this is where the gray area comes in with accounting.

I operate 14 properties from the same checking account.

I recommend that you speak with a real estate accountant to see if you will benefit from a cost segregation first. 

Self-proclaimed Section 8 guru's online claim to do the latter and then find Property Managers after they purchase the property in whatever state, but I don't know how real that is.

Checked info online and should be getting some sort of updates, but nada.

If you are able to setup a credit card identical to your accounts payable accrual account, it should operate the same.  

Make use of its features like online rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant screening.Local Resources: Consider joining the Central Indiana Real Estate Investors Association (CIREIA).

You can create an account and look around for free so you can see if it will work for you. 

My firm integrated the services together and our clients have loved the one stop shopping for all RE accounting, tax, asset protection and entity work. 

This is a very common way for people to investing using their retirement accounts.