You do have to be a little bit careful because there are very strict rules that can void an IRA if you misstep, but overall, I'm a big fan.

Seller Financing that I previously mentioned, having family members and/ or friends restructure their Retirement IRAs to Self Directed IRAs that will allow you to bring them aboard in a Joint Venture or as an Equity Partner.

I’m in the beginning process of rolling over my 401k into a self-directed IRA. 

Perhaps you can connect with other investors who are looking to lend out of their self-directed IRAs.  

I have an personal, IRA and LLC accounts on lendingclub.com$1M could be $60k of livable income easily with a 2% return on top.If you do buy property buy an existing IRA and put them inside the tax shield.

My IRA owns a note in second position on a house where the borrower is currently in a Ch13 payment plan.

You can borrow the 15% from friends or family or use a self directed IRA.  

You can start with a regular SDIRA with a custodian handling payments and then once you are comfortable that you are well versed in the rules, you can even do a checkbook IRA and have the freedom of investing and writing your own checks from your IRA in connection with ownership and operation of the property. 

That said, I'm contemplating stepping away from my current career, and funding a C-Corp Real Estate Operating company with my 401(k) along with an IRA belonging to my wife.  

Depending on the amount of commission income you receive, this may be the first step to take that causes the highest impact on your tax return.  2) How a SEP IRA plan may help you out.