I'm happy to connect in direct messages if you have any questions or just want to chat!

I deal with so many OOS REI coming here, either directly as my client or indirectly as a listing agent.  

You really don't need a degree for real estate directly however indirectly you need a paycheck and the more you make the better you look towards lenders. 

There are couple major problems: IRA account holder is considered to be a "disqualified person" to the IRA itself and the rules prohibit any direct or indirect transaction between qualified plan and a disqualified person.

Usually 60 days' notice and a fee is the easiest.As a landlord you are never compensated for the time you put in directly. 

Just know that you will be indirectly paying them for their services.

It sounds like your fears and concerns are indirectly related to real estate and more related to being an entrepreneur at the starting phase. 

"active) there has to be over 500 hours in direct rental activities/actively managing rental properties, you also have to make an election to link your properties, etc. 

Background info:5 units (efficiency/1BD) MFH with below market rent (~10-15% below market) at a reasonable asking price on market in 10/211st buyer under contract never had legitimate documented tax return income (crooked agent was representing both seller/buyer), so deal was off.Seller and I signed Bill of Sell/Agreement for $315k on 2/10/22 with no mortgage contingency but with inspection contingency to be closed on 3/28/2022Inspections revealed plenty of things needed addressed (roof, gutters) and we agreed on final transaction price of $305k with closing on 4/20/2022 (new BOS addendum, etc)Seller's agent (the crooked one) told me and my agent that the U&O was "clean" in 2/2022, but when the seller herself tried to get township to issue new U&O in 3/2022 in order for house to be sold, turned out the U&O wasn't so clean and required: sidewalks, driveway, some electrical stuff to be done prior to transfer of new owner.In the mean time, the mortgage market skyrocketed and I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow money from family member (at 4% interests at 5yrs) to buy the multi-unit outright with cash at $305k.As recent as mid-April (approaching our revised closing on 4/20/22) the seller was in direct communications with my agent (her initiating the contacts since 2/2022) and updated him that she was trying to get contractors to do all the required U&O work done (we know how hard it is to get good help now). 

Regulations, rental restrictions, and similar indirect costs are a financial burden.