You'll need some trusted people in the market you invest in.

Hi

I have read several posts and done my own due diligence for my self-directed IRA. I have a 401k I want to roll over so I can buy real estate with my retirement money.

I have narrowed my search down to P...

use a realtor that you trust

If you don’t like/trust your current company move them all at once. 

I need to find a plumber I can trust to send one of those power snakes through to the town sewer connection and clear the pipe.

I no longer consider prequalified letter from bank as something to be trusted.

Plus I like the tangibility of something physical..I'm interested in learning how to structure deals (optimal legal entities, tax implications, risk mitigation), financing options, and have some familiarity with this on a high level (albeit in a corporate and and global context).

(This is on a national level. 

Just have to figure out what you can and cannot do then figure out if its worth your effort and time on a personal level.. the fact is .. real estate is location , location, location  and supply demand and available credit supply the values.    

I know from experience so far that quality contractors are hard to find in this area, so if you have worked with any you like and trust on a rehab project and don't mind sharing I would love to know who they are.