If these "special conditions" are the case, then consider opening a LLC in the state in which the properties are located, but then plan on paying the $800 CA franchise fee (which it sounds like you are), along with extra bookkeeping fees, tax preparation fees, etc. and commercial financing probably under less desirable terms than on a conventional mortgage in your name or buying them all cash and holding them free and clear.

My main purpose with naming the business was so that I could keep it separate from the Realtor business, mostly for book-keeping, accounting, check-book, etc.

It may not include marketing an area, like a resort or answering the phone, bookkeeping or admin tasks, but dealing directly with any unit is an RE issue.In vacation rentals, such as in a condo development or recreational development where the owners employ managers can be exempt as they don't act as agents but employees under one operation.

Hello BP,I was wonder if somebody use Mint.com as bookkeeping solution (for small portfolio of 1-10 properties), and if it does, what is your experience?

Both the PM, and the bookkeeper (she pays the bills) for the PM failed to notice. 

Here are some areas to think about:RE Agent; Property Manager; Contractors; Handy-persons (different than contractors and these are key); bookkeepers; CPA; Attorney; Hard money/private lender.

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.

You explained it perfectly, as you well know the bookkeeping out of Sacramento is "creative". 

I hope to get a good handle on earnings and expenses with the help of my bookkeeper and to position myself for making more purchases as soon as I am certain that my numbers will work!

Also when you need to get help from your bookkeeper or CPA it will be easier to get that help because they can have that quick access.