Also go to any local investor groups that usually meet once a month and take some business cards.

I may take a class on using quick books later, but I realy think the Mint.s capabilities my allow me to sort all transactions, (bank and credit cards) by rental property, export via CSV and into Excel and to a CPA perhaps as easily as QB.Hope this helps with some ideas.

My first real estate purchase was when I was in high school and had my first credit card I maxed it out (bought a vacant lot on Ebay lol).

Not sure why you had such a big impact, did you check nothing else went on to contribute, cards compromised?

., credit card debt).

Borrow against your credit card if you have to before they condemn your bldg.

I have a friend that's like this, he has no credit card (only atm) and almost nothing is in his name for various reasons.

The interest rate is presumably lower than all of your other consumer debt credit cards, student loans, car loan etc....

My short term goal is to pay off our credit card and car loan balance and begin to save up enough capital for a down payment on a rental property.  

Allow me to explain; if you paid the individual with a check, credit card or money order (as long as you kept the tracking portion) you are in control.