@Shawn Couch I agree with the others on this thread that upfront fees other than an appraisal is a red flag.You can start a thread in the forum "ask about a real estate company" to see if anyone else has done business with them. 

This is nothing more than an excuse...It's perfectly fine to use your name for your first several deals..

In the numbers I have run, this provided better cash flow than an amortizing loan because the loan constant is smaller, and provides tax losses because the entire loan payment is deductible and you still get to depreciate the building. 

I'd rather buy a vacant duplex from a mom and pop owner that self-manages than an occupied one usually. 

When all is running fine, I easily spend less than an hour a year doing much of anything.

If you are planning to do this yourself, even a guru course is less expensive and more helpful than an MBA.

I made an account less than an hour ago and I've already stumbled into a forum with other Marines!

Another solution is to drop it all together, but it is a good property, so I don't want to do that without exhausting all my options.

A few of them are trying to lease them out, but this is nothing more than an experiment.

@Chris ArmstrongHave you considered the solo 401k as it is often times more advantageous than an IRA?