Immediately after reading the book, I discovered Bigger Pockets and have now decided that real estate investment is the most practical and realistic vehicle for me to achieve financial independence.

Just as a heads up hard money won't be an option.

If you find a deal that could work for the 7-10 year term than you have a much better chance of coming out ahead sooner or later.

As mentioned above, IRA's are meant to be passive vehicles.

Now, it seems like we're back to full steam ahead. 

I'm a REI in Roanoke with out too much of a head start on you.  

Not sure how your house is built but if it’s really bothering you why not throw in a header under the floor joists with some Lally columns and pads?

Some people (not saying you) cannot afford the vehicle they drive.

Once you start this endeavour, you are stuck with paying that tax or trying to stay ahead of it and keep kicking the can down the road. 

I personally don't mind paying a little more for being done right and ahead of schedule.