Few Notable expansions to mention are- Metal Works of High Point, BakeMark, Brown Truck Brewery, Future Foam, Glocal Leather, Lowes Cos, and Pennybryn coming in with a $35 Million investment as well.

@Ben SmithSelf-directed IRAs are ideal for diversifying outside of the stock market as they can be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, notes, tax liens and metals, to name a few.

With a self directed plan, you can invest in a whole range of other things as allowed by the tax code, including real estate, mortgages, private company stock, precious metals, etc.In your situation, the idea of being able to potentially shelter more income from taxes (or make higher Roth contributions), and to be able to invest part of your portfolio in what you know would seem to be beneficial.  

You want something with some kind of siding: metal, aluminum, vinyl, or brick.

Don't get me wrong, during this time frame I've sifted through 100+ wholesaler "deals" and EVERYTHING on the MLS during this time frame which is a good bit of work.It's of my opinion that there are too many toxic gurus pitching get-rich-quick real estate that takes advantage of sellers and buyers alike. 

There are also soft metal tags that can be stamped similarly to what Jon presented in a link above.The problem with the solution given by Jim S is that he has now publicly disclosed the info; any of his buyers can go visit another property he has flipped (also a matter of public record at the county recorder's office) and use the key they received when they bought from him ...

I removed one of the metal bars a long time ago when renovating the home and the fire department said i only needed to remove one. this appraiser says i need to remove the other front bar windows, which was a charge. he then checks and states i didn't remove the bars on the side of the home which he failed to mention. 

In my area, I see people actually putting in replacement windows, laminate flooring, 50 year metal roofs, and the standard kitchen/bath renovations.

Luckily they have already met all the requirements for credit check, criminal, eviction, etc.

@Leonid Sapronov Most metal roof manufactures will allow you to place metal over shingles without voiding the waranty.