The tax code says very little about the type of assets that can be invested in within a tax-sheltered retirement account.So, from the perspective of the congress and the IRS, mutual funds and real estate are equally OK for tax-favored retirement accounts.For a variety of reasons -some good ones and some not-so-good -  standard IRAs, 401(k)s, & other QRPs impose "artificial" restrictions on the assets that the account can be invested, thereby restricting you to the provided "menu" of investment choices.However, although congress and the IRS don't have much to say about what type of assets your 401k/IRA/QRP - they do care about "self-dealing" with those accounts and have put in place rules to prevent that."

I've also read about some potential to renting in the "mobility areas" for Section 8 and was wondering if anyone knew much about the "East Side" area by the Calumet River or Archer Heights.

https://wlos.com/news/local/as...Just read this article and thought I'd share.Help me understand this:"An accessory unit, not part of someone’s home, can be rented as a short-term rental as long as the owner follows restrictions around the kitchen definition."

You may not want to restrict yourself to NYC-based accountants.

Currently I have been using Personal Capital Cash, which started at 2.35% APR, and is now at 2.05% and carries no restrictions. 

This needs to be discussed with the professional as there is timeline restriction.  

Better success if your municipality start slapping on restrictive rules.

I know a lot of places have solicitation rules, and restrictions on passing out literature of any sort on their property.Offline my community seems pretty small, and I'd rather NOT do business with friends, because it's human nature to involve emotions and expect discounts/handouts and such (I've seen this especially with artists - people abuse their talented friend's good deeds).Any suggestions?

They identifiy the "good ones" for the investor by visiting the property, preparing an accurate rehab estimate, pulling accurate market comps and market rent rates, utilize their REO broker contacts, etc.There's a little bit of fatigue and time restrictions on the part of investors who are trying to process numerous new REOs hitting the market every day (often folks who have regular jobs), so there is definitely a role for a good intermediary that is worth a fee.

Duplexes and triplexes might be out of the cash-flowing range if you want to buy in Hacienda Heights area.