Quote from @Basit Siddiqi: I personally would not buy real estate with a retirement account.There are just too many headaches that are not worth the potential increased return.Some headaches when it comes to investing in real estate with a retirement account1) LTV values are less and harder to find lenders.2) Potential to sell or partially distibute the property if you have to do a RMD(Required Minimum Distribution)3) If you run out of cash and have to make a major repair, you may be out of luck and have to sell.4) Having to potentially worry about UBTI(Unrelated Business Taxable Income)I would personally invest in stocks/bonds/notes with a retirement account.I buy deals with cash and use a ROTH SDIRA so there are no RMD's.I buy at huge discounts to retail.

Here are the pros as i see it: easy (no purchase necessary, you know the property), likely prop 13 property tax discount, possibly below current rate loan.  

I don't know of any top producing agents who are with discount brokers.

They are listed at market value, but I made a discounted offer to purchase a few of them.- I prioritize building strong, professional relationships with my buyers by taking the time to understand their needs and goals.

If you're expecting property owners to sell their home to you at a discount, you'll need to earn their trust - whether that be by demonstrating a successful track record with purchasing/selling similar deals OR by meeting them face to face and separating yourself from the dozens of local investors and realtors.Lastly, I'd recommend searching past posts related to this topic as well as checking out books related to your target investment strategies.All the best!

With some of my clients, I've seen discounts of 30% to 90%.Here is a real-life example: I invested in a $50K note; it was second TD but with significant equity (over $200K) protecting my investment. 

If get somebody inexperienced at a discount, you are taking a chance. 

I don't hold them in my portfolio but I do wholesale them to other investors since the discounts are deeper.  

They were discounting my policy cost for no longer covering vehicles.  

I wouldn't discount that credit report.