The Market Context:The area I’m working in is not a large metro but a poorer region where issues like food insecurity affect 14–20% of the population.

You may have to sell the whole property to access the funds in the IRA or 401k when you retire and for required minimum distributions. 

However, you may not need to do this if you can discuss the issue with previous landlords.

A lot of issues are much easier and more inexpensive to resolve if you can easily go to the property.

I was able to get 13,000 of them to opt in to receiving a monthly newsletter we issue, and as preciously stated results are 100s of deals or loan requests per year.  

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

Most are fine with that, but a few will have problems with it and claim there are legal issues, etc..

Thank you in advance for any insight and advice in talking through the equity and distribution stakes.

The only issue we have run into is the prices and bidding wars.Every single home we have looked at for personal use or an investment seems to have 5+ offers and go MUCH over asking.We are currently looking at Bay Park / Clairemont / Carlsbad / Oceanside. 

It does not seem as important when you get started with one or two, but the issue keeps getting bigger