In my efforts to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, I encountered a requirement for a zoning permit.

Have not encountered any of that, but just putting it out there.

We live in Richardson and still got utility sticker shock from where were originally from.

@Karen Margrave and any others who I may not have yet encountered in the forums.Thanks to all in advance for your time and effort.Bill

For example, purchasing property - together with your IRA - that is adjacent to property that you own can be a prohibited transaction if you benefit from controlling the contiguous properties.That type of prohibited transaction is not unique to co-investing with your IRA, but such structures are more likely to encounter self-dealing. 

Hopefully, you won't encounter a medical professional who felt the same way, or a trades person, legal professional, financial professional, etc.You have to learn how first.

We rent to many students, the majority of whom do not have the income required to qualify, and frequently encounter them applying with a parent.    

You should weigh the safety of your family by using such a person, most handymen I have encountered know how to get things working, not necessarily how to do them correctly.  

Also understand, just about every fee you encounter can be negotiated.

The KISS Guide gives you "templates" for entering almost any transaction you may encounter in the course of real estate investing.