How would you like to be in business with other people, purchase a light bulb for the property in your partnership and then have to go through hell because your partners are angry because they could have purchased the light bulb for $1 less than what you paid.You would think that 3 brains are better than one, but the problem I usually see is one person in the group usually controls the entire group with a loud mouth, strong convictions and regardless of what he tell the group in relation to being right or wrong.

Such plans have different architecture to facilitate non-traded assets like real estate, stock of privately held companies, etc., all of which an IRA can invest in per IRS rules.The key to understand is that the IRA is the investor, not you personally. 

If its a strong fishy smell, check outlets and places to plug things in.

Many Single Family Homes in the smaller towns near northwest Frisco (Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Aubrey, etc) have also seen a large appreciation in the last few years and a strong rental market.

So this is definitely another strong element 

Pick a strategy and learn everything you can on that strategy (and of course your target market).Education is your foundation so do you want a strong and deep foundation, or a mickey mouse one?

I would strongly advise against this.

Given everything you've told us about her and her strong moral character, how long before she asks if "there is something she could do to change your mind"? 

I'm not familiar with your specific area, but if population stats look positive, job growth is good, and schools are good as you mentioned, there's a pretty strong chance you'll see appreciation over time.If you're truly looking for an investment though - I would consider looking for an investment property at some point down the line (maybe after you save some cash after this purchase) - something you can rent out to others, collect cash to pay your mortgage and potentially bring home some extra each month while you pay down that loan.

My set is 11 years old and going strong.