyone you are doing business with.