@Ray P.Be careful with phrases like "promissory note to myself" relative to using a SD IRA...typically you cannot directly benefit personally when using a SDIRA, all transactions have to be done in the IRAs name.With 15 K, I would probably:- Leave it, invest it as best you could with stocks.

So you already k is you need to dig six inches.2.

try  j&k for cabinets.  

I feel kind of stuck which seems ridiculous because I could easily afford a good down payment on a 110-150 K home.  

I would also be curious to know whether or not it might fit 203(k) guidelines. 

Ruth Bayang I have an old TSP account which I am in the process of moving to a self directed 401(k).

For you to be in the 300 K range ,what are you figuring per square foot ? 

I have prepared numerous Schedule E's, Form 1065's, Schedule K-1s and also worked on a couple of 1031 exchanges during my time at the CPA firms.Any advice or resources for getting the ball rolling with real estate investing would be greatly appreciated!

@Andrew K.

If you are buying it as an owner occupied you can do an FHA 203(k) which will allow you to buy it and then have the bank loan against the future state of the house.