I have been using the money we've been saving to invest in mutual funds tracking the S&P500, etc so that has definitely been good.

Start with a manual process, then automate parts, being sure to create a way to track the performance of each marketing piece.  

Glad to know I'm on the right track.

If you switch jobs now, even to another W2, getting a loan may be difficult, at least until you have time to establish a track record in the new job. 

As recent as 2005 a flipper (builder actually) told me her track records was "hit and miss", she was looking for creative financing as the interest from hard money was too steep.  

I use excel and consolidate all income and expenses for each property (I add my mortgage payments and other landlord expenses) and make sure that my cash accounts reconcile for all my holdings (if there is a problem I call the manager and we try and figure things out).I use this excel for two things: Tracking my properties performance - mainly cash flow, cash balance, NOI and just to make sure the PM is on top of everything.I use this to input the data into QuickBooks (I do this manually). 

Thank Dan and Upen.I am filing uk taxes for Usa purposes - dual taxation treaty.

If you were buying an existing McDonalds location, you would be researching the management team, the employees, their track records, etc....

Other than signing a document that says you'll live in the property what other ways does the government track that you live in the unit?  

A transparent track record is paramount.