I worked for many years in finance and specialized in retirement accounts so I know a thing or two.

A realtor from the area told us that since the area was a retirement community 15 years ago before hurricane Katrina came through that unfortunately I should expect the worst in the situation due to death, land being in trusts, or successions.

They just raised the minimum deduction to the point that it is more than most people's itemized deductions.I would be willing to refi a rental to pay off my home mortgage because in most states your personal home and qualified retirement accounts are protected from bankruptcy/law suites so they are one of your most secure places to stash your money (although fairly illiquid). 

I don't much of a retirement plan at work.

My uncle and business partner (who is a semi-retired GC in Indiana) purchased a house to flip. 

My uncle and business partner (who is a semi-retired GC in Indiana) purchased a house to flip. 

I would also like to supplement my military income in route to retirement.

I'm saving now and plan on getting into rental properties so I can retire earlier.

This was a local deal that had stable tenants with long-term leases How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Retire young my friend and good luck!