(Respectfully- Please don't tell me to save up and quit my job it's just not realistic for me and won't be anytime soon)If you read the threads on BP concerning wholesaling, you should be able to draw a few conclusions1. 99% of people trying wholesaling fail2.

Quote from @Juan Castillo: Most people "dream" of investing in real estate.

A4: If you pay as “friends and family” – then yes, need 1099s.Q5: I only need to send 1099s to people, not to LLCs, right?

•If CPI drops below 3.2%: Investors could see a market shift, with the Fed more likely to soften its stance, allowing rates to gradually decline.Initial Jobless Claims (Thursday, February 15)Jobless claims measure the number of people filing for unemployment benefits.

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.  

instead, why not find a market 1-2 hours away where you can be hands-on / in-person?

Wondering what people's thoughts are.

City recently did a building inspection and we noticed the tenant is smoking in the unit (cigarettes and marijuana), food waste everywhere leading to building pest issues, and there are 5 people living there now (3 adults and 2 kids).

I'm in a small town so the people aspect is a huge consideration. 

.#2  MINDSET:  Just like some people will NEVER become real estate investors regardless of time, money, related profession, - MOST people will never become real estate investors.