Such a vehicle is designed to operate from a tax perspective exactly like any other IRA, and simply opens up your investment choices to include things like real estate.  

Is it simply just an I.O.U. and keeping track yourself of who you owe money or does it still require to undergo written contract agreement?

Your mother could simply pay you as an independent contractor as well and provide you and the government with a 1099.

Either the market sucks that bad right now, you aren't really the crown jewel, or the area doesn't care abut or simply can't support crown jewels.

Simply put, points are prepaid interest on the loan.

Saying they are the highest in the country, with the exception of New Jersey is about as ridiculous as saying all of Michigan is a gang infested slum, simply because parts of Detroit are.Also, Texas State sales tax is 6.25%, with local cities and municipalities adding on top, but it is capped by the state at 8.25%.  

Nathan, if they are the old 1980's/1990s' wood, I have had luck just cleaning/deglossing with TSP (cuts all past oils/dirt from kitchen) and a scrub sponge (use rough side), rinse and then go with Polyshades (stain/poly in one).

As both a Real Estate Agent and an Investor, let me answer by simply saying “YES.”

Some people just don't know what they are getting into.I get calls from people with a 4 million inheritance that simply have never owned any real estate.

The important thing to keep in mind is that HE was the one who came to this conclusion – I simply provided the options.