@Russell Brazil thanks, I'm probably naturally a bit more conservative that many, so I try to think about different risk factors. 

But these all factor into your decision.

These are typically built with some type of government subsidy or incentive such as tax credits for the developer in exchange for the leasing restrictions.

I personally have one property under management with them and my mentor/development agent has several (30+) with Vista.

Develop a strong plan with timeline, present the deals, and then they'll move forward or not. 

I don't trust anybody now until I can develop a relationship.

So I’d like to develop a local friendship (or two) clearly based on like minded interests.....making money though real estate....bet you guessed that didn’t you.

You have to consider number of factors before doing this, the property would have to be appraised and would be added to your income for the year in which you make the distribution, likely pushing your tax bracket up.If you simply wish to get into self-directed investing you may want to consider truly self-directed Solo 401k, it has number of advantages over SD IRA such as contributions limits 10X higher, no need for a custodian, checkbook control, exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate and more.

Secondly when you're not working 2-4 open houses a weekend (yes that's a must when getting started) and having the 30-60 minute coffee appointment, focus on establishing accountability partners (brokers who have also started recently or in a similar groove as you), listen to podcasts or read books, and work establishing good habits early and developing a good mindset. 

If you are going to develop into a full time professional real estate investor you are going to have to develop emotional intelligence along with everything else.