We had looked into listing on Roofstock early on and haven't revisited the idea which really led me to have some outdated ideas about how they operated.  

If you are self-employed with no full-time employees you may wish to consider opening a Solo 401k instead of a self-directed IRA as it has several advantages over an IRA LLC such as much higher contribution limits, direct checkbook control (i.e. no need to have the account at a speciality trust company), ability to take a 401k loan, exclusion from unrelated debt finance income tax with respect to investment in real estate acquired with non-recourse financing, etc.Can I contribute to both a Solo 401k and SDIRA?

Would it be a good idea to take a deposit to secure the deal until the rule clears?

Parts of Ventura County allow it with some limitations.

If you purchase over that limit, you just put 25% of the difference down.  

But it can be frustrating if you're on a tight time limit and don't have the patience of Job.Many hosts feel like a simple site that looks professional and is robust, does just as well for half the cost.

Just ensure to complete necessary due diligence - this can include, but is not limited to, title search, property inspection, appraisal and/or survey. 

This idea of diversification is a very tricky philosophy to me. 

Line of Credits (like HELOCS) allows access to a set amount of money up to a pre-determined limit and it is revolving.

Most look at a Certificate of Insurance and confirm coverage limits but best practices are to (1) become added as additional insured under contractors policy and (2) understand coverage exclusions which are not going to be detailed on an insurance certificate.