# Tips & Tricks **URL:** https://community.stessa.com/c/tips-tricks/7.md [Latest](https://community.stessa.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.stessa.com/categories.md) --- ## [About the Tips & Tricks category](https://community.stessa.com/t/about-the-tips-tricks-category/17)
**Author:** [@devin](https://community.stessa.com/u/devin)\ **Replies:** 0
Learning a new software platform can take some time. Share your best advanced advice with other Stessa users and discover new faster ways to get things done on Stessa. Ground Rules: Our intention is to keep the Communi… --- ## [3rd party paper checks](https://community.stessa.com/t/3rd-party-paper-checks/17726)
**Author:** [@rentals3](https://community.stessa.com/u/rentals3)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/3rd-party-paper-checks/17726 "2026-09-16T18:00:15Z")
I know there were a few people who had luck with paper checks from Walmart and vista print a few years ago, but a lot more who had problems, returned checks, wasted money and time. I was just curious has anyone had long … --- ## [Transactions-not property specific](https://community.stessa.com/t/transactions-not-property-specific/6109)
**Author:** [@gmoilanen8888](https://community.stessa.com/u/gmoilanen8888)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/transactions-not-property-specific/6109 "2025-12-13T18:49:25Z")
New to Stessa this week. I have setup all my properties in Stessa. I have back-recorded all transactions starting 1/1/2022. I now have many transactions which are not specific to a Property. How do I reflect these? My … --- ## [How to categorize acquisition / closing cost transactions](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-categorize-acquisition-closing-cost-transactions/1216)
**Author:** [@investing929](https://community.stessa.com/u/investing929)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2025, 10:46pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-categorize-acquisition-closing-cost-transactions/1216 "2025-08-27T22:46:57Z")
I purchased a new property and the payment to title shows up on the bank account that I have linked to Stessa. Unfortunately there is no purchase or acquisition category that I could choose for the transaction. All that … --- ## [Insurance dates](https://community.stessa.com/t/insurance-dates/17387)
**Author:** [@adalinerealty](https://community.stessa.com/u/adalinerealty)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2025, 10:32am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/insurance-dates/17387 "2025-07-15T10:32:03Z")
Hi How are you guys doing? I am new to this software as well as property management. I am learning as I go. What’s the best way to efficiently keep track of and find expiration dates for property insurance other than … --- ## [How To: ChatGPT prompting for Buildium exports for import into Stessa](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-chatgpt-prompting-for-buildium-exports-for-import-into-stessa/17430)
**Author:** [@ekholdings444](https://community.stessa.com/u/ekholdings444)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-chatgpt-prompting-for-buildium-exports-for-import-into-stessa/17430 "2025-07-04T19:20:00Z")
These are my ChatGPT prompts for importing exported Buildium transaction into Stessa csv import format. Note: From my property manager’s Buildium portal I am choosing Reports, Income report and then selecting All Prope… --- ## [Is there a way to make a Journal Entry in Stessa?](https://community.stessa.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-a-journal-entry-in-stessa/16639)
**Author:** [@dashingbookkeeping](https://community.stessa.com/u/dashingbookkeeping)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-a-journal-entry-in-stessa/16639 "2025-05-03T19:09:48Z")
Trying to add numbers from Prior years and match it up to tax returns. Please advise! --- ## [How to account for sub2 sale in Stessa](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-account-for-sub2-sale-in-stessa/16814)
**Author:** [@lashanw](https://community.stessa.com/u/lashanw)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2025, 2:48pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-account-for-sub2-sale-in-stessa/16814 "2025-04-12T14:48:28Z")
Hi Folks, I sold a property on a subject to (sub2) transaction. This is similar to a seller financing structure where the buyers assumes my mortgage and makes payments. Also they pay me a monthly payment. How do I accou… --- ## [How to modify VRBO CSV?](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-modify-vrbo-csv/16592)
**Author:** [@alexhoyt145](https://community.stessa.com/u/alexhoyt145)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2025, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-modify-vrbo-csv/16592 "2025-03-19T16:09:38Z")
I understand that even though it’s been requested for years Stessa, for some reason refuses to add support for uploading VRBO transactions. I’m wondering if anyone has found a work around for it by modifying the VRBO CSV… --- ## [Scan receipts match bank statement](https://community.stessa.com/t/scan-receipts-match-bank-statement/8373)
**Author:** [@traceheavenerdo](https://community.stessa.com/u/traceheavenerdo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2023, 1:42pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/scan-receipts-match-bank-statement/8373 "2023-10-14T13:42:44Z")
I wish that stessa had a feature to scan and store receipts in a library until the transaction posted and then assign the receipt to the transaction once it posts. --- ## [Capital Expense Category - Materials?!?](https://community.stessa.com/t/capital-expense-category-materials/14607)
