This must be very unfortunate for the investors because they had only sourced 70% debt so 30% of the equity from investors went poof..Re: threat of legal letter, personally I would post that online and say "wow, see the response I finally get"...

You learn the most about being an agent in the field and by choosing a good first brokerage with good training either in-person or online, depending on your preference.

You could be a private investor for a house flipper, but then you would be the bank and I am not sure how that would sit with your faith.I would park the money in index funds if you can't do syndications just because you are restricting the possible use of your money in real estate.

Normally, unless there are specific building code restrictions, the amount of units allowed on a lot is determined by the Floor Area Ratio. 

Using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) allows pre-tax dollars to grow tax-deferred in real estate, but limits flexibility due to IRS rules and potential UBIT on leveraged properties.Investing through a Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and no RMDs, but funding limits and restrictions apply.

I’d have a better picture by sitting down with someone at a bank, but I did a calculation online and the new loan on cashing out $130k would still be covered by the current rental payment.

It all starts with a website and online presence.Let me know if you need step-by-step directions how to do this right.

We found this home through a combination of online tools and personal exploration in the area.

We found this home through a combination of online tools and personal exploration in the area.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.