We currently pay $110 a month for lawn maintenance (every other week), but I’m considering removing the grass and putting rock in the front and paving the backyard

It sucks to see savings go down, and by nature, people don't want to let go of it, but it will likely to be to your benefit to pay off the 17k, and instead of paying debt with interest, re-fund your savings with that payment.

An accredited investor, in the context of a natural person, includes anyone who:earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years, and reasonably expects the same for the current year, ORhas a net worth over $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence).

Natural disaster, property damage remediation are two that can leave you in a serious pinch.Kwame

You guys and gals rock.

A mobile lot with utilities in (water, good septic, electrical hookup, and propane tank or natural gas connection) and a dilapidated pre-HUD mobile will bring $30,000-$45,000. 

Account ClosedIt should be investment in nature otherwise it will be subject to UBIT which many people overlook with SDIRA LLCs. 

It's impossible to give you a definite answer without seeing the return and discussing your facts and cirucmstances.However --If (1) you are not a real estate professional and (2) your modified AGI is between $100k and $150k, it sounds like the return is calculating correctly.RE losses are passive in nature if you're not an RE pro. 

Arizona is a pretty landlord friendly state, no rent control, evictions are pretty simple and quick, etc.The economy is doing very well in Phoenix, lots of inbound moves, growing diversified job market, reasonable tax structure, great weather, no natural disasters, and at least one great Realtor and Property Manager. 

It's not a natural posture, but I think you should get into this to disprove your initial optimism.