In our area property management companies charge anywhere from 7-13% a month and owners/investors give up a lot of their control over their properties. 

If not, how do I go about getting check book control of the IRA?

I'm considering starting a company for my property ventures as they are set to increase substantially over the next 12 months.

You may find that there's a more advantageous business entity structure which will help you control your tax liability while maximizing your deductions.I'm not an attorney or accountant myself, so I apologize I can't provide more details / better information.

It is usually controlled by the language in the code. 

You can't control what people think of your age.

Yes, real estate gives you more control over your own financial destiny, but I never tell my clients to put all their eggs in one basket.

You can structure it as a joint venture where they provide the capital and you manage the project end to end.

I have made the decision to refocus how I am spending my time to make income and transition from the "9 to 5" to more control of my time, relationships and income ability.  

Check oceandevelopment.com they have new , no rent control, turnkey duplexes in LA that cash flow with standard down payments.