It has many more automated and cloud-based features than QB.

Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner and read some blogs and forum posts on the topic to ramp up your education.

Personally I wouldn't upgrade from 08 to current if I had to pay unless there's some new feature you really need.

I am working with Streamline Funding out of Austin TX for my HML.I have my first property under contract and just finished the inspection.I will keep everyone posted on how things go.The reason for me starting this discussion is because, I have been apart of this forum for over a year and some of the questions I had about the estimated costs of getting your first deal started, were never answered.For example, Earnest Money ($2000), Inspection ($275), Appraisal($406), Closing cost($3000), having to put money into escrow for construction cost ($4000).This is all for a hard money loan.These are thing I am learning as I move forward.

We have vacation rentals with lock-off feature in a few of our complexes here.Let me know if you would like a couple of examples.Aloha,Jeff

QuickBooks Pro has a feature called "Class".

If you haven't listened to the Bigger Pockets podcast from a few episodes ago featuring Sarah Prichett by the way, definitely give it a listen.

The property is 1,020 sq ft home  4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, condo that was built in 1953,  with an appraisal of $91,000 (Repaired), $70,000 (As is) .The only special features the property has  is that it has a basement and private parking which is a plus because most properties in  the neighborhood do not have.

If you have a lot of liquidity to offer, you can certainly pay cash but to your point that will inhabit the great feature of leverage.  

Also, I would suggest reading articles, latest news stories that feature these neighborhoods.