They are not experienced real estate investors, they are retired and looking to create additional income. 

Lenders often require 30-40% down.Cash flow considerations – Since all expenses must be paid from your IRA, maintain liquidity to cover unexpected costs like repairs and vacancies.Rental properties vs. commercial deals – Residential rentals and commercial properties can both be great options, but keep in mind management complexity and income stability.Generally speaking, stay compliant – Avoid prohibited transactions, such as personally guaranteeing a loan, living in or personally managing a property, or transacting with disqualified persons (yourself, spouse, ascendants, or descendants).Diversify your portfolio – While syndications and real estate are great, consider mixing in other alternative assets like private lending, tax liens, or even notes for additional risk management.Work with the right custodian – Make sure your SDIRA custodian is well-versed in alternative investments and has experience handling syndications and non-recourse financing.If you’re looking for specific lenders who offer non-recourse loans, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

Quote from @Anne Christensen: I'm just starting my real estate adventure, but I do rent my basement on my primary home. 

Your title, “new to real estate” may offer a key.  

But we also do occasional drive-byes and annual inspections to see how the tenants are caring for it and hopefully catch anything that is potentially damaging before it gets real bad.Some of our clients prefer to pay for the lawn care and we charge a lawn care fee to the tenants.

My wife qualifies as a Real Estate Professional (REP) in 2024, but she did not qualify as a REP last year, and our rental losses were passive in prior years.

Mike - I'm new to real estate investing.

Quote from @Quinzel Waiters: Hello all I'm new to the Real estate space but I'm working on getting my first off market dealCurrently I'm looking at a heavily distressed property that's priced too high.

I'm in Orlando and active in residential real estate as a Realtor® and also serve on the board of CFRI, the local chapter of the National REIA.

I was interested in this type of deal because I was living in the area for another year and needed to build equity as well as dip my feet into the real estate market.