I am in search of an efficient system  to track my rental properties regarding income and expenses to make it easy for my accountant at tax time.

Look at lists of properties that are on the Sheriff Sale, and Tax Sales, as some of those could have assumable mortgages, and provide a list of potential assumable mortgages, where the owners are potentially losing their properties.David KrulacBigger Pockets Podcast guest #82  

Taxes in these zip codes might be higher but they're great long term holds with steady appreciation.

You need to understand the tax regulations on both sides of the boarder.

Hey Russel,Admittedly, I do not know BAM; I am curious about what is driving your interest in/decision to invest whether its a preferred return or more back end equity, or just tax advantages.The market has definitely put some operators' projects in distress, and it is very unfortunate, but the flip side is that other operators are able to use stabilized financing to acquire these distressed assets.Our operator partners are seeing an almost 20% discount as they are acquiring assets today.

See a tax advisor

I'm leaning towards a smaller non-refundable deposit vs a full month rent that is refundable.

You need to talk with your attorney and tax advisor to determine the best structure for you and your goals.One big positive in LLCs, even though the cost to finance is much higher (more down and higher interest rates), when you get commercial loans, they will no longer be on your credit report.  

You are going to see these benefits in the long term, and while you live there you will save on your monthly expenses and also get tax benefits doing so. 

We would like to keep the operating revenue and expenses separate from our personal stuff but want to file them along with our personal tax returns.