@Matthew CopelandTax Liens and Crowd Funding are pretty much the best options for a smaller account.Most investors will work within the standard financial services space to grow their savings and then switch to a self-directed account once they have the type of funding necessary to participate in more significant non-traditional assets such as real estate and notes.

@Mark SpritzWhile a Solo 401k may or may not be a better structure for you based on your situation, the additional benefits (beyond contribution limits and loans) include the following:-No custodial requirement-No need for LLC cost and admin to have checkbook control-Built in Roth-Spousal participation-UDFI exemptionsThe cost comparison depends on what providers you are looking at for each.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who participated in this post. 

I only mention it because I have seen many real estate participants misunderstanding the difference between a townhouse-style condo and a townhouse-style sfr.

-I constructed my team to consist of the cream of the crop Property Management Team in Dallas, a partner that owns and operates 200M in Real Estate, and I moved to the city that I invest so that I can submerge myself in the market... super check.I don't think that the credibility and experience I've amassed is anything special, but I do think that it sufficient enough to entice warm traffic for a conversation about investing with us..By warm traffic I mean family and friends who have consistently asked that I let them know when I get a deal that they'd be able to participate in (and my goodness what a deal this is). 

I found the BP podcast a few weeks ago and am thrilled to find such a wonderful place to listen, learn, and participate with fellow investors!  

As for the rollover IRA, the IRS will let you withdraw up to $10,000 for a first home purchase.https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...You can call Vanguard or Fidelity or whoever is holding your accounts and they can help walk you through the rules and the process.Personally, I would avoid gutting the accounts.

. $5,500/yr for IRA)- Ability to access up to $50K of your retirement funds tax and penalties free prior retirement via participant loan feature- Greater protection from creditors- No need for a custodian + checkbook control- Exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate - Tax-free investing with built-in Roth component - and more!

FYI, I just found a work related conference in Wichita next month for five days and I'm trying to get an approval from my manager to fly down there as a participant.

And if you've participated in such how was the outcome?