They tend to be expensive, but are desirable as rentals and generally appreciate well.

Untimely, I do not believe they will produce the results the marketer desires. 

It's not terrible or war zone, but it's not fantastically desirable either.

That really does not work well in a self directed IRA, whether the investments are passive and entirely tax sheltered, or a trade or business activity subject to UBTI.If your desire is to flip houses to derive income for yourself, the Rollover as Business Startup program is the correct way to accomplish this using existing retirement funds.

However, I have a strong desire to do this and know its possible.

Lot of older rich landlords and tons of vendors for everything your land-lording heart could desire.

The market is so tight in Dallas right now that full-time investors (particularly smaller players) are paying more for deals, because less profit is better than no profit, particularly if you are dependent on that income.3.  2% is a mirage in most reasonably desirable areas of DFW.  

It sits between 3 of the most desirable areas in Cincinnati, but prices are still low.

I'm a graduate student, starting school this Fall and am feeling a desire to act on these real estate thoughts in the back of my mind.

Though it would be a pain to have to go through you lender for access to reserves, I understand the lender's desire to control the funds and, extensibly, give greater opportunity for success to the venture.