I want to start a self-directed IRA but cant find a financial institution that has them available for real estate investing.

He told me that we can't do that and that it is a partnership.In looking at the IRS definitions it states:PartnershipA partnership is the relationship between two or more persons who join to carry on a trade or business, with each person contributing money, property, labor, or skill and each expecting to share in the profits and losses of the business whether or not a formal partnership agreement is made.The term "partnership" includes a limited partnership, syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, or other unincorporated organization, through or by which any business, financial operation, or venture is carried on, that is not, within the meaning of the regulations under section 7701, a corporation, trust, estate, or sole proprietorship.A joint undertaking merely to share expenses is not a partnership.

Many would be receiving some financial assistance from their children as well.

The U.S. subsidiaries of three of the Big-5 Canadian banks (TD, RBC, BMO) will lend to Canadians based upon your credit history and financial resources here at home (with some limitations/restrictions).  

My goals include financial freedom and wealth like many.I come from a construction background and have a few ideas that i'd love help with in exploring.Interested in rentals, flips and new construction.Looking forward to meeting and networking with you guys, Matthew 

I am current with all payments, however my goal is to overcome the steady rat race and look into long term financial freedom.

Both areas also, with the exception of the financial crisis, have consistently increasing property values.

I'm good with a hammer, but bad with financial statements and numbers.

The right answer depends on your goals and, from a strictly financial perspective, the route that results in the highest NPV for you.

Learn from someone else's mistakes, don't reinvent the wheel, etc.My goal for my first deal is to financially partner on a flip with someone who has some successful rehabs under their belt so I can be involved in a deal, see firsthand all of the stages of the process, and learn the basics from someone with some proven experience.