He's been the only person I've communicated with in the past.

We recently relocated to Phoenix last summer and I'm starting to look for recommendations for local credit unions here in Phoenix which are trustworthy, low rates, personal touch, easy/simple to work with, etc. 

I personally would stay away from condo-tels as they will be even worse and you'll have less opportunity to cash flow. 

I personally don't mind cooking on electric but I will say that cooking on propane is different than what most people know which is natural gas.

It's not a personal sale between you and your son, but rather a sale from one LLC to another.

Primarily for personal use for the family as well as an investment (but the numbers need to work), I am just starting out searching for a property so I am open to all suggestions and comments.

I would start close to where you live personally. 

Keep in mind, you can’t use personal funds or your home's equity to directly fund the SDIRA investment, and all property expenses must be paid from the IRA.

I personally feel it's very intrusive to call someone like this, but maybe it's considered acceptable? 

Awesome to see a new investor-minded person here.. do you have a favorite real estate success story already?