@John McAuleyDmitriy is correct, there is no means for your retirement plan to be a lender on a property that you own personally.With a self-directed IRA or 401k, it is not you investing in real estate with access to that tax-sheltered retirement savings, but rather the plan investing in real estate.  

I have a solid rental portfolio of houses here in Austin, but the cashflow is minimal compared to what I can get in multi-family or in the mid west. additionally, I'm looking at purchasing non-performing notes and turning any of the foreclosed properties into rentals.Are there any strategies for selling off the houses, either in bulk or individually, to minimize the tax burden for when I reuse that capital to purchase non-performing notes?

If you're ready fine, but there will be deals next year too if you're too over taxed with commitments.  

The expense includes taxes ($12K), sewage, water, and other various maintenance items.

Properties are generally much cheaper relative to the rent they pull in, than in NY.3) Lower fixed costs - lower real estate taxes for starters relative to your rent roll, etc.4) Lower variable costs - labor is A LOT cheaper here.  5) Less stringent code enforcement.6) Less maintenance - milder weather, and younger average age of homes make for less maintenance.   7) Diversification - low entry price to buy property allows and investor to manage risk by buying properties in different neighborhoods instead of putting more eggs in one basket.In additional to the benefits I listed above the city is growing so fast that homes rent very quickly, often times before the sale of the home.  

Taxes=1493, hoa=213.

One thing I would add is watch for the property taxes.

How do you plan for property taxes?

Looking for any ideas on tax strategy here.

Are they going to be able to buy your proudly done flip.3) If you misjudge the market, do you know when to dump it.4) Can you put a spreadsheet together on your purchase costs, carrying costs, rehab costs, closing costs, selling costs, tax costs, contractors that don't show and delay your project etc. etc. etc.5) Is the return worth the risk.