You actually do know how to swim if you have been following BP. 

I just think it's about perception the guy in the suit is looked at in a more positive light than the newbie who just came from some guru seminar. 

Now you just need to learn about your options and whittle them down to determine which REI niche suits your current financial situation, risk tolerance, optimal time-investment and need for control.

What you can possibly do, depending on the jurisdiction, is have an "in-law suite" as part of the main dwelling (the in-law suite being half the basement as an accessory to the main house upstairs, and the other half of the basement would be the second unit, assuming you meet the egress and other code requirements.

That being said, excel will probably suit your just fine and it is easy enough to start your books on Quickbooks at a later time as you grow.

As for the suit comment, I think that's great.

I would like to create a master suite, turning the existing closest which backs into the existing bathroom, into a small master bathroom and extend the house out to enlarge the room and add a closet.

Can you create an en-suite in this potential bedroom? 

It's a nice community with some humble houses, but I know several middle-class families in that neighborhood so I figure the rest of the neighborhood follows suit. 

I think we can find another date that suits you Lars, the more the merrier ;)What do you say Nicklas?