Another loan option to consider, would be doing Freddie Mac's HomePossible loan, which requires a 5% down payment and it's conventional financing as opposed to FHA. 

A lot of lenders will not allow for this so it certainly needs to go the private route opposed to traditional. 

So, for example, a HML may let you borrow 75% of purchase price as opposed to 80-85% for a more experienced person. 

We get caught up in the social media and reporting that leads to fear as opposed to action.  

It sounds to me like you and your girlfriend might have opposing goals and that could lead to more problems down the line and I have a feeling could be a part of the struggle you’re having right now.

However, if you don't have "earned income" (as opposed to capital gains) then you cannot contribute to a Traditional IRA or HSA and deduct it from your taxable income.

I think most can agree the potential for return on 5 properties as opposed to 1 is much greater.

We are not opposed to it, but how would you handle the water bill?

I think an alternative way to structure the concept is focusing on earning more as opposed to cutting/managing costs.

If you leave the money in an IRA and choose to invest in an asset such as real estate that produces consistent income (as opposed to speculative appreciation gains common in equities), then you will have the full value of the account to work with.