If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

I manage my own properties as do my clients; with the electronic resources for screening, rent collection, more - the ROI is greatly improved and you retain control of the property.Hope this helps.

. ;)Preference is electronic transfer through my management software.

Leases are signed electronically (esign.com), and I set them up with RentRedi for deposit, cleaning fee, and rent payments.

But, for instance, I sent them a notice of rent increase effective February 1 and needed them to confirm that they have accepted the new payment terms through our electronic payment system, and even after repeated notices, they are not responding.

When we built up the triplex, we set it up so that each of the 11 rooms can be rented out individually (all BR, except 2, have their own bathroom behind an electronically locked door).

There are quite a few solutions out there so that even the most tech challenged person can pay electronically.

I created an electronic google doc time tracker: Time LogContemporaneous time log of rental real estate activitiesActivity DescriptionTenant recruitmentTenant screeningNegotiating and executing leasesOverseeing repairs and maintenanceCommunications with tenants and vendorsTravel timeResearch for potential rental real estate (pub 925)Acquiring rental real estate (pub 925)Paperwork/bookkeeping/bankingResearch and purchase of materialsRent collectionEvictionOn-site cleaningBill paymentOther:Time SpentDateMM/DD/YYYYSubmit

My main account has all the rents deposited and all expenses deducted such as mortgages, some utilities and an electronic payment app connected to the account to pay contractors.

I use the Rent Redi software to manage my tenants, so everything is done electronically.