Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

we would have paid the 10% deposit and have had zero legal recourse to get the money back.

Hey @Matt Agnew I would get a friend or someone who knows you to lend THEIR IRA money to YOUR IRA.

Just do your numbers and control the deal to make money.  

The ROI on your money can't be beat.

How do you figure out who you can trust to handle your money?

The advantages is that you can buy with low money down and will get a better interest rate.

If you do sell, think about where you’d put the money, whether into more passive investments like index funds or REITs, or possibly diversifying into a different market with better opportunities.If you decide to keep renting, you’re in a pretty solid spot right now.

Given you and your investor both have experience in different areas, I’d say keep a flexible approach and compare city requirements before putting too much money down.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.