@Brock Mogensenno real 'cash flow' on that hypothetical deal, though, right? 

I am considering two options for purchasing a A+++ SFR cash, Option 1 to place in a self directed IRA and let the IRA own the property and Option 2 is to buy in cash upfront and pay the taxes owed.I am 62 years old and have another five to seven years prior to retirement and so I am trying to set up my portfolio for income generation by that time.

My problem is I'm trying to 2 more properties this year, and pay with cash.

I have been offered an exclusive Deal by a local "friend"/ semi-mentor in my small town.  8 standard 2/1 apartments -  Quad, duplex, duplex, 1970 Dated buildings, little neglected but liveableOwner finance: 20yr 6%rate with 20k down------------------------------------------------Total purchase 400KCurrent NOI: 41k     Cap: 10         (Tax,Ins,Maint, Util)Gross rent 4500/mth-----------------------------------------------Upgrade, Est repairs: 60k After reno: NOI: 59K   Gross rent: 6100------------------------------------------------Loan pmt: 2865/mth,    34k/yrCurrent Cash flow: 531/mth,  6,378/yrAfter reno Cash Flow: 2131/mth,  25,578/Yr-------------------------------------------------Added info- -Property line Joins with (growing) Community college-Tiny town-The Buildings are Currently "uglyish".- Current Rent is 150$- $200 behind market avg.I am very comfortable in single family homes in this town (own 18 SFH rented and performing well).

It's a more expensive market than the Midwest and the short term cash flow is lower and that is the trade off for being a few hours away in a landlord friendly state.

My goal is to not burn up all my cash with a down huge payment, but find other investors to partner with and share cash flow or equity, and keep some of my own cash liquid reserved for repairs/emergencies.

Don't do Cash out refinance that's a mistake.

Looking out for suggestions @Kaushik SarkarIf the equity in your properties is your only source for new investing, and the new property you are buying still cash-flow's with the cost of your borrowed money (from your properties), there is no reason to not use it as an investment vehicle.  

Opportunity to refinance cash out to buy more properties.

Based on the improvements and upgraded cash flow the NOI capped out much higher so I was building both equity and cash flow.