I know of a few lenders that specialize in this type of service. 

It starts with a self-directed IRA held by a custodian, but the IRA simply makes one investment into a specially designed LLC entity.

My initial thought was that I'd like to have '5 doors' to buy and hold with the long term goal of supplementing my retirement.

They are also having a special workshop on January 12th you should attend.

They also will not allow the tenant to supplement the rent out of their own pocket.

A good insurance broker can help there and a very good trusted GC  along with the very all important real estate broker that specializes in new builds.. they will help you design the home and features that are needed to sell.

The lawyer is correct that one must file a special petition to obtain something called a grant of letters if the deceased has been dead for at least 21 years.

Does your team specialize in the student area or have a marketing approach to that area (SU, SUNY, Crouse)?

Last downturn 2007-2009 I saw infighting between multifamily landlords to maintain market share as rent increases flatlined and vacancy increased.Retail I specialize in and not seeing much movement up on cap rates.

Supplementing a tenants rent will help to keep them longer.