Basically all retirement accounts work this way, the only difference with self-directed IRA or 401k is that you have alternative investment options beyond stock market.Also, if you use Roth then distributions will be tax free.

Recent events have pressed more of a NEED than a WANT- looking to get my brother-in-law into a flip or BRRRR-type property for a few reasons: 1) Get a young single father an alternative living arrangement to current situation 2) Allow him to pay down debt 3) Get him interested in real estate investing for lifelong financial benefit.

By understanding the best use of the property, you can figure out the alternative development scenarios for the use or uses that are associated with the development plan.

There may in fact be "ghosts", in the sense that people think of them, but there's no scientific proof anywhere that I'm aware of that proves the existence of poltergeists or alternatively-alive beings.

@Jason James,You can use self-directed IRA to purchase rental property, as well as any other alternative investment such as tax liens, trust deeds, private placements, syndication, private lending, etc. etc. etc.

Alternatively, I could shift my focus to buying SFHs (not as favorable in terms of financing, but should still be tenable).

However, I'm wanting to explore the alternatives. 

This would be an alternative (and lower amount) to the predetermined amount they would contribute toward each semester of college tuition.

Alternatively, consider bumping up rents.

Alternatively, my more specific is Malden and Everett which has direct access to trains and buses and you can find 2 families for the same price range and an occasional three family with work needed.