Activity DescriptionTenant recruitmentTenant screeningNegotiating and executing leasesOverseeing repairs and maintenanceCommunications with tenants and vendorsTravel timeResearch for potential rental real estate (pub 925)Acquiring rental real estate (pub 925)Paperwork/bookkeeping/bankingResearch and purchase of materialsRent collectionEvictionOn-site cleaningBill paymentOther:Time SpentDate

This makes the bookkeeping easier to handle.

She’s a FT mom who may go back to work PT so was thinking that if she was more active in searching for deals, managing PMs, bookkeeping...that could easily be 750 hours/year (14.5 hours/week).

While a personal account is acceptable, setting up a separate account specifically for rental income can make bookkeeping and tax reporting easier.Regardless of the payment method, always provide tenants with receipts for their rent payments.Keep detailed records of all rental income and expenses for tax purposes.Consider implementing a consistent rent collection policy to avoid confusion and ensure timely payments.Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding rental properties and rent collection in your area.

I have since submitted my 2023 expense sheet but my CPA has not officially filed, and have hired a bookkeeper for 2024 (finally!)

My bookkeeping activities take about 2 hours per month and i use an online soltion for that too. 

Only difference in the last few years is I have a virtual bookkeeping company and a property manager.

That makes it easier for me or my bookkeeper to identify what those expenses are for and also for me to track progress on whether I am on budget or not without having to put a bunch of effort into that.

Louis, MO.I have a question that I was hoping the BP community could help with: I was wondering if anybody could point me in the direction of a nice, clean, and easy to use accounting spreadsheet template (or something of that nature) for real estate investing book-keeping?

What I really like about it is that it's a banking and bookkeeping platform that also allows me to manage my tenants.