I plan to do it myself which would save some labor cost.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lawrencelight/2018/10/18/new-investment-trap-tapping-your-retirement-accounts-for-real-estate-investing/

Is there no longer a Pro Perk to save $5 with SmartMove tenant screening?

I purchase all the material myself using my card and save a minimum of 5% and the contractors like not having to do anything but go there and pick it up.  

@Reid ShafenbergTo learn about the IRA distribution rules, see the following. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-pl...

Now the hard part, figuring out if i want to use that to snipe a great deal on our first property, attempt multiple properties at once, or save more and attempt to stay local in SoCal.

Things I will mention to the seller: -Having no realtor(s) involved will save him 6%.

It is not a waste of money, it WILL SAVE YOU THOUSANDS by helping you to avoid a bad deal!

I don't have a lot of money saved up and I currently have poor credit 580-600, but I'm interested and dedicating myself to taking the first steps of financial independence by learning the ins and outs of the real estate industry.

Wondering what the best solution might be..Prop 1:  Bought 2011, FHA 3.5% w/ PMI; MV ~185k; Loan Bal 92k; HELOC 36k @ 5% floating off Prime (drawn to pay for down pmt on other property); Rental (performing)Prop 2: Bought 2014, FNCL 3.875% w/ PMI; MV ~ 260k; Loan Bal 173k; Rental (performing)Prop 3: Bought 2018, FNCL 4.625% w/ PMI; MV ~440k; Loan Bal 356k; Owner Occ / Primary - Saving the detail, to get the deal I had to put up more down payment than I would have liked to...