The experience and audit support matter more.

Lucas here from Howzer Property Management.Most small landlords I talk to start with spreadsheets + receipts… and once you’re past a couple units it usually turns into a scramble at tax time.What I see work best (even for self-managing owners):• Some type of software (Buildium, AppFolio, etc.) so expenses are auto-categorized• Separate bank account for the portfolio• Every invoice tied to the unit + type of repair• Quick monthly P&L check instead of waiting until AprilThe real value isn’t just tracking it’s having clean numbers so your CPA can clearly see repairs vs capex, recurring maintenance, and actual cash flow per property.If you’re DIY right now, even just consistent categories + uploading receipts monthly makes a huge difference.Happy to share the expense categories we use if helpful.Lucas

If do ourselves, wondering if a quality handyman, basic management software, and resources for an OH lease and tenant screening framework would be sufficient. 

Track activity regularlySome investors use accounting software, but for a smaller portfolio a simple spreadsheet can work well.

Some software to look at for budget-conscious operators: rentvine, doorloop, buildium.

It weakens your position in an audit.2.

(eg- cancelled reservations show up on statements with original amounts, markups being added on by the software after an accounting period was already closed, etc etc).

., I want all professional/tenant communications to go through the platform and keep the audit history organized. 

The IRS in its Passive Activity Loss Audit Technique Guide published a sample Activity Log.  

They have a web page, property management software, etc.