Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

If I max my Roth 401(k) contribution -- let's say I can put no more than $30k into it based on my income -- can I put an additional $5500 into a traditional IRA and roll it into the 401(k)?

I would also look at what it would cost to do minor repairs to get you another 3-5 years, and compare that to what it would rent for.

This value is typically different from a property valuation or a comparative market analysis that a realtor would provide.

She bought the home several years ago under a traditional mortgage, but pays a ridiculously high mortgage every month compared to how much the house rents for.Put in a simple matter, she's fed up with the situation and has my immediate family (We live in the same town as the property, while she's living far) managing the house.

If you have the cash, you can buy one with the FHA, and the other traditional (25% down). 

That is just not the case and only makes sense strictly when compared to residential loan terms (longer amortization and low, fixed rates).

That is off the top of my head, we could talk if you are interested in working out those details.If that does not interest you I can go traditional financing and we can likely close after the holidays.

I know that to buy beyond 4 properties - traditional big bank financing doesn't work easily and often regional/credit/small banks give out loans once you can show them your positive cash flow & appreciation portfolio.Appreciate all insights from amazing folks on this forum, happy RE investing :-)

It is better perhaps to use BPs calc to compare two or more like properties in the same locations.