They will deal with all the headaches when it comes to being a landlord, and they will issue you a check once a month.Now, they generally take between 5%-10% of gross rent per month, so keep that in mind when you look for a property.Also, check out the analysis spreadsheet here:http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/JasonScott...If you don't have a copy of Microsoft Excel, you can use LibreOffice which is free, found here:  http://www.libreoffice.org/Hope that helps!

I use microsoft project to do that.

The easiest and most widely used application would be Microsoft Excel.

Same goes for Bill Gates (at least when he was still day to day with Microsoft) - retains sizable equity in company but still majority controlled by public shares. 

Microsoft Excel - Can't live without itMicrosoft One Note - Keeping notes across multiple platforms, Evernote is a good option tooMicrosoft Power Point - For making pitch decks, Mac has competitive option too, can't remember the nameDropbox - Can't live without itChrome Browser - Most stable, ad free, light weightQuickbooks - I hate this software, but there is no alternative that accountants will accept without going to a multi-thousand dollar licensed big boy system

My husband used to test games at Microsoft in your neck of the woods before we related to a lower cost of living area.  

If you have someone who is technical (can install host a LAMP program) and can help you develop the database, it might be a good fit.Maybe not the easiest of solutions, but certainly gives you a few more features around building a pipeline than something like Microsoft Access gives.

@Samira Hussein Excel is great to use from Microsoft office or Google has spreadsheets as well(which is free), both of those will help you keep track of your expenses.Take care!

With your concern on planning, Maybe look at available courses or tutorials on some project software.( In school it was Microsoft Project), most commercial builders will use Primavera, and online objects for residential like builderTREND and Foundation.

Microsoft Outlook is essentially an email client.