If someone does not read the instructions or call for help, they get what they create.All IRA horror stories have one common root - failure to educate oneself on the process.This can stem from several sources:Plan providers that focus on marketing, not education.Plans that do not come bundled with access to quality ongoing support.Investors who just think of this as "an account" or "a pile of money" and do not respect the fact that with the freedom to take more control over their investment portfolio comes a responsibility to be aware of and operate within the rules.For investors who take the time to be properly educated and work with a quality provider, there is very little risk. 

I have been investing in raw land and have created a small portfolio of lands.

I'm planning on using the income from that to start funding my buy and hold portfolio.

My bank is asking that I start getting more detailed with my Quickbooks so they can see what each property is doing versus the entire portfolio.

I've seen hundreds of portfolios for years and the 50% rule is pretty accurate.

If you can't get fannie or freddie financing on it, ask around to other investors in your area be it through meet ups or BP for portfolio lenders that can lend off the asset and not your personal financial situation.

The owner really wanted to liquidate his portfolio and I was able to negotiate owner financing with 10K down and interest only payments with a one year payback period.

I am forever grateful for my new PMs for turning my portfolio around.

Has been a blessing to build a diversified portfolio in the Phoenix market.

You may be able to convince a portfolio or commercial lender...I'd link up with a local loan broker...1% is well worth it if they can put you into money.The other alternative is to learn how to structure a purchase money mortgage.