Remember that this is a people business and we are solving their real estate related needs in an ethical, moral and legal fashion (yes, that last little bit stems from M.Q. but that is how I live too) and you can potentially do well.

@Eric JamesYes, when an IRA uses leverage, there are higher down payment requirements and the income to the IRA is subject to a small tax known as UDFI (Unrelated Debt-Financed Income).As such, using a mortgage in an IRA is different than using a mortgage personally, but that is not really the point.The thing to keep in mind when evaluating an investment with an IRA is how something such as purchasing an income property for the IRA using a mortgage might compare with investing the IRA in a property all cash, investing the IRA in a note, or investing the IRA in conventional financial products.The use of leverage such as a mortgage can boost the cash-on-cash return of the IRA, which is a good thing.  

Moral of the story, there is much more than simply looking a property up on line, making sure it didn't trade at a tax sale and having an idea of whether the property taxes are current.  2.  

I think Willow Springs is going to get a boost now that the 540 plan is finalized.  

Ask for Rodney Morales.  

I just want to do the right thing both morally and financially.

If I upgrade this building just slight, it will improve the tenants moral and longevity.

Tax strategies can certainly boost returns, regardless of what real estate strategy you employ, but I think asking "do the higher short-term returns make up for the tax consequences" is somewhat backwards. 

I boosted my credit score by a 100 points in the last year by doing this. 

You are running a business, not fighting a moral crusade.