I think the sweet spot is 4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 bathrooms, a fabulous Master Sweet (since they are likely footing the bill), sleeps 12 - 20, tons of activities (installed a pool table, corn hole game, etc...), and in my location of AZ a pool. 

You could certainly use your skills to subsidize your income while you break into the game.

If you want to do that in the RE world, you should explore wholesaling, that is the only way I am aware that you can still be in the game and network without having to have any money.

Building on Omar's good advice, I would say it is more difficult to succeed in investing without a game plan in mind.

Learning how to learn, relationship building, negotiation,  Marketing, sales, customer service and design are all skills that can applicable to any field or career.

Good luck -getting in the game is important so don’t get paralysis by analysis. 

Since I don't currently have an agents license I am considering wholesaling as my "in" into the game.

If an investor isn't game for research, due dil and some increased time/effort, then a self-directed IRA may not be a good fit. 

@Dustin VerleyI bought current receivables from manufacturing companies for a discount and was paid by their customers directly in 30, 60, 90 days depending on the terms agreed by the company and the customer. 

I work as a sales engineer but have been spending the last year researching the real estate game and the B.P. community seems to be very nice and helpful so I'm glad to be here!