I'm considering merging these parcels to simplify things if the cost is low or free.

The matter is over simplified in residential and small investment property valuations for appraisals done in purchase transactions.

Mark Cerminaro if the only thing your partner brings to the table is money, consider simplifying the arrangement so the partner either receives a straight return on their $$ or assumes an equity interest.

This is a pretty simplified example, but hope it helps.  

I try to keep most of my borrowing with the same lenders to simplify things and build relationships with my lender.  

I am a huge proponent of investing time in front-end setup in order to automate and simplify daily operations.Several institutions like Capital One 360 and one of my local CUs actually allow you to build checking/savings accounts on the fly, which is the way I'm leaning...Any advice?

A cap rate simplifies that. 

As I said in the main post, my business is still small (25 units) and I am able to comfortably handle all aspects of the business (accounting, marketing, operating) due to some great property management software which simplifies payments, accounting, leasing, and advertising.

I offer my investor clients a few unique resources to analyze each deal that can greatly simplify the entire process, especially for a new investor!

@Alex JohnsonHere is how I am doing math for my rental property.Inflow of capital:12 months of rentYearly appreciationOutflow of capital:Cost of capitalExpensesReserves for long-term, big ticket items.Vacancy - lost rent (1 month)To simplify the matter, I take the properties current value and at 4% rate, I just calculate the cost of capital.