In order to have personal access to and use of that currently tax-sheltered retirement plan you must take a taxable distribution.A self-directed IRA is simply a means to diversify retirement savings and have broader investment choices. 

Yes, you will get a little bit more for a 3-bed house, but your renter pool will also be much larger, making it easier to fill, especially in an area like Pike Creek that is family oriented.  

I have a loan officer telling me he doesn’t recommend a heloc because of the variable interest rate, but when listening to the podcast, I’ve heard the guys favor a heloc and it just seems like the top choice of people I’ve talked to in similar situations.

We have not made very good financial choices over our short marriage.

Eric,I'm sure that would be specific to the property management company you choice. 

If you want scale, you will eventually move into the larger units, but there is nothing wrong with getting started in the 2-4 unit space. 

Two buildings on one lot...if you rent out the larger building, you could live for free!!

Just by looking at what things are currently listed for (single and multi families), there seems to be good cash flow potential....For those familiar with these areas, would you consider downriver to be a good investment choice? 

I have known since college that I didn’t want to do a 9-5 analyst job for “Corporate America” forever, but, never really thought I had a choice.

First choice is to look for seller financing.