The foreclosure process involves immediate winterization and they turn off the power and also the sump pumps.

are there costs involved?

@Kyle Marek - Real estate, Sports, guitar and the beach... sounds like you would fit in with San Diego just fine!

3) How does REI fit into your overall financial strategy?

My first purchase was a homerun too, and It defInately didnt come easy, there was a lot of work Involved. now Its afforded me the abIlIty to buy a duplex Im about to close on.But thats my point, your fIrst purchase wasnt Intended to be a homerun, and It became one with hard work.

Then you can confirm they are not on the FHA approved list here: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfmThen if you find a good deal you can look into the HOA resale package and find out why it is not on the approved list and then see if it is a good fit to become FHA approved once they loosen FHA guidelines on these restrictions.

Since you don't have the capital to do the deal without the IRAs to supplement your capital, your IRA is enabling you to make the transaction and personally gaining by the IRA's involvement in the transaction.  

I can’t speak for the AF but Navy doesn’t really get involved.

Don’t get involved.  

The solar in this case fits both, highest interest rate and should be quickest to pay off.