Colin,You should understand the difference between the custodian and the administrator, if you wish to have greater control with flexibility and fewer fees you may want to consider Checkbook IRA).

However, whenever I get on Zillow, there are roughly 250 or so houses for rent but only a handful of townhouses (5 or fewer).

That's a dangerous way to analyze and buy properties because what if those numbers (i.e. guesses) don't pan out?

." - Benjamin FranklinI think the key may very well be to increase your productivity by working harder, longer, and more efficiently ... and an excellent way to do that in a pragmatic manner is to work while most others sleep ... it helps the longer and harder part, obviously ... but it can also help the more efficiently part as there are fewer distractions.

There would be far fewer ****** agents here in SC if it wasn't so easy. 

Far fewer wells are needed these days because of technical reasons.The field you are talking about will have a high gas component and is in shale. 

While most mold is not dangerous, some is.

You net more from fewer rentals!

While there are fewer buyers and sellers, the buyers who are looking in the winter months are more serious buyers.  

If you do things right, land/buildings can be almost free.I have noticed though that since the beginning of the year, there are fewer vacant commercial spaces in my neighborhood.