At this point we will not have employees other than dealing with contractors, but I can foresee in the future requiring a bookkeeper to maintain records.

Payroll, bookkeeping, etc can mostly be done remotely.Here is a great list of questions to ask a potential accountant:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/70447-questions-to-ask-a-cpaAlso check out the www.NAEA.org page in your search.

But the advantage to opening a set of books now is that it gets you "in the groove" and used to paying attention to bookkeeping, etc. 

And to those investors who are looking for bookkeeping services or insight on property management I would be more than happy to help if I can.

Check with your accountant to see which approach is preferred from a bookkeeping / tax perspective ... up here I would prefer to arrange for the rebate/discount to be either unrealized income or cost of sales (since it is a rent concession).

Holding the note as opposed to being the landlord = not paying bills, typical maintenance, less book keeping, less work.

I own a  bookkeeping and accounting firm, so I know the tax benefits of purchasing property where you vacation thus WI was a good fit since my husbands side of the family are all there and we go visit several times a year.

As you are reading this book, keep a notebook and make notes. 

.- Should I find a bookkeeper to help keep track of expenses in the business (repairs, etc.)?

Easier bookkeeping, easier doing taxes, easier if there's an audit.