However, nearing retirement, with our past experience in mind, we decided to try it again, this time just rehabbing one house to flip.So, I set up a self-directed IRA so we could use the retirement money we had left after the recession, and bought a foreclosure house that needed a lot work.

You can later transfer the property to the LLC, but be aware it might trigger due-on-sale clauses or additional costs.

I’d appreciate any additional suggestions you might have! 

Additionally, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will sometimes temporarily suspend the income cap on their HomeReady and HomePossible programs, which allow purchases with 3% down.

Making additional payments or taking a shorter term are just depositing more into that savings account (it's not like the property appreciates more by paying down the loan). 

Additionally, they should help with coordinating your home inspection and if needed, getting GCs to walk and get you an itemized bid as well!

An umbrella policy for additional liability. 

You will likely need to rehab for any strategy but Co-Living will be more bedroom additions which is less cost compared to kitchen and bath remodels that are more needed for furnished rentals. 

Additionally you can do a cost segregation study and get a lot of depreciation benefits to offset the rental income (and potentially other income).  

They will have additional costs for mailing & online campaigns to get leads.