Because the cash flow I was getting from the rental was enough to pay off the credit cards, so I just used the tenant's money to pay off the credit cards, taking the full term length to do so on each card. 

Even with the IRA associated restrictions of keeping things at arm's length, it is still pretty simple to get your IRA invested into productive real estate investments and wield significant control.If you take distributions from your IRA in order to have full access to the funds personally, that will be taxed, which will dramatically reduce the amount of capital you have available to invest.If you leave the funds in the IRA, switch to a self-directed version, and invest in real estate or perhaps private lending, all of the capital available to your IRA  today will be accessible. 

The downside is you pay double the closing costs.If you really like the property and they're not offering enough cash to make it worth your while, then don't sell or assign it.Mike this is NC were they have upset bids AFTER the auction.. one must be careful in that state the Feds did a raid a few years back for bid rigging and some guys got some huge fines in the tune of 750k plus.. good ole boy network.while it can be done to assign your bid position it can be pretty tough in some markets like OHIO it a major pain. and since there are no closing costs at auctions you don't have to worry about double closing costs.. just close on the deal if you want to sell it sell it.. that keeps you at arms length for any thoughts of bid riggingto buy off a bidder to preclude them from bidding for sure is a crime.  

It is possible to structure an arms-length partnership with your IRA on a flip, but it's a tricky setup to avoid violating prohibited transactions rules, due to your heavy personal involvement.

Human nature is that people go to greater lengths to avoid the stick than they do to get the carrot.

You can email me for more details because there is not enough room to explain it at length 

Remove the built-ins above the fireplace and replace with a full-length mirror.

Some of the earlier properties used vinyl in the bathrooms and a couple used laminate in the kitchen (a no-no, yes) as @Aaron R. pointed out, ha.I used a variety of laminate throughout this thread but used the HomeDepot TrafficMaster the most as it was very affordable, looked fantastic, holds up well and had free shipping.  80cents/sq ft (with free shipping) if you buy the pallet...and any overages you can just return yourself to HomeDepot....hard to beat that.https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Russet-Hickory-7-mm-Thick-x-7-2-3-in-Wide-x-50-5-8-in-Length-Laminate-Flooring-1063-48-sq-ft-pallet-45109P/303330739

State specific, but most states the tenant have about 90 days protection IF the leases were arms length and market rates.....not really a big concern, but check your state laws. 

Length of credit matters as well.