Speak with a bank to make sure you have funding lined up, as to not waste anyone's time.

You can get better funding if you partner with someone who has at least 2 properties completed under their belt.

LTV ratio?

Some of the ways to find properties include but not limited to:1) You can add loopnet to your list as a source as sometimes smaller multi-families are listed there as well. 2) Direct mailing campaigns to the owners3) Networking at local REI groups4) Through wholesalers but they mostly concentrate on SFH5) Partnering up with someone who has access to properties but no funding (if you can offer funding)

It's irrational to lend money out for a lower interest rate than the anticipated ROI from parking it in a Wall Street index fund. 

They spend everything they've got to make their first purchase so they have nothing saved up for the unforeseen issues that always pop up and they're still practicing the same bad financial habits they always have.It's beset to have a strong foundation with good credit, an emergency fund, etc.

When marketing my contract for assignment, can I then use the non-refundable EMD that I require from my end-buyer to then fund the EMD promised to my seller following the inspection period?

Forbes has a habit of putting something like this out every few years.The "bad" thing about investing your IRA in real estate is that the main Wall Street players do not have control over your funds and the means to earn commissions selling financial instruments.His arguments are entirely tilted towards to negative and not providing any context or perspective.I could just as easily pick 3 or 4 historically bad stock investments (Enron) or high fee annuities, and make it sound like that was all that you could expect if you went to a conventional brokerage - which is clearly not the case.For someone who understands real estate as an asset class, there is the potential to have your IRA produce consistent returns and have true diversification away from the news-cycle volatility of conventional financial products.

I Have been reading books over the past 2 years or so on the subject and Have just finished "Finding and Funding Great Deals" which has given me the urge to just start somewhere and soon. 

About 5 years ago I made a mistake and withdrew about $5,000 from IRA funds that were rolled over from a 401k when I left that job...I am in my early 30's and I am wondering if I should repair that mistake and resave what I spent or just call it a loss?