I am also actively involved in non-profit work and would like to become more engaged with the issue of affordable housing. 

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

An IRA is subject to tax on Unrelated Business Income when it engages in a trade or business on a regular or repeated basis.With an interactive asset like a STR, having the checkbook control provided by an IRA owned LLC can be a big advantage.  

You must remember that as "disqualified person" you personally (or your immediate family members) can't engage in any transaction with your IRA, this will trigger prohibited transaction according to the IRS rules:https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...

either made up or misunderstood.Perhaps a real estate focused CPA who know these rules inside and out would be a better person to engage with.

But understanding those calculations and reporting everything correctly is a fairly specialized engagement. 

@Courtney Sutton Welcome back to the platform, I have stopped my engagement in the platform a couple times, but I wish i didn't.

Do you recommend meeting a POC of theirs physically before engaging in business?

Hi Timothy,If you are a serious buyer that is actively engaging with your realtor. 

You need someone that clicks with you personally before engaging in a mentor/mentee relationship with the dedication and stress that may be involved.Where to find a mentorStart by looking within your existing network.