Use all that you have learned and go by the book.  Keep

(Which are current and which are capitalized is another question though…)  Even though it looks like a moot point now that I've finally taken care of my bookkeeping, I though a paper loss wasn't out of the question.

Whether it’s taxes, book keeping or for real estate deals.

Continue to work my bookkeeping business as a side hustle , while learning as much as I can in real estate investing.

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.

However, you must be a meticulous bookkeeper, and be able to track in-and-out cash flow from your account.

If you work with a bookkeeper you can get a discount.

The other side is the leasing and bookkeeping side.

I don't think it is uncommon for owners of PM companies to turn their own properties over to their business and treat them exactly the same as any client property (bookkeeping wise). 

Get some bookkeeping software like Quickbooks or the equivalent and start using it.