@Tony WallisRental property can be a great way to secure and grow your retirement savings, especially if you already understand the asset class.The key thing to understand is that with a self-directed IRA, you are not buying the property with retirement money.  

But on a + side - you can qualify for a extra tax credit under the IRA.

QRP is a Qualified Retirement Plan that we rolled an old IRA into.

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.

Your IRA or 401k would come in as lender and fund this loan.

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/blog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Looking for insight, readings, websites and general resources to learn about self managed IRAs.  

Options would include taking a loan from your 401(k) (which I don't recommend), or converting those funds to a self-directed IRA and purchasing property within that IRA.  

While my dad loves the idea of investing his money in something like a bond or IRA, given his age, I'm not sure that's the best option. 

Taking on debt in an IRA account is silly.