Or maybe use OPM for the down payment only?

The memorandum (some use a letter of intent) approach is considered a "soft lease option" because the memorandum is generally a non-exclusive agreement that gives the seller the ability to walk away at any time if they choose to do so (even once you've spent all your time and energy finding a buyer and the seller decides to walk away at the last minute), but also gives you the ability to gain an assignable interest via the memorandum in a way that feels less scary to a seller (and generally you can structure the terms of the memorandum to have the rental payments begin the moment you assign, so you don't have to make payments while you're trying to find someone to assign to).You can also gain an assignable interest through a "hard lease option" that is exclusive between you and the seller, and will usually require you to start making payments at a specified date.

I'm relatively new to the BP community and this is my first post.I have a multi family investment property that has built up a lot of equity (over $500k) and I would like to use that equity to help me acquire another ...

I am thinking of doing a self directed IRA to pay for the down payment and doing a non-recourse loan for the remainder.  

I was thinking of using an FHA loan with a THDA assistance program for the down payment. 

.- I have to work under a broker for 2 years before I can apply for my brokers license in state of FL- I have to split my commission profit with broker and all funds/payments must be made out directly to the broker- the percentage commission I negotiate with property owners is my decisionDetermine best path to form Vacation Rental Property Management company being aware of my new status a sales associate- can I start my own business entity to establish and brand my VR management company now, or would/should I just wait the 2 years, get brokers license and then do so.

As buy and holds tho, still requiring a substantial down payment, it would cost me too much in the short term.

Or make payments directly to them?  

I'm borrowing 30k from a family member for a down payment and the owner is financing 120k at 4%, 30 year term.

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month.