Bad scheduling can bring a big project to an untenable halt which is less likely for small projects.For your first project I would just hire someone else to do it with a good track record. 

We are definitely keeping good track of things.

$$$I am tracking my leads and direct mail.

I just purchased my 5th rental and I am in need of some advise on how to set up books and track the basis of this house.

The bigger truth is banks (and other creditors) are not likely to lend to LLC (or any other business entity) with no credit history, track record, etc. 

Trying to track down an ex tenant to recoup unpaid bills is like pulling teeth.  

I feel like I am on the right track at least. 

In the end I decided to close on the HELOC anyways, but it was a good learning experience and the next time I do it (probably within the next 6 months on a foreclosure I just bought as a personal residence) I'll be sure to do a lot more shopping around.I think your best bet is to look for a local portfolio lender as mentioned above and if you're not ready to pay the prevailing rates for that kind of money consider going back to work full-time for a few more years as you complete a few more deals and build up your track record with the intent to find private partners etc.

33K in student loans, about 11k on plastic (wedding/honeymoon/school), plus houseMy experience in real estate is limited to spending time with my grandfather growing up.He had several rental houses and would always be working on them.As I grew up and paid more attention to the business side of his work I realized that he was working just to stay busy and not working to create more income.His end goal was always to create more income but he was always distracted by the job of remodeling and updating.He has been my mentor and main father figure for years but now it is time I “upgrade” to someone capable of guiding me in the direction I want to go.I will always love my grandfather but his business sense is not one I need to follow.My goals in real estate are to create a “four hour work week” (gotta love the Tim Ferriss way of life) by a combination of buy and hold and flips.I hope to use this method to create a stable business and then move into apartment complexes.After lurking on this site I have learned about the different rules needed to ensure profit out of each.In my farm area there are many MLS deals that fall into these numbers.Now it is just about raising funds.I would love to find some Sub2 deals.Famous FourFavorite real estate book Never read one.Bigger Pockets Favorite business book Poke the Box by Seth Godin, 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, and No More Mondays by Dan Miller Hobbies include working on cars and spending time with friends and family.These are very important to me and I do not get enough time with my desk job with either.What is thing that sets apart successful investors from those that fail Getting back up on the horse after failing and not letting friends and family tell you that being an investor is a stupid idea.

It's great to have you and I think you are on the right track listening to the podcast and reading the blogs.