How Investors Lose Thousands Without Proper Bookkeeping

BiggerPockets Daily

Real estate investing is one of the best ways to build wealth, but there’s a hidden trap that even seasoned investors fall into—it’s called poor bookkeeping practices that quietly drain profits and put portfolios at risk. You may have written deals on a napkin or put the receipt for purchasing materials in your glove compartment before, but that could leave you scrambling at the worst times.

The bookkeeping, accounting, and banking system you choose will determine whether you avoid these headaches or continually “eat” those small charges that add up like sneaky calories in your favorite late-night snack. I know I’m guilty of letting multiple little purchases get miscategorized, forgotten, or even worse—charged to the wrong property.

Over time, these little slip-ups can cost you thousands, and the only one who ends up happy about that is the IRS. The crazy thing is that real estate taxes and accounting nuances can work in your favor—when things are correctly documented and categorized. But getting it wrong? Well, that’s like building a house without a blueprint—risky, expensive, and more than a little stressful.

Let’s break down the five most common bookkeeping mistakes real estate investors make that can lead to thousands of dollars slipping through the cracks—and, more importantly, how to fix them before it’s too late.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/investors-can-lose-thousands-by-not-bookkeeping-right

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