It can be a start-up expense if in the future you end up purchasing real estate there. 

I will be partnering to start up with a friend of mine in Raleigh who knows the markets there and has more connections around there than I do in Charlotte.

I use Wave for my single rental, and an easy start up company for Bookkeeping clients I have.

So perhaps your IRA lends to a contractor flipping houses and charges 2 points and 12-15% interest depending on the risk, LTV and what your market will bear.There is another route, which is the Rollover as Business Startup (ROBS plan).  

One piece of advice that I have is because "Age" (how long a website has been around) matters in the eyes of search engines, it might be a good idea to just start up a simple webpage (using wordpress) now.

Do you have another start up recommendation, considering our situation?

My startup costs included ~$1250 for the creation of the LLC and Operating Agreement (special for an LLC holding IRA funds).

@Johnny L.Hey Johnny the only way I see this working for you is to find a start up contractor in your area. 

Estimated Closing Costs Buydown/Subsidy Fee 801 Loan Origination Fee 0.000% $ - 802 Loan Discount Points $ - 803 Appraisal Fee $450.00 804 Credit Report 805 Processing Fee $365.00 Extended Lock-in Fee 807 Assumption Fee 808 Underwriting Fee $365.00 809 Flood Determination Fee 810 Tax Service Fee 811 Application Fee $365.00 876 Lender Closing Fee 1102 Abstract or Title Fee 1103 Title Examination 1104 Title Insurance Binder 1105 Wire Fee 1106 Notary Fees 1107 Attorney Fees $325.00 1108 Title Insurance ** $875.00 1111 Restrictive Covenants 1112 Tax Certificate 1113 1201 Recording Fees $100.00 1202 City/County/Tax Stamps $758.50 1203 State Tax Stamps $176.81 1204 Document Stamps 1205 Intangibles Tax 1301 Survey (optional) 1302 Pest Inspection 1303 Courier/Delivery Fee $35.00 1304 Commitment Fee 1305 Document Review 1306 Processing Fee 1307 HOA Start Up Fee $425.00 Total Estimated Closing Costs $ 4,240.31 ** Title insurance assumes simultaneous issue

@Casey Gregersen I think you could simply start up a "property liaison business" and just kind of serve as a concierge."