More specifically, I’m trying to compare the projected return of a potential SFH investment within a self directed IRA and the administrative burdens that come with that type of investment vs. simply investing that money into an REIT without having to set up a self directed IRA.

I also contribute $5500 a year for Roth IRA.

A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.Discounts on some products and services are offered to BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proIf you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

From real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance, you will find that many members here are very knowledgeable in their respective fields.

My question is, should I just pay off one or both mortgages with excess money I have in the bank (IRA’s, stocks etc).

I currently have two private money lenders that I use, usually it is out of their self directed IRA.

Private Lender are typically just that...some guy with an IRA.

Is there any reason I shouldn't use cozy to receive note payments from borrowers with a checkbook IRA?

@Chris Clothier  you have PRE GFC turn key and you have post  form my perspective and having started lending in 01 ish to 02 in turn key space.. those that were able to ride through the 08 to 2011 became stronger.. many showed their colors when things got tough and they bailed.. some reinvented themselves IE only selling for cash to IRA investors and or really going strong with the foreign buyers.. although we know a lot of them also abused terribly the foreign buyers as they simply did not understand the socio demographics of our markets. those that made it through and are still operating have taken the fix and flip for rental program to a new level..  

I invested $50K of self directed Roth IRA funds with them about 18 months ago after being referred to them and listening to a webinar.