Notes because there is no debt is better for SDIRAs which are subject to udfi tax.UDFI is produced when an IRA uses debt to purchase real estate.

The engineering concentration has produced some commercial engineering companies  (ADTRAN, etc)Major Employers   - Aerospace/Defense       * Lockheed       * Raytheon       * Boeing       * Northrup Gumman   - Commercial       * ADTRAN       * Schools System       * HospitalAs for path for progress, I would recommend you research where Google Fiber is going in and the South Parkway Extension (http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2017/0...)The rent/price is okay but I would not expect much appreciation.

So if you produce a proof of funds letter that you must purchase go to closing with no changes to the purchaser. 

For most of the country lower oil and gas prices are a benefit but for producing regions like Texas this is going to create a downturn.  

Many here on the forum tend to go by the Section 8/HUD guidelines for their own programs, which is (overly simplified) 1 bedroom per 2 people, which seems safe, but no one has been able to produce, nor have I been able to find, maximum occupancy rules for localities.

Real Estate would arguably produce even greater incremental returns over stocks if an intelligent tax deferral strategy were pursued.

It sounds to me like you have a healthy enough level of frustration to take this chance.

Welcome.In addition to all, that is suggested above, be creative with your abilities and celebrate your small steps.Learn, Apply, Produce!

61 y.o. male, healthy veteran.

A healthy fear of disappointing my friend helps me wake up early.