While there we'd also like to look at putting an old $73k IRA into action investing in the city via sf and mf rentals.  

Is there any violation of the rules if as a lender I fund a loan part from my Roth and part from my Traditional IRA?

My response was asking if a traditional IRA can loan.  

Why choose one self-directed IRA company over another?

@Bob EdwardsI agree with @Brian Eastman moving the simple to a Self-Directed IRA would allow you to make use of the funds.

Is there anyone you know with a significant IRA/401k balance?

Consider your asset allocation categories and all of your retirement investing options: IRA, 401k - and don't forget 529 plans for the kiddies!

It will make the payments much higher than even a 12% private money loan.Curious to hear about how others are using their solo 401k's and self-directed IRA's. 

I make a descent middle class wage, fund a 401k, a ROTH IRA, as well as expect social security to come in.All in all, after doing some finical calculations based on projected earnings and average retirement account/401k growth over the next 30 years, I should actually have a healthy retirement.

I can roll it over to an existing IRA or to my new 401k.