We simply got tired of arranging for inspections, then replacing perfectly good handrails because they weren't the proper height, and so on, and so on. 

We purchased title insurance, and no outstanding balance or lien on the property showed up in our title search. 

In case 1, i might be willing to give a value of 10k towards the vacant lots seeing it could be a great market and not a ton to fill a lot with the proper mediums in place.  

Fixing the self created, and self limiting problems is the most valuable, because these are the simplest problems, and the ones that will have most impact on your ability to help other people fix their problems.a good credit score is reference that you can properly manage resources, without it, it's hard to convince someone you have that skill.

Getting in to dry it out properly should be top priority

it takes the same amount of work to do a 500K loan as it does a 50K loan. the loan balances are smaller so income is MUCH less, so the banks return on overhead and time is far less. it's a product banks provided to keep a big customer base, not a money maker.

IF it works well, you may want to do a 2nd joint venture, and then if works again, start a new company with proper LLC bylaws, etc. 

It appears that he will need to take the money out of the account to provide you the balance in the IRA.

My wife is a 4th grade teacher and I am a loan originator for real estate investors, and we're looking for somewhere to rent in Sacramento proper.

There is also Private Money Lenders that can currently make more off your deals than a Bank savings percentage on their balance.