Try a dividend paying REIT EFT which allows you to passively participate in real estate without the hassle of managing property and tenants

The contractors I use are proud of their work & happy to show the right way to do things and educate me on how to spot issues, code changes, new products, etc. 

First always seek legal counsel with an attorney:ask them the pros & cons of some of the following:1) Debt: secure a loan against the property you receive interest payments.2) Equity: record an option to buy the property (ex. you have the option to buy the property for $115k for a specified time period.3) Purchase a partial ownership interest, ex. tenant in common ownership of 50% of equity4) combo equity participation loan , you share in the upside equity.

I've never participated in an auction before, so was hoping for some guidance.

In the future, I would try to schedule the inspection so that you can participate via facebook live, skype, facetime, or some other app or train your friend to do the inspection and document it properly.

@Victor MarquezQuick answer is no.The rules do not allow for one to lend his or her IRA or 401k to a company where the participant is is partner, manager, director or employee.See the following page link: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...

@KP Capehart that is truly a family legacy to be proud of.

It really is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud.

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on this particular program, but I recently participated in a session for those of us trying to help people take advantage of it and may have some helpful information for you.The program is matching funds, but your purchase price counts as part of the matching funds.

and most certainly not something to be proud of...