I recently wrote a few articles on out of state investing.

Now that I have your attention, let me explain.I just read this article that was put out by the Ohio Association of Realtors (so consider the source).

I have read many posts and articles about certain "rules" you are supposed to follow in real estate investing. 

I am really wanting to get into real estate investing and read in several books and articles about being mentored.

So now U have the media starting to come out with articles that say..

Next time, either hire someone who is more experienced and self-sufficient, manage more closely and/or put systems in place to ensure this doesn't happen (like having a clear scope of work with diagrams/pictures).Btw, I don't mean to be harsh here -- I've made PLENTY of similar mistakes over the years, but I make fewer and fewer of them as time goes on, as I accept full responsibility and recognize that I'm the one who needs to do better next time...Next week will be 10 years since I wrote this article -- I read it at least once a year to remind myself that everything that goes wrong in my business is MY fault:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

For your info, here's an article pertaining to mortgage payoffs. 

There is an article you can check  out here on this topic specifically.

This article from the National Association of Realtors might be helpful. 

.- I don't have any suggestions for time management tracking but I did find this article that might be helpful: link