If it’s a structured settlement and you aren’t getting a lump lum, you could contribute some of that to a Roth or Traditional IRA each year, or if you are self employed even more to a SEP IRA.Also what’s your short term, mid term and long term objectives?

Have you considered moving those funds into a self-directed IRA (SDIRA)?

One consideration as you are working on locating private lenders, is that IRA, 401(k), and other retirement accounts can be used in many cases to make private money loans.

Hello Sean,I would consider looking into Self-Directed IRAs. 

I moved all of her old retirement money into a self directed IRA/Solo 401K and started putting her money to work through real estate lends.

While sophistication of your equity partners (private money lenders) will vary between residential and commercial, the principle of raising private capital is the same.You need to develop your own system which allows a constant stream of PML even when you don't need the funds and/or don't have an active deal under contract.For example; I raise private capital by offering free educational workshops for people with self-directed IRAs.

I have money from an IRA invested with them. 

As a US citizen I have an SSN, file taxes every year on my foreign employment income, hold US-domiciled assets (stocks, IRA, 401k), and I have a ~15 year credit history with a decently high score.

If you're not using Hard Money and the property won't qualify for conventional financing, then you'd probably need to locate private money or if you have friends with IRAs, they can be self-directed to invest in real estate.

Their rates are good but boy, they looked at my financials and ask some funny questions such as asking for proof that I could withdraw funds from my SEP IRA account, and that I need to provide documentation to verify that  this employer sponsored retirement account allows for funds to be withdrawn, or if withdrawals could only be made in connection with the borrowers employment termination, retirement or death etc. everyday they sent me something new to answer.