Wave Accounting is a good free alternative and eventually when you scale up; the transfer to QBO or Xero is relatively painless if you just do an opening balance JE or other methods.

What suggestions do you have for sources of wholesale or alternative (non-MLS) properties? 

But in that case I'm not quite sure what I can bring to the table that my hypothetical partner can do on his own from there.Another alternative is working with brokers, but as I am new to this, again I'm not quite sure how to go about it, who I need to help me, and what their motivation to help me would be, as it would be simpler for them to do the same thing without an additional person.I'd be happy to hear from as many people as possible.

But in that case I'm not quite sure what I can bring to the table that the hypothetical partner can't just do on his own from there.Another alternative is working with brokers, but as I am new to this, again I'm not quite sure how to go about it, who I need to help me, and what their motivation to help me would be, as it would be simpler for them to do the same thing without an additional person.I'd be happy to hear from as many people as possible.

Alternatively, concentrate on a more passive role.

I'm curious as to how folks on BP are tracking asset/investment performance after closing.Most investors I've spoken with use some combination of custom Excel spreadsheets, Quickbooks or an alternative, and somewhat tedious reports from property managers.

But if you are in the states I think people will always be traveling and many people see AirBnB as a cheaper alternative to hotels anyway.

So, here we go...If you are buying a foreclosure, some may be in better condition and are able to bank finance while others are in serious disrepair warranting alternative financing (hard money lenders, private lenders or cash). 

If the alternative to using a technique like this is giving up money to make the lender's life easier, just fire that lender.

As an alternative game you could also consider investing with a multifamily real estate syndicator, no work needed, and make something like 9% CoC and 15% IRR as an example. $50k - $100k can get you started with most.