The check book control package look attractive, at $1095 after a July 4th $200 discount :-) https://www.broadfinancial.com/self-directed-ira-plans-custodian-checkbook-control/I will need to set up one with pretax 401K , then another with after tax Roth IRA, so, want to make sure to control the expenses/cash flow of start up costs. 

Securing a sponsor can be challenging, especially when they have concerns about your capabilities to manage the property and keep it profitable.So, let me share a suggestion that might make a potential sponsor more comfortable:Offer to have them oversee the asset and property management aspects, including the control over cash flow.

In addition, one of my mom's "friends" is in control of the trust.

You may pay a bit more and make a little less, but playing the long term game is key in real estate.The types of structures could be lump sum (one price) or cost plus (meaning you pay the cost of material and labor plus a flat fee—more of an open-book model).I see some investors who want to pay for ALL the materials, which is excellent for the investor (more control of finishes & cost) and general contractor (if they are getting paid well).  

@Nathan Gesner  Typically true, Only got one animal control call on a single family yapper.

@Mila F. top of my least favorite tenant list, I suddenly need emotional support. 

@Tiffany McKinney don't let them control your money. 

I have every empathy for folks who are hurting especially from instances that are from outside of their control, but filing bankruptcy to get out of debt that she chose to sign up for and promise to pay for the sole purpose of getting ahead faster (her story, not mine) seems less than ethical and Bigger Pockets promoting it is questionable.

Since they are not pets but are needed for medical therapy and emotional therapy dogs.

I would generally try to avoid insurance claims if you can because insurance is getting out of control nationwide, and we are seeing in FL, TX and CA that claims can follow the house and/or you and make it very difficult to sell the home in the future.Within the mortgage expense category you have 4 separate charges: principal, interest, property taxes, insurance (if you escrow taxes and insurance which 95% of our clients do).