I thought now was a good time to replace it since I wanted to add c/a and a new furnace would require ductwork for the returns to comply with code anyway.My spending drivers are improved resale value and rent competitiveness, as suggested above. 

The town of Vienna for instance has some strict coding laws that require more costs and analysis for building.

I know it doesn't have as much information, but it will show the value of the land vs the improvements, and I could infer if it's an absentee owner by checking the ZIP code.

The Wealth Code and The Bankers Code are 2 books that fall in line right after RDPD and Cashflow Quadrant.  

Massachusetts is incredibly strict when it comes to fees for example, so the OP's state may be the same way.

You have a bright future ahead of you once you take that sensible first step.Start with these zip codes (your approved loan amount will make a lot of sense here unless off course the both of you live far from these locations) but even then, I would take a hard look. 900379000390047900629001890062I have been looking at these and more for a while but my criteria and goals are probably different from yours and so you'll see what your radar points you towards.

Just buy a cheap cell with your local area code.

@Paul Weller Are you living in one of the units or is this strictly as an investment?

I tried the postal code network search tool but it landed me in Florida, USA. 

The bottom line is that even with separate title on the units, such an arrangement would come with risk to the IRA.Self directed IRA's are great tools for diversifying your retirement savings into real estate and being able to invest in what you know, but there are very strict guidelines to ensure that the entire focus of the activity is purely for the benefit of growing that tax-sheltered retirement savings.