I am getting ready to start my first spec home build.

If you feel bad and want to save people money, start with a free pre-screening.

I know that real estate often takes a lot of capital to get started, and that's something I don't have at this stage.

I know that's what you started this thread for. 

Purchase price: $417,500 Cash invested: $37,575 We weren't super happy with anything we were seeing on the market, so my husband and I had just started writing letters and looking off-market... until we saw this property.It'd been sitting on the market for months, originally listed around $550,000.

Quote from @Will Greenlee: I would agree with @Drew Sygit every software has its kinks and this one along with all the other ones started somewhere.. 7-8 years ago Buildium was less effective than it is today, and now it is a lot better.

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.  

Congrats on getting started!

Start niching down now, master your chosen property type, and don’t pivot until you’ve got it dialed in.3.

The Real Estate Rookie podcast is such a great resource—you're off to a fantastic start.