Minimum loan amounts vary, but the product we work with most often starts at $500,000.

Slow start but hoping to gain momentum.

Fortunately for me, I started investing a time in the market where everything went up.  

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.  

I’m a licensed realtor, an investor in the making, and someone who believes in making something out of nothing.I started in wholesaling before getting my license, and now I’m grinding to become a consistent producer while positioning myself to rebuild as an investor.

My son currently lives in the townhouse b/c he is going to school and works in the area.Since he is young and starting out in life, I would like for him to only cover the basic costs (taxes, HOA, utilities) just enough for me to break even (I believe that will put him slightly little lower than market rent rates). 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Honestly, it seems like you’ve got more skin in the game than I do since I’m just getting started as a bird dog, but I really admire your approach.I think your focus on tax-efficient strategies and building a reliable team is spot on.

I just don't want to start working with a realtor and waste time and end up with no real solid prospects for buying.

The toughest part about starting an education program is knowing that I can't MAKE anyone successful.