Florida imposed a new sales tax of 7.5% on commercial rental property income  while leaving residential properties income without a sales tax on income.

Being “properly zoned” is only part of the issue....two units may have other restrictions such as different set back requirements, additional required parking, etc.

Almost all big banking institutions offer self directed IRAs but most of them have restrictions when it comes to investing in real estate.

HI Steve,You can do what James mentions, yes but keep in mind FHA has a LTV restriction at 75% on 3-4 unit properties when you have a "non occupying coborrower."

You also need to look at the condo docs to see what restrictions you run into.How are you finding your leads and where are you looking?

There are many concerns here, and restrictions that vary by company based on the age and renovation history of a property.Valuation method: Actual Cash Value will deduct depreciation over time from your claim settle (which can be thousands of dollars), while Replacement Cost Value will not deduct depreciation, and will almost always result in a claim settlement being larger by several thousand dollars.Theft Coverage: How does your policy handle theft claims?

Inspection restrictions or limitations from the seller.

That beats VA in my eyes...but there are restrictions to neighborhoods or income, so doesn't work for everyone.

Others have a deed restriction for 1 year.Either way, you are stating the you will occupy the property as your principal residence for 1 year. 

Some risks I saw come to reality: increasing condo fee, board threatening to pass rental restrictions on units, including on existing landlords/owners.