Excel Speadsheet basics - Example?

[Brandon G.]

I'm managing one single family and we're looking to buy our first duplex.  I'd like to create an excel spreadsheet to manage when and what rent has come in, what expenses are and generally everything that needs and should be kept up with on a monthly and yearly basis with rental property, but I don't really know where to begin to create an effective spreadsheet.  I've checked the file resources and see many, many different options, but most deal with calculating things or most aren't just basic management.  Perhaps this is too common, but I've never created an Excel spreadsheet and I'm afraid I'll not think of or leave out very important things.

Does someone have an example of how they create or manage their properties with Excel and what they've included.

Thanks,

Brandon