I would recommend checking out @Mat Sorensen’s book, The Self-Directed IRA Handbook.

Buy a house, you can read all day but if you don’t apply what you learned then it’s pointless.Chicago is cheap and a good area to get started if you’re strapped for capital.

Originally posted by @Mat Van Donselaar:I am currently in the process of acquiring my first house and I was thinking of house hacking it. 

A laundry mat in my area is charging 3.75- 4.25 per load on washer and 1.25 for dryer.

Don't strap your self to a family member financially or get stuck in a bad living situation. 

Hi Peter,Maybe one of these would make your life a little better https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cal-03_101_WABD_06-5-P-Treadmill-Mat/dp/B00A48ZD1OJust buy one and ask him to place it under the treadmill.Good Luck!

Keep one hand strapped securely, but not so tight that you can't get off before the steer falling on you will break your legs!

I would like to obtain several more properties very soon, but I am cash strapped.

Stabilize the soils by grouting and use mat foundation or similar.        

As far as keeping or selling the rental property, there is absolutely no reason to sell it unless you're strapped for cash.