You also have some responsibility.I personally believe your responsibility is greater than the agent’s.  

Talk with your tax person.   

Using just addition and subtraction to sort out an algebra problem will always leave a person confused and frustrated. 

.: Unfortunately many people invest in deals and do not realize how "value add" works.

My brokerage manages over 1100 units on north side Chicago and we do this for all the units it works great and saves SOOOOOO much money for landlords, I don't think many new investors realize the differance this makes in your net.

Also do you know if the NY lender was properly licensed to even do bizz in CA.. many east coast lenders do not realize the license requirements out west.

It was a comment meant to force an answer - why does this person think they need a bookkeeper. 

I just realized I have too much property taxes due next month and my downpayment will not be enough and put a strain on me financially if i were to continue.

Quote from @Barbara Johannsen: Most investors I meet don’t realize you can buy the mortgage, not the property.It’s a great way to build cash flow without maintenance or vacancies.Anyone else investing in notes or thinking about getting started?

With having a family you will have limited time compared to a single person.