@Sean HollandThis would not be a recommended strategy for several reasons.The IRS could look at any such arrangement as effectively a means for you to indirectly access or benefit from your own funds.Similarly, though you are not married, if using your IRA to benefit your girlfriend and this enriches your shared household, then you are potentially benefiting yourself in that fashion as well.

I'm just curious what people have found to be the most effective form of marketing for finding apartment complexes to purchase. 

If so I'd offer what the current value is and use the bank's money unless the owner is willing to finance w/ less $ down, but at a slightly higher interest rate which would serve as his "bonus" for carrying the note.So $412k with 10% down, at 5.5% or something to that effect.

The detriment to borrowing in one's personal name is that it negatively effects the DTI for the next personal loan approval until the investment property is rented.

I figured if I go ahead and do the leg work now and put together a quick reference list of cost effective items that will enhance the quality of my rental, it will save me time and money later when needing to do the actual renovations/updates.I'm tracking that markets/locations can vary with styles as well as people's personal preferences etc.Does anyone have a list that they wouldn't mind sharing of what particular items have been your go to when updating your units?

And, of course, the landlord can close the account as the eviction process takes its journeyWhat are the proven and effective ways to convince court of law that Landlord did not accept the payment.

Greater consumer protection has been achieved by Property Code Section 5.061, the SAFE Act, and Dodd-Frank, but these measures have also had the effect of raising closing costs, particularly if an RMLO intermediary agent is involved.

@Emilia Marchetti others have mentioned the dangers of betting on appreciation (rhymes with speculation), but another thing to remember that as your rent increases annually, so do your expenses.

If your market is hot, that can have the effect of limiting your options to freshly renovated 2-4 unit real estate. 

As of now, I have not noticed any effect on the real estate market and would not expect one in the near future.