So 4 times, my tenant initiated a payment and then their bank cancelled the payment.

Does anyone in the LA area have a general "rule of thumb" for estimating maintenance costs, at least for the initial evaluation stage?  

Initially I began my investing career looking into fix and flips, then shifted my attention to the Notes side of the business.

Initially I began my investing career looking into fix and flips, then shifted my attention to the Notes side of the business.

Additionally I want to maintain more control over the real estate aspect of our program (aside from helping to generate revenue, this real estate 'initiative' will also serve as an educational tool) than what I may currently have over the non profit org.I'm looking for general ideals on entity setup (LLC, For profit corporation,  etc.).

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you didn't mention an area of interest, I added links below to three of the most popular niches for you to choose one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Initially I began my investing career looking into fix and flips, then shifted my attention to the Notes side of the business.

You'd instruct your IRA custodian to invest the funds of both of your IRAs into this one LLC, they'd each hold a percentage share of ownership based on initial investment.  

Initially I began my investing career looking into fix and flips, then shifted my attention to the Notes side of the business.

Of course you could always supply that equity initially and replace it with a mezz note once the primary note is in place.