The only way you access the funds - just like any IRA - is to take a distribution from the IRA which is potentially taxable income.An IRA may use leverage such as mortgages, but the debt-instrument must be non-recourse.There is a lot to learn, but if you understand real estate, such a tool can be a great way to grow your retirement savings.

I discovered Bigger Pockets through Google Play Music's new podcasts.

Little things like that may irritate you if you are a very organized person, such as leaky cars, loud music, different work schedules and sleeping habits, ect.

Either a mortgage or deed of trust are the two instruments available to perfect security interest in real property in the U.S.  

Examples would be setbacks and easements.It's not the best instrument to use because it usually comes without a warranty of title.It's used a lot by government sales, sheriff sales, and the like.

Distressed borrowers are better served and held better as investment as short term instruments and therefore, we, when we have the chance, should reduce the longevity of the debt obligation.

If you like music, art, or history it is an amazing place full of all of it.

I see the musical instrument in your photo, related to Herb?

A friend of mine is a (now retired) master home inspector, and he was instrumental in helping me make good decisions about acquiring distressed properties when I started out.Pros: The structural/mechanical knowledge a home inspector has is very valuable, and could translate well in a GC role when doing rehabs.

The one thing to keep in mind if you personally obtain a mortgage loan from a residential lender is that you may trigger, or violate, the due on sale clause of the mortgage (or whatever the security instrument may be called in your particular state- deed of trust, security deed, etc).