Closely related to cash reserves.Focus on those two main metrics, and one will be as prepared as they can be.

I hope this doesn't detract from your post, but I am on the other side of this same equation and have some related questions.

I personally think that is true as a relative value in any market.

That way you can benefit from the forward momentum of cash flow to build a larger real estate portfolio.Cheers!  

This area is not safe, because of that it is relatively cheap. 

of condos / apartments / townhouses listed within a relatively small area on the North Side (River North up to Lakeview) which makes me nervous about the potential for oversupply within that market. 

Anything falling within that description would be self-dealing and result in severe tax penalties for the IRA.A self-directed IRA allows the IRA to diversify beyond the stock market into assets such as real estate and private lending, but everything is done through the IRA and exclusively for the benefit of the IRA. 

I would NOT want to create an environment where people looking for a quick buck become a headache around the neighborhood and consequently relating back to me.2.

If you sell it, you would get some money now but loose out on the long term rental benefits. 

I am relatively new at this.