Try Citizens bank if there is one by you

I'm seriously considering trying to find something there, but need to build up my knowledge and contacts of reputable agents and contractors etc.I'm interested in multi-family, STRs, commercial, self storage, and possibly even flips if the right opportunity came up.

I find that hard to believe, but you can always call HR and simply say you are trying to confirm if X works there and not say why you need to know.

@Jim Stanley Keep in mind any expenses of your SDIRA asset must be paid for by the account that owns that asset. 

Check fees are $10**** When buying physical real estate, you must have a 10% cushion of the purchase price**We waive the first 6 transaction review fees for the life of the account.*** The first 12 incoming checks are free each year.

everyone wants the distressed assets you're trying to find.the short answer to your questions is: start going to lots and lots of meetups and network in person.i would also think about house hacking as soon as you can. 

I ended up attending one of those weekend seminars for a few hundred bucks that tries to sell you on a 30k coaching program.

So instead of waiting for the problem to compound until the lease is over, the plan is to replace the carpet immediately rather than try to muck with cat urine and get it 80% clean with various other solutions.

Unless you spend money trying to find off market deals..

Both of these questions will be answered more clearly by nailing down and defining your goals and what youre trying to accomplish.Personally, I will not be leaving Charleston unless this area drastically changes for the worse.