@Mark SpritzThe custodian is the bank or trust company that directly holds the retirement account assets (and typically creates the retirement account).The self-directed IRA (without an LLC) and the IRA LLC both require a custodian.Only the Solo 401k does not require a custodian.It's true you can have checkbook control with an IRA LLC and a Solo 401k, but the IRA LLC will still require a custodian.

I'm looking into renting out multi family units or single family units to create a passive buy and hold income for myself that will help my transition out of the navy within the next 3-5 years.

He also created a list of comps for me.

I'm not sure why this information was provided or in the criteria, because I spoke with 2 different customer support reps and said I should have the correct information while creating my lists.So I decided to buckle down and create my own lists.  

There are companies (probably will have some individuals contact you on here) that can point you in the right direction.

(I opened the Florida markets and ultimately was responsible to buy/rehab/lease/manage over 12000 single family homes which we bought 1 at a time from Q2 2012 to Q4 2014)  Lucky me, I can say I have signed more individual closing packages than anyone in Florida history... that and $5 still only buys me a cup of coffee at StarBucks!

., don't account for an individual's tolerance for risk and their need for return.  

-My wife and I deposited the Loan B refinance funds into a newly created bank account that is in our personal name, any issue there?

I haven't exactly forged an empire that will create generational wealth. ... but I evaluated a deal, made a pro forma, and decided this was a minor risk I could afford to take, but it feels so much bigger than that. 

Getting a referral from a fellow investor is OK, however that contractor may be good for the referee, but could be not so good for someone else.Contractors are special individuals - they too are chasing the buck and trying to get the best deal possible.You may want to write specifications  of what you want done - once you know what you want you can better compare bids from workman.I have found that meeting real people with real tools at a time they are buying supplies and materials at Home Depot 5:30 - 6 am picking up stuff to do their daily work is sometimes an effective way to find the craftsman you are looking for at a price that will serve you well.Getting referrals is OK - but how do you know that they didn't over-charge the person who is referring you to them?