Although, it's very capital intensive and you have to rely on a lot of factors you can't control, contractors, interest rates, market shifts, realtors, buyers, appraisers, inspectors, material costs, weather etc etc.

I want to get control of the properties, remodel and furnish, while protecting this investment.  

I am a rookie investor hoping to purchase my first property within the next 90 days.Kwanza Hi Kwanza,The first thing you'll need to decide is whether or not you want checkbook control of your self directed IRA. 

•You’ve fully paid off the mortgage, eliminating lender control.

After doing some research I realized that the first lien lender has so much control over the purchase price.

I think a middle ground could be reached there but alas not in my control. 

Plus with it being a townhouse, you don't have certain controls like the HOA and special assessments.

Of course, it was due to extenuating circumstances which neither you nor the lender had control of.

Use that loan to pay the back taxes and get things under control.

I have had my eye on 5-20 unit multifamily for a while, as I see it much more controllable and predictable way to go about a real estate deal.