They cited insurance reasons, which could very well be true, but many residents felt it as a big "f you" Now folks from outside the community could argue this was an entitled stance from the residents, to feel they had access to this private land when they didn't, and that on the face is certainly true.

In order to have checkbook control, the IRA account will need to be at a trust company that will allow the IRA to invest in an LLC (where you will be the manager and your IRA will be member - an as manager you will have checkbook access to the LLC bank account).

Accessibility and local knowledge above everything else. 

She does NO advertising at all not one dime is spent on marketing.

I'm just beginning but am considering a bigger commitment in the next five years or so by accessing some or even all retirement funds to buy a building (I'm sure people have thoughts on whether or not that is a good idea!).

We've never advertised.

Quote from @Anthony Stephenson: Is Raisemasters more for rehabbers wanting more/cheaper access to money OR is is geared more towards those wanting to build a lending business? 

If you have access to some money you can increase your equity in one jump.

Regarding a HELOC, most banks will only provide a HELOC up to 75-80% of the property value, so you may not be able to access a HELOC for a while.

We recommend that you check reviews of the lender; Ask for references; If the lender is advertising something that is outside the normal metrics for the industry it is likely a bait and switch.