I wasn't paying a loan application fee, credit report fee, loan origination fee or points.

I self manage 3 now from out of state but plan to add 4 more this year.

Mud and tape applications are much harder then most people realize.

However, if you know for a fact that you are getting out or already have orders to PCS then an integrity check may be in order because you will be lying on your mortgage application when you sign the part that says you intend to occupy the property for at least one year.

There is usually an application process.

I use the 50% rule even though I self manage.

But I think the bigger question is do you self manage or not self manage. 

Being that it's a tenant buying from a landlord and the numbers are tight, I wouldn't feel right putting my self between them as a Realtor making 3% UNLESS the landlord lists the property on the market in which case the seller is going to pay the buyers side to either me or his Realtor. 

That could be anything from RE agent fees for no work performed to worthless home inspections to points for processing loan applications.

In your example, when IRA owns investment property the account holder setup a Self-Directed IRA, which allows him/her to invest in alternative assets.