If you have any real estate friends (anyone who works in real estate) ask them to call a title company they have a relationship with and get a list of these properties - they can run it for you.

Check your property tax basis on all investments there... some counties are not investor friendly, owner occupied gets a massive break unlike Polk/Dallas in Iowa.I've got some references back that way including contractors and realtors if you need a connect.

Proving to the carrier that the building is a lower risk through methods like the wind mitigation report is your best bet to get a lower price without sacrificing coverage. 

Hello.  I am looking for a referral for a contractor near Toledo, OH.  I'm looking to walk a property and learn how to do rehab evaluations.  Thank you in advance.

I dont have friends/family to contribute nor long relationships with private money.

I know 2 investor friendly RE agents I work with.

@Jordan Moorhead  You make very good points, and once we are rolling, we may find ourselves considering other options outside of the buy and hold method. 

There is no standard way to measure square feet unless your state by law has a predetermined method. 

It is solely for my own properties and helping a friend or three.

You can only fund the IRA through the following methods: