Set a goal to deploy that cash within the next ~6 months.

Not to mention it won't be long until you have a sizeable war chest ready to deploy when you're more confident.

Many sponsors have a minimum investment of 50k so in theory you may be able to deploy that 150k into three deals. 

I would focus on finding/underwriting deals and networking.With the way the market is today, you are likely going to have to analyze a lot of deals to find one that works for you.When you have a deal that makes sense, hit your network for people with capital to deploy. 

@Cliff T.Private lending is a great way to deploy your retirement funds, I did several dozen loans and love it.

. $300-$500k to deploy, depending on the day.Note of warning: I underwrite and operate conservatively.

While you can have your retirement plan become a shareholder of your business, the business itself operates in the taxable realm.A self-directed IRA is a purely passive means of deploying tax-sheltered retirement savings more broadly than just common financial products, but is still very much an IRA, with very hands-off approaches required. 

Three deals in one year, and sounds like you were deployed for part of that?

While @Joe Villeneuve is an amazing sage of REI, in this case I would disagree on the sale side of thing, but only as a modifier, as i would strongly advise attaining mortgage financing, and then deploy that capital into a good strategic property purchase, namely in the path of progress where rents and market pricing is going strong with a strong future forecast given the high desire and demand, namely in the NW suburbs. 

Agree with others that this may be more hassle than it is worth.One technique we deploy at times is to make the offer and negotiate sight unseen, and have the first time you see it be the inspection.