We ended up talking about a possible joint venture that would allow our experienced partners to gain entry into a market that they currently have no presence in.

Anything you can truly own is a very strong position to be in.As to one thing to do with precious metals - an idea that came to my mind that I can't condone was get as many credit cards as you can, use them to buy precious metals, convert the precious metals back to currency, use the currency to purchase income producing assets free and clear and if Armageddon hits - default on your non recourse credit card loans and ride out the 7 years of "recovery" when there's going to be little to no credit available anyway and start anew 7 years down the road when you're credit record is cleared out and you have appreciating, free and clear, income producing assets....with a clear credit record.

The company is a world leader in the industrial batteries business. also, they have been buying up competition while maintining a strong balance sheet i.e. low debt.

What I am looking for is good advice as I develop a strong plan and exit strategies to move forward.

IRS URL : http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96104,00.html But I would strongly advise speaking with your chosen IRA custodian to put it all in plain English.

Some of these 2-4unit properties are priced ridiculously high, and L.A has strong rent control laws so they might be asking $500,000 a duplex, but tenants might only be paying $900 or less a month each so there is no way someone can cash flow.

I have a strong feeling you are "jumping the gun" and need to start with some education/training first, and pick one focus and go after it, rather than spreading yourself too thin over a multitude of options.

I may have some who disagree with me, but I would strongly recommend against knocking on doors of pre-foreclosures.

If there is a strong short sale offer in play or in escrow, then you have a good chance of delaying the sale.

I would strongly suggest that you learn about operating expenses and cash flow BEFORE you buy anything.