This is my first post here on BiggerPockets and I hope someone can shed some light on a question of mine.I am going to create a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) LLC (aka a checkbook IRA), and I have spoken with several firms in that area, e.g., uDirect, IRA Financial Group.

Rentals are SLOW way to growth.Only way you would  be to buyong in the HOOD and trade one business for another set of problems and issues to deal with as opposed to your corporate gig.To replace 90k a year in passive income and say your lucky enough to buy units with leverage that make 200 a month positive cash flow you would have to buy 45 homes or a 60 unit apartment .. say you need 25% down your talking about liquidating 100% or more of your retirement funds ( which may not even be possible if they are your wifes as well). then risking it on Real estate you have just shed one job for another..

Perhaps @Bill S. could shed a little more light on the local tenancy law.We have wording in our leases that tenants are required to maintain the premises at a temperature of at lease 12C (~55F) even when they are not present.  

I think the type of backyard projects they are doing involve a shed that is an illegal height and chickens that aren't far enough away from the house.

And with the price being right the new owner can always be competitive on rents and get the best folks in the place.I am shedding all my rentals this coming year..

I'm looking to put a full shed dormer on the back of the house, to also include a full bath at the top of the stairs and make the bedrooms full height.  

talk to the neighbors, they might be able to shed some light and provide contact info

Obviously the credit report will shed some light as well.I do also think if I were to rent to her that a year lease would be the best option to protect myself in case she does have financial troubles though so that is a good idea.

You could always just add a shed and run the utilities to it.  

In this diagram http://screencast.com/t/uQfaJ6UFBUV The blue line is where we want the property to be sub divided, however there is a small shed about 5 feet away from that line.