I'm a software architect by day, and early mornings, evenings, and weekends I run a small commodity trading firm and am also a real estate investor.  

Hi Everyone, I am David Logan, a Software Engineer from Auckland, New Zealand and I am currently looking into what REI is all about however I have no background in Real Estate nor does anyone in my family.

I’ve worked in varying capacities as a financial analyst, software engineering & product design instructor, & senior design engineer with growing startups to some of the biggest companies out there.

Quick Tip: If you haven't already, I'd look into some PM software to make your accounting/management life easier.  

there seems to be numerous pre-purchase analysis software programs for creating a pro-forma for multifamily Acquisitions, available in the market.

If that file is audited, that "creative" Realtor may be no more

If you choose to go it alone, refer back to BP podcasts where people talk about how they manage their own properties and check the show notes for links to the software, resources etc. that they use to be professional, organized and ultimately successful.  

I do this for any vendor I use each year, as I carry workmens comp on my properties for myself and workers I know aren't covered themselves. but if I can prove my vendors have insurance when I'm audited, so my insurance agency compute rates in my favor, because vendors had their own coverageAs far as lien waivers, it's good practice to have anyone that worked on the house sign they have been paid and a lien waiver is used for that. 

I'm considering purchasing accounting software as opposed to using spreadsheets.

Went to a free tax liens presentation where they sell a 3 day work shop and their software for $600.