That is what I do with my SD IRA, I also am a managing partner of a fund which invests in notes and allows sophisticated and accredited investors to make double digit returns in a passive position.

@Carmen Falcone, No matter what you decide it will be a learning experience, and as long as you and your partner maintain that mindset you will be fine - either way.  

Great to hear you and your partner are getting in the Fort Wayne market!

I feel that is was a strong negotiating tool.

You can definitely check this link to get more partners that can help you out in investing!  

LOL.. just that its not my strong suite and I am far too busy.But there are others that will get off on it.. so hopefully you find some of those

Carla is clearly not afraid of Foreclosures, and sees the opportunity to earn extra $$$$ & higher returns - especially on a well-chosen property in a strong local real-estate market.David is somewhat more risk-averse / conservative and just wants principal & [most] interest back as soon as possible , and is willing to forego some upside to decrease the probability, however low, of any kind of negative eventual outcome...   

Prefer a smaller firm where I can deal with the same person instead of multiple partners, and get closings scheduled fast.Thanks for any suggestions!

If you have a strong game plan in place that can guarantee income and justify quitting then go for it bu I think a lot of people leave their jobs to soon. 

I am a business owner/partner of a Real Estate Investing business with two partners.