I called a custodian company in Las Vegas called Preferred Trust and they said it was possible to invest in an online business like an Amazon store or a website with a SDIRA as well as real estate.   

I've got 40K in equity according to zillow (Which I don't trust that much...) so maybe 20K if I get screwed, but I'd rather keep it for awhile until I know how life is going to go for me. 

I felt a lot of trust with my inspector and valued his opinion when making my decision to go through with it if I could put in the sweat equity. $205k building, and with a 3.5% fha loan, owner occupied, and in a low to moderate income area, with lender credits, I only put down $4,500 with less than $1,800 in upfront costs, inspection, appraisal.

I don't think that they are because most of them do not even show the address.

However, you have to find a contractor willing to work with the program as they have to agree to NOT get paid until after the work is complete, and has been inspected by FHA.Lastly, I want to address something you said that needs clarifying. 

Tony Marcelle Absentee really just means that the owner has a different address than the property tax records.

Send me the address

I'd start with absentee owners, property that was not purchased from 2005-2008, exclude corporations and trust owned.

So don't totally trust it.But I'd say that it's really moot of you can buy a duplex for half of new construction.

At some point you have to trust in what you've studied and the systems in place and take the plunge.