In simple start about all you can do is post the purchase to COGS and sales to income
I'm just starting out and need to avoid paying more for plus or pro right now.
You made me look, simple start is $240 a year
QB desktop pro, is less than $200 - one time price
even if you put pro on a credit card, the monthly payment would be less
and QBDT pro has inventory, billable expenses, sales tax, and is miles ahead in terms of flexibility and function