Long term 30-50 years stats are fairly consistent.

I was interested in using IRA funds to lend through one of the crowd funding platforms, specifically realty shares.  

If it's $1500 per month, you can do both.With marketing, consistency is key.

There's no consistency between what any two "crowd funders" do or what it means to be a "crowd funder:" so you've got to look at each individual product.To complete a 1031 the taxpayer has to take beneficial title to real estate.  

My plans consist of:1: purchasing a apartment 10-20 units.2: partnering with an experienced investor on my first 1 or 2 deals until I gain the confidence to pursue deals solo.3: becoming a CCIM in the next 5-10 years.

However, it works if you are consistent and persistent.

I'm really hoping to find a market that's somewhat consistently all-in ~120k renting around $1500.

The property management arm does an excellent job getting to lease renewals early.Overall, the company has been an excellent way to invest in single family residences out of state, for what I want (mostly hands off, property solidly rehabbed, steady cash flow, consistent updates from property manager).

I always told new agents comign to work for me you need to save up 1 years of livings expenses... it will take you that long to get your income coming in a consistent way.. or you need to keep your job and do this part time until you grow into it.those that quite thinking instant success in what is a VERY VERY tough business usually went broke and were out of the game in a matter of months.Think about it like your starting any other kind of small business.. you need capital in the bank you need capital to run the business and you need capital to live on while you are priming the pump.You also need exceptional sales skills and should spend money learning how to sell and close.you need to understand this is 24/7 ... if your going to beat your competition to the deals.And remember there are simply WAY more wholesalers and wanna bee wholesalers than there are deals in MOST markets.. 

ROI on property should be consistent with or likely surpass your 401k.