In your case, you could "reward" the tenant by telling her you want the home on a one-year lease but will leave the rent at $2,450 which is a $3,000 discount for her.

If you think the overall mix of risk/reward for the IRA will produce better long term results that leaving all of the IRA money in the stock market, then take a closer look at the self-directed IRA options to facilitate such an investment.

It really is difficult because it requires a mental and business shift of paradigm.But like everything, if you put in quality work, you can get quality rewards.

Whatever route you take, just keep your eye on the prize and you will get there.  

It comes down to risk tolerance and risk/reward.

So: Net net - Here is where I am with a dilemma between CHOICE 1 (Chandler Blvd/Ahwatukee Hills/Gilbert - PROVEN areas) for an "OK" return for relatively much less risk where I have to cough up 350K for a decent SFHor CHOICE 2 (San Tan/South of Queen Creek/Coolidge etc) for a bit more risk but better reward and incidentally better cash flow - and yes, LOWER price overall for the property around 200-275K and hence more manageable.With the following baseline assumptions:175-350K price rangeNo PoolDesert Landscaping in back and front yardBuilt in last 5 years and reasonably well upgraded to keep CapX low.Close to many (preferably high paying)  employers Around 3-4 Bedrooms, 2-2.5 Baths.

I would say it's a high risk / high reward play.

It's also the most rewarding work we get to do!! 

RE: your question about JV's we spend a lot of time with them prior to working together explaining what we do, ho we do it, the risks and potential rewards.

It is a higher risk higher potential reward way to buy property, but it can go wrong especially with a low number of purchases.