If you're a contractor--or homeowner--considering selling in the near future (or strictly renovating with the intent to sell NOW)--you'd be shooting yourself in the foot to not get SOME type of permit. 

If you just need a strictly accounting software Quickbooks can work, but if you need to collect rent and etc Quickbooks is would not be the best. 

I always tell people that bookkeeping is like dieting. 

When we talk about "residential" lending that means Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac/FHA/VA/USDA....only 2 of those loan types would allow to purchase investment properties and they won't lend on anything over 4 units and they have strict rules about the lots being next to each other, underwriting, etc. 

I've looked quite a few properties and while the other posts I've read in the forum have been right about it being a hard market to cash flow in (especially with the strict AriBNB laws), I've found some that the numbers work on in this area. 

There are a number of VERY strict guide lines that govern Mobile/Manufactured homes which include year restrictions like cannot be older than 20 years or in most cases older that 1976. 

If you need just a strictly accounting system which it looks like you are, Quickbooks can work and I recommend it.

Some areas have very strict laws about cutting down / pruning protected trees.I hope this provides you with more direction on this topic.

It is especially useful in states that have strict rules around security deposits.

You will also want to check local ordinances that can often be pretty strict against short term rentals.