I have a situation where I would like to open a self directed IRA and have contacted a few of the online players and am getting a mixed message, some say it's possible some say no way Jose'.  

In my opinion you'll have a higher success rate with a broker because not only do they know who the players are, they also know how to present your deal for the best response (and they know which ones to avoid, too). 

Other than a real estate agent and a lawyer, what other players do we need to make this work. 

Just trying to get a better understanding of how bigger players in my market are working their deals.Also, would you be open to sharing who you are using for a property manager?

This is also a topic of frequent discussion, I suggest you search the forum for related keywords and results will keep you busy reading for hours...As you read you will see who the real players are, do little due diligence, review their references and then contact 2 or 3 to speak directly, then make your choice.

That means that some of the greatest ball players of all time, made outs over 70% of the time they hit. 

It is still possible but the amount of red tape you the lender/seller have to go through usually makes it cost prohibitive unless you are a big time player.

Lots of players in the county .

I still self manage but I include a management fee of 10% I pay to myself along with my owner's monthly draw from profits.I'm not a big time player, but we're now doing well enough that if I lost my day job, we could live okay.Going forward, I'm looking at moving in more full rehabs in B hoods so we can get cash flow and appreciation. 

Post 10x more craigslist adds, post marketplace ads on biggerpockets, go to REIAS and collect business cards and look for the real players.