**Author:** [@james.p.brand](https://community.stessa.com/u/james.p.brand)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2024, 10:47am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/capital-expense-category-materials/14607 "2024-08-24T10:47:58Z")
I am wrapping up a renovation and my GC bills for material. I have been categorizing this as Capital Expenses / Remodeling, but I use this designation for miscellaneous labor too, wondering if there is a more appropriate… --- ## [Best Tips for Tracking Rental Property Expenses?](https://community.stessa.com/t/best-tips-for-tracking-rental-property-expenses/14888)
**Author:** [@marcosandrew143](https://community.stessa.com/u/marcosandrew143)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2024, 9:56am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/best-tips-for-tracking-rental-property-expenses/14888 "2024-08-31T09:56:13Z")
Hi everyone, I am relatively new to managing rental properties and want to make sure I am staying on top of all my expenses. I have read about different methods, but I would love to hear what’s worked best for others. H… --- ## [Tracking Airbnb/VRBO collected & remitted taxes?](https://community.stessa.com/t/tracking-airbnb-vrbo-collected-remitted-taxes/8610)
**Author:** [@jessiejo](https://community.stessa.com/u/jessiejo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/tracking-airbnb-vrbo-collected-remitted-taxes/8610 "2025-01-10T16:35:28Z")
Airbnb & VRBO collects and remits occupancy/local taxes and I file the appropriate returns at year end. They don’t touch my accounts and I don’t collect them personally. I would still like to track the amounts in Stessa … --- ## [HUD Payment split](https://community.stessa.com/t/hud-payment-split/7656)
**Author:** [@nomadrx](https://community.stessa.com/u/nomadrx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2024, 5:30pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/hud-payment-split/7656 "2024-12-24T17:30:54Z")
I have a tenant where I receive a portion of their rent from government assistance (HUD). How is the best way to set this up as I get one check from the tenant and one from HUD, each month. Also, I am activating rent col… --- ## [Understanding Your Cash on Cash Return](https://community.stessa.com/t/understanding-your-cash-on-cash-return/11287)
**Author:** [@4764randall](https://community.stessa.com/u/4764randall)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2024, 5:26pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/understanding-your-cash-on-cash-return/11287 "2024-06-20T17:26:46Z")
Your description of the cash on cash return is incorrect. You need to mention that the monthly cash flow is annualized (multiplied by 12 months ) before being divided by the original cash investment. --- ## [Initial acquisition and costs](https://community.stessa.com/t/initial-acquisition-and-costs/132)
**Author:** [@macioceproperties](https://community.stessa.com/u/macioceproperties)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2023, 9:00pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/initial-acquisition-and-costs/132 "2023-12-16T21:00:04Z")
We acquired another property last month. This will be our first property that we will track in Stessa from the very beginning. Couple questions: Since we do not have our “property bank account” setup yet, we paid for … --- ## [Add mileage to existing transactions](https://community.stessa.com/t/add-mileage-to-existing-transactions/1962)
**Author:** [@threeviewshome](https://community.stessa.com/u/threeviewshome)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2023, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/add-mileage-to-existing-transactions/1962 "2023-12-12T20:15:16Z")
Hello, I just realized I need to add mileage to the dozens of trips I took to my Big Box Hardware store. Is there a way to add a mileage tab to all these past transactions? Thanks! Kurt --- ## [Exclude transactions from rollups](https://community.stessa.com/t/exclude-transactions-from-rollups/12255)
**Author:** [@michael.perstin](https://community.stessa.com/u/michael.perstin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2023, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/exclude-transactions-from-rollups/12255 "2023-11-10T23:22:07Z")
Is there a way to exclude transactions from rollups? For example, if I have a transaction such as transferring money from one account to another, while I’d like to keep it there for historical/reference purposes, I want … --- ## [Convert Bank Statements to Stessa Transactions](https://community.stessa.com/t/convert-bank-statements-to-stessa-transactions/10955)
**Author:** [@koolb](https://community.stessa.com/u/koolb)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/convert-bank-statements-to-stessa-transactions/10955 "2023-11-02T19:45:56Z")
I have written a perl script to read my bank statement downloaded csv file to stessa uploadable csv file. This script also generates the Schedule E totals. if enough people reply I can upload a sterilized version to git… --- ## [How do you know that your imports are correct?](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-do-you-know-that-your-imports-are-correct/7644)
**Author:** [@chateaucastle](https://community.stessa.com/u/chateaucastle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2023, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-do-you-know-that-your-imports-are-correct/7644 "2023-06-30T21:59:27Z")
If I can’t reconcile my transactions with my bank account, how can I ever know that all of my transactions have been correctly imported? --- ## [Bank transfer to one bank to another within Stessa](https://community.stessa.com/t/bank-transfer-to-one-bank-to-another-within-stessa/11122)
**Author:** [@willkoinvestments](https://community.stessa.com/u/willkoinvestments)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 8:41pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/bank-transfer-to-one-bank-to-another-within-stessa/11122 "2023-06-23T20:41:39Z")
Hi All, I am new to Stessa. I have two LLCs within Stessa. I transfer some money from LLC1 (100% owned by me) to LLC2 (50% owned by me). What is the best way to categorize this transaction? If it makes a difference, mo… --- ## [Adding Documents](https://community.stessa.com/t/adding-documents/9206)
**Author:** [@rml](https://community.stessa.com/u/rml)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2023, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/adding-documents/9206 "2023-04-22T22:50:44Z")
What does this message mean? 1 document was uploaded but not visible because it does not match the current filter. --- ## [How to categorize a car payment?](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-categorize-a-car-payment/3192)
**Author:** [@patriotrealestatehol](https://community.stessa.com/u/patriotrealestatehol)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2023, 4:18am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-categorize-a-car-payment/3192 "2023-03-16T04:18:04Z")
Looking at purchasing a vehicle and writing off 50% of costs associated… how would this be categorized? closest thing I can see is under Admin/Other and then Travel… --- ## [How do I show cents in financial reports](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-do-i-show-cents-in-financial-reports/9281)
**Author:** [@royshpark](https://community.stessa.com/u/royshpark)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2023, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-do-i-show-cents-in-financial-reports/9281 "2023-01-18T21:13:24Z")
On the income statement on net cash flow statement, how do I show cents? --- ## [Change Ownership Percentage](https://community.stessa.com/t/change-ownership-percentage/9120)
**Author:** [@siggy47](https://community.stessa.com/u/siggy47)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2023, 12:00am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/change-ownership-percentage/9120 "2023-01-10T00:00:19Z")
I purchased a property with a partner. We were 50% owners. I recently bought out his interest and now own 100% of the property. Best way to include this in Stessa? --- ## [How to download a year of receipt images](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-download-a-year-of-receipt-images/7991)
**Author:** [@spaulding60625](https://community.stessa.com/u/spaulding60625)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2022, 12:52am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/how-to-download-a-year-of-receipt-images/7991 "2022-10-26T00:52:15Z")
I want to download a full year of receipts at once to store locally. I don’t know how long Stessa keeps data and it seems prudent to be sure I have all my documents on my own drive in case of audit or other needs. --- ## [STR and Occupancy Tracking](https://community.stessa.com/t/str-and-occupancy-tracking/6663)
**Author:** [@tom](https://community.stessa.com/u/tom)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2022, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/str-and-occupancy-tracking/6663 "2022-08-01T20:36:20Z")
Hello - has anyone figured out a way to add occupancy info for STRs in Stessa? I would like to track occupancy rates (outside of Excel) but haven’t figured out a workaround. Thx! --- ## [Loan statement doesn't show escrow breakdown between insurance and property tax](https://community.stessa.com/t/loan-statement-doesnt-show-escrow-breakdown-between-insurance-and-property-tax/3520)
**Author:** [@colehoff924](https://community.stessa.com/u/colehoff924)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2022, 3:41am UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/loan-statement-doesnt-show-escrow-breakdown-between-insurance-and-property-tax/3520 "2022-07-05T03:41:28Z")
Am I going to run into any issues down the road if I simply use the General Escrow category vs breaking it down into Insurance and Tax separately? --- ## [Category for insufficient funds deposit](https://community.stessa.com/t/category-for-insufficient-funds-deposit/6940)
**Author:** [@rayw1126sf](https://community.stessa.com/u/rayw1126sf)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2022, 10:17pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/category-for-insufficient-funds-deposit/6940 "2022-06-16T22:17:14Z")
How would you suggest categorizing the rent that was deposited and withdrawn due to insufficient funds? Thanks --- ## [Linking stessa to AppFolio](https://community.stessa.com/t/linking-stessa-to-appfolio/6629)
**Author:** [@mark2](https://community.stessa.com/u/mark2)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2022, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.stessa.com/t/linking-stessa-to-appfolio/6629 "2022-05-17T18:53:21Z")
I own a 4 property portfolio, under apartments 30 units, my new PM is using AppFolio, I would like to link their AppFolio books, rent roll, etc. with my Stessa account so I can see my financials reported in a stessa-st… [Next page](https://community.stessa.com/c/tips-tricks/7.md?page=1)