I’ve been hearing about self directed IRAs (Roth/Traditional) and 401ks being used to fund deals frequently.

In a vacuum it's impossible to decide on just that metric. secondly, interest rate variance becomes more costly as the loan size goes up.1% high on a 100k loan, no big deal1% high on a 15MM loan, big dealis he higher than market rate by a lot?

In this situation we would be making frequent trips to the property. 

The properties can look ugly, but I would shy away from bad parts of town as you'll have break-ins frequently. 

@Jake Wernitznig buyers frequently don't factor in the costs of landscaping new construction.

Is this a frequently used tactic?

We were looking at it more for the flexibility of looking at a lot of properties frequently, MLS access and being able to continuously put in offers without exhausting an agent who has other clients to focus on as well.  

@John Moran,There are number of active investors as well as service providers who are frequent contributors on this forum.

Look at the destination where your family would want to frequent.

I prefer brick houses, as they don’t require frequent painting.