Reverse exchanges tend to be much more expensive than traditional 1031 exchange. 

.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.

This is just one item. 

I think negotiations on knocking the price down on inspection items on value add will be huge especially if its a flip like you mentioned.

You would only pay taxes on all passive investments in a traditional SDIRA at distribution, unless you have a mortgage, then the portion of the income derived because of the mortgage will be subject to UDFI (unrelated debt finance income) which will trigger UBIT (unrelated business income tax). 

Why couldn't the officers in RAD obtain financing for their primary home from traditional lending sources?

In many/most BRRRRs that is irrelevant because when the property is bought it is often not fanciable using traditional mortgages.

If, however, there are any gaps at all in any of the above items, even a gap so small a mouse can squeeze through, that tenant will exploit it and your life just became a 7th Level of Dante's Inferno.....:)

Purchase price: $8,000 Cash invested: $20,000 In 2013, I decided to put much of what I had learned from books into action by purchasing a two-bedroom home—not as a traditional investment property, but as a home for my mother.

While some buyers may shy away from the 7.125% interest rate, others who are familiar with the "Subject-To" strategy or are more flexible on financing terms may see it as an opportunity to acquire a property with decent equity and no need to qualify for traditional financing.