I have a few simple questions as I am debating myself for doing some work (painting, flooring) either by myself or by hiring on a house (property A) that I will turn into rental property.Q1.

Our household income is about $13k monthly after taxes and payroll deductions (health insurance, 401(k), etc.)My wife and I have never been particularly fiscally responsible, although we live a fairly simple life.

Typically, this is as simple as looking at asking price and ARV.  

The assistance could be as simple as a couple hundred bucks, a moving truck, helping them move, etc.

I will be using a CPA moving forward, but I'm really stuck on something that should be simple to know.

As a side note: The cost of simple repairs and maintenance is paid out of the Operating Bank Account.Other Savings reserve (fund this account monthly with in an amount to cover contingency matters, such as vacancies, etc.)Security Deposit reserve (transfer all Security Deposits to this account).Other reserve accounts may be set up for other matters, such as Tenant Rent Deposits.To clarify matters, there is one Reserve Bank Account. 

The interest on the loan is simple interest and I take all of the distributions from the syndication investment and pay off the interest and pay down the principal. 

Of course, some repairs I still do myself if I have the time and it is simple enough. 

I think the BP community is hungry for simple metrics such as unit count even though it is probably the worst metric you could probably use.

The only ones preaching how easy it is or cost so little are those charging you for their training which is very basic simple stuff.