Self-directed IRA If you are self-employed with no full-time w-2 employees, you can set up a Solo 401k & rollover funds from a non-Roth IRA as a tax-free direct rollover and then invest in real estate.A Solo 401k has several advantages as compared to a Self-Directed IRA including the following which specifically apply to your situation: Unlike a Self-directed IRA, you can have the account for the Solo 401k at a bank or brokerage that does not charge maintenance fees and where you will have checkbook control.Unlike a Self-directed IRA, if you use leverage (which must be non-recourse financing in either case) to acquire real estate with your Solo 401k the income will not be subject to Unrelated Debt Finance Income taxGeneral Considerations Re Investing Retirement Funds in Real Estate:1.

@Andrew Caton  There are still deals that get sent out on brokerage specific email blasts so congrats on finding one! 

These are structured differently with us either getting points upfront and a continuing service fee and/or part of the note discount on note purchase.On real property syndication we make money by charging 4-6 points brokerage fee (I hold licenses in 4 states), asset manager fee, and 20% of capital gains after investor preferred return of 8% annually.  

Depending upon how quickly you sell it, you may have to pay for property taxes (which will reduce your net) as well as a minimum of approximately 2% to a buyers agent (an agent bringing a buyer to the table).Again, it depends on how long you carry and whether or not you sell it yourself or use a brokerage. 

The cost of being a realtor is not only the class, it's the test and license, joining a brokerage (they charge), joining the board of Realtors, and gaining access to the MLS. 

There are better (more profitable) ways to "stay active in real estate" than to do showings for a discount brokerage. 

Go to as many local meetups as you can, check on craigslist for people posting deals, check on the BP marketplace for members who post deals, call different brokerages and ask who the realtor is that deals mostly with investors, and in general just tell everyone you know what you are trying to do.

Where do you all see the future of commercial real estate brokerage going?  

Plus, your brokerage is usually going to expect their cut unless they have a deal in place for no commissions on your personal residence.

I am an attorney with some real estate brokerage transactions under my belt.