Since the loan isn't directly tied to the property, I want to ensure I am shielded from that risk. 

Intensity, commitment and grit for a year that started far from any semblance of direction and accountability. 

DM and I will point you in the right direction.  

When you transfer retirement funds into a self directed account you can certainly buy real estate with it. 

Make sure you have adequate reserves to cover unexpected emergencies.3) Time-intensive - If you live on-site you're a live in property manager on call 24/74) Legal issues - know the max occupancy laws for your area.

Trump got significant tax reductions in his first term when essentially all demorats proposed tax increases.Of course, we don't want guess work, but we also don't want to ignore the direction that the tax policy will be headed.

It would be a direct sale with no brokers involved. 

Alternatively, some purchasers want to control the process in return for more certainty.For a non-delegated correspondent loan, the loan purchaser will get involved and direct all processing decisions.

Is using a self-direct IRA to fund this venture a way to defer taxes until retirement ?

I agree with calling the city/county and finding out directly from them.