They are either extremely old and rundown or they are old fashioned but well maintained.

I'm continually astounded when I learn people I 'randomly' meet also invest in the sector, and I've made a variety of nice connections and learned about myriad models/ideas in this fashion.  

But that when the note reaches maturity, there are issues with getting the final payout.If there are others on this forum that can share their experiences (good or bad) around whether they received their entire investment back in a timely fashion, that would be very helpful.

Remember that this is a people business and we are solving their real estate related needs in an ethical, moral and legal fashion (yes, that last little bit stems from M.Q. but that is how I live too) and you can potentially do well.

The IRA is treated in the same fashion as any other for tax purposes, but rather than being limited to what Wall St sells, you can invest in non-traditional assets such as real estate.As someone who is busy, turn-key real estate or brokered mortgage notes would be good avenues to research.  

If not ask people you know in the area are might have to use the old fashioned way, looking them up in a phone book or online.

NOT true was true prior to 08 in a limited fashion but we learned the hard way that asset lending only is far to risky.2. you need some money... granted I do no money down deals but those ware with my trusted clients of a decade or more with lots of water under our bridge or as forementioned I pick one or two beginners and I groom them.. and I pick them for specific reasons.3. credit and income  Most HML want to see this.. if you don't have massive experience.4. anyone advertising rates under what @Jason Hirko mention is probably out to get due diligence money from you and won't fund.5.

Private investors funded so needed to get funds back in timely fashion.

Maybe a wall needs painting, or something needs updating (fashion changes, after all).

Man when is the war on drugs , going to stop people from being ridiculous...Marijuana is now legal in some form or fashion in 23 states